Info Hub

Tariff Information & Support

Tariff Information & Support:

• B.C.’s response to unjustified U.S. tariffs – Province of British Columbia: Overview of B.C.’s actions to address U.S. tariffs and protect local industries.
• Resources for Canadian businesses facing U.S. tariffs | BDC.ca: Tools and advice to help Canadian businesses navigate U.S. tariffs.
• Procurement support for businesses – Canada.ca: Government procurement opportunities and assistance for Canadian businesses.

Financial Assistance & Market Diversification

• EDC Trade Impact Program: Deploys $5 billion to help Canadian exporters navigate economic challenges and diversify markets.
• BDC Resources for Businesses Affected by U.S. Tariffs: Includes cash flow guides, market entry tips, and tariff-related tools.
• Farm Credit Canada (FCC): Offers $1 billion in financing to support cash flow for Canadian agriculture and food industries.
• Canada's response to U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods Department of Finance Canada: Provides an overview of Canada’s actions and measures in response to U.S. tariffs.
• Export Development Canada (EDC): Insights and market intelligence to help exporters adapt to U.S. trade challenges.

Business Tools & Workforce Support

• Startup Canada: Tariff Toolkit: Provides tools and resources to help businesses manage the impact of U.S. tariffs.
• Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB): Advocates for SMEs and conducts surveys to support government responses to U.S. tariffs.
• BDC Support for Tariff-Affected Sectors: Provides $500 million in low-interest loans and advisory services to impacted businesses.
• EI Work-Sharing Program: Temporary flexibilities to help employers retain workers by offering EI benefits during reduced hours.
• FAQs – EDC: Answers to key questions about the impact of U.S. tariffs on Canadian exporters.

 

Support Local at Every Level

Support Rural Island & Coastal Businesses:

• Why Buy Island Good?: Highlights the benefits of purchasing local island-made products.
• Shop Local | About Island Good | Vancouver Island & Gulf Islands, BC: Promotes buying locally to support island businesses affected by tariffs.
• Vancouver Island Economic Alliance: Advocates for economic growth and trade resilience across Vancouver Island.

Buy BC:

• Eat local: What’s in Season in BC?: Discover fresh, locally grown foods available throughout the year in British Columbia with Buy BC’s seasonal guide.
• Search Buy BC Products: Explore over 10,000 locally made products licensed to use the Buy BC logo—stay tuned as new products are added!

Buy Canadian:

• Support Canadian: Aliments du Québec: Aliments du Québec identifies and promotes food products made in Québec using Canadian ingredients
• Made in CA: Discover Canadian-Made Products: A comprehensive directory of products and businesses proudly made in Canada, supporting local food, innovation and craftsmanship.

Small Business Funding & Advisory

Local & Regional Business Support

• Vancouver Island Economic Alliance (VIEA): Advancing Island Prosperity: Supports sustainable economic growth on Vancouver Island by fostering collaboration, promoting local industries, and providing resources for businesses.
• Community Futures: Supporting Rural Business Growth: Provides financing, business development resources, and training to help entrepreneurs in rural communities across Canada start and grow their businesses.
• WeBC: Empowering Women Entrepreneurs in BC: Provides funding, mentorship, and resources to support women entrepreneurs across British Columbia.

National Funding & Advisory Programs

• Futurpreneur Canada: Supporting Young Entrepreneurs: Offers financing, mentorship, and tools to help young Canadian entrepreneurs launch and grow their businesses.
• Government of Canada: Business Funding & Support: Explore a range of funding programs, grants, and advisory services to help Canadian businesses start, grow, and succeed.
• Canada Small Business Financing Program (CSBFP): Access Business Loans: Helps small businesses in Canada secure loans by sharing the risk with lenders, making it easier to access financing.
• Government of Canada: Procurement Support for Businesses: Provides guidance, resources, and tools to help Canadian businesses navigate federal procurement processes and secure government contracts.
• Title: Scientific Research & Experimental Development (SR&ED) Tax Incentive Program: Provides tax incentives to encourage Canadian businesses to conduct research and development, fostering innovation and growth.

Economic Reconciliation

Policy & Government Initiatives

• BC Government: Implementing the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People: Outlines British Columbia's commitment to aligning laws and policies with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) to advance reconciliation.
• Canadian Chamber of Commerce: Economic Reconciliation Policy: Advocates for policies that promote Indigenous economic inclusion and long-term prosperity.
• NIEDB: Economic Reconciliation & Growing Canada’s Economy: Highlights the role of Indigenous economic participation in strengthening Canada’s economy.
• Alert Bay Accord: Advancing Indigenous Rights & Economic Partnership: A foundational agreement between Indigenous and non-Indigenous leaders aimed at fostering economic reconciliation through collaborative governance and mutual respect.

Indigenous Business & Community Support

• Mandatory minimum 5% Indigenous procurement target: Facilitating Procurement Opportunities: Assists Indigenous businesses in accessing federal procurement opportunities and navigating government contracting processes. 
• Nuu-chah-nulth Business Development Corporation (NBDC): Supporting Indigenous Entrepreneurship: Provides financing, mentorship, and business development services to empower Nuu-chah-nulth communities and entrepreneurs in pursuing economic self-sufficiency.
• Tla-o-qui-aht Tribal Parks: Indigenous-Led Stewardship & Sustainable Tourism: Supports economic reconciliation by empowering the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation to manage their ancestral lands through sustainable tourism and environmental stewardship.
• Vancouver Economic Commission: Advancing Economic Reconciliation: Supports Indigenous economic  empowerment through partnerships, policy advocacy, and business development initiatives.

Shared Services for SMEs & NPOs

Marketing & Business Growth

• Rising Tide Business Services: Provides accessible marketing solutions, including social media strategy, digital advertising, website development, and e-commerce support, helping rural island businesses grow and engage their customers.
• Island Good: Become a Licensee & Grow Your Business: Join the Island Good program to boost visibility and sales by showcasing your locally made products with the Island Good brand.

Logistics & Workforce Support

• DELVI Delivery Vancouver Island: Sustainable Local Delivery Solutions: Offers reliable, eco-friendly delivery services across Vancouver Island and surrounding regions, supporting local businesses with efficient logistics.
• WorkLink Employment Society, Empowering Job Seekers & Employers: Provides employment services, skills training, and resources to support job seekers and businesses on Vancouver Island, fostering career growth and economic development.

AI & Technology for SMEs & NPOs

AI Tools for Content & Organization

• ChatGPT – AI-Powered Conversational Assistant: Provides AI-driven responses, content creation, brainstorming, and research assistance through natural language conversations.
• TinyWow – Free AI Tools for Everyday Tasks: Offers a variety of free tools for document editing, image processing, and file conversions powered by AI.
• Google Notebook LM – AI-Driven Note Organization: Leverages AI to synthesize and organize notes, helping users manage information more efficiently.
• Napkin AI – AI-Powered Note-Taking: Transforms thoughts and ideas into organized, actionable insights through AI-assisted note-taking.
• Gemini – Google’s AI Assistant: A powerful AI assistant developed by Google, designed to provide information, summarize content, and help with complex tasks.
• Claude – Conversational AI by Anthropic: A highly capable AI assistant developed by Anthropic that excels at thoughtful, safe, and nuanced responses.

AI Comparisons & Market Insights

• Chatbot Arena – Compare Leading AI Models: If you ever want to compare LLMs. You can write one prompt and choose any LLM against another one. It’s a great way to know which one you really like and what your options are.
• AI App Rankings – Monthly Insights & Trends: Tracks and ranks the most popular AI apps, offering valuable insights into emerging trends and innovations.
• AI Pro’s Research – Environmental Impact of AI: A deep dive into AI’s environmental impact, exploring sustainability challenges in AI model training. Check out the prompts she uses.

AI Consulting & Enterprise Solutions

• Hufnagel Consulting – AI Consulting & ChatGPT Services: Helps businesses enhance professional effectiveness by integrating AI solutions like ChatGPT into workflows.
• AI Source List – Government IT Procurement: Invitation to qualify for Canada’s AI Source List, supporting AI procurement and technology adoption.
• Convergence AI – Proxy Solutions for AI Access: Provides secure and reliable proxy access to advanced AI models for enterprise use.

Housing Support and Resources

Affordable Housing & Ownership Solutions

• Co-home Ownership BC – Affordable Co-Ownership Solutions: Provides education, resources, and services to help British Columbians navigate co-ownership models, making homeownership more accessible through shared ownership opportunities.
• CRD Rural Housing Program – Addressing Rural Housing Needs: Supports the development of affordable and attainable housing options in rural areas of the Capital Regional District (CRD) through policy and community initiatives.
• Islands Trust Housing Plan – Strategic Action Plan for Housing: Outlines a strategic action plan to address housing challenges in the Islands Trust area by exploring policy changes, advocacy, and community-based solutions.

Sustainable Housing & Energy Efficiency

• Home Energy Savings Program – Lowering Energy Costs for BC Homes: Helps homeowners and renters in British Columbia improve home energy efficiency by offering rebates, resources, and expert guidance on energy-saving upgrades.
• EcoTrust Canada – Building Sustainable Economies: Works with rural, Indigenous, and coastal communities across Canada to promote environmental and economic sustainability through innovative community-led solutions.

Rural & Coastal Housing Committees

Rural Island Housing Initiatives

• Housing - Salt Spring Solutions: Advocates for sustainable, affordable housing solutions on Salt Spring Island through community engagement, policy reform, and collaborative initiatives.
• Homes for Islanders: An Integrated Housing Solutions Framework for Salt Spring Island: Presents an integrated framework with actionable strategies to address housing challenges and create diverse, affordable housing solutions on Salt Spring Island.
• Housing NOW (Instagram, Facebook, Linktree): Connects residents with housing initiatives, updates, and resources through Instagram, Facebook, and Linktree.
• Our Work - Cortes Island Housing Society: Develops sustainable, affordable housing projects on Cortes Island, ensuring long-term housing security for residents.
• News & Events - Cortes Island Housing Society: Updates on housing initiatives, community engagement, and upcoming events related to housing on Cortes Island.
• Hornby Island Housing Society: Provides affordable housing solutions for Hornby Island residents through community-driven initiatives.
• Mayne Island Housing Society: Advocates for and develops affordable housing options to support Mayne Island’s community.
• Galiano Cottage Co-op: Offers cooperative, community-based housing solutions for Galiano Island residents.
• Denman Community Housing Society: Works to provide affordable, sustainable housing for the Denman Island community.
• Petition-Subsidy for Coops: A petition advocating for rental support and government subsidies for cooperative housing models in British Columbia.
• GALI | Affordable Housing on Galiano Island: Develops innovative, affordable housing solutions for Galiano Island residents.

 

Climate, Sustainability & Food Security

Local Food Security & Resilient Agriculture

• Gabriola Food Security: Supports community food security through initiatives such as the community garden, food bank, and nutrition programs to ensure access to healthy, local food.
• Salt Spring Island Farmland Trust- Protecting Farmland & Promoting Food Security: Supports sustainable agriculture and community food security by preserving farmland and providing resources for local growers on Salt Spring Island.
• Bowen Food Resilience Society- Strengthening Local Food Systems: Promotes food security and sustainability on Bowen Island through community-based initiatives, education, and advocacy.
• Food Program – The Galiano Club: Provides access to fresh, locally grown food through initiatives like the community garden, food distribution programs, and educational workshops.
• Gabriola Commons: Supporting Sustainable Agriculture: Promotes sustainable agriculture and food security through community gardens, farming initiatives, and educational programs on Gabriola Island.

Sustainable Fisheries & Marine Stewardship

• Aquaculture- Regenerative Sea Farming: Promotes sustainable fishing practices and supports local fishers across the Southern Gulf Islands, enhancing food security and marine stewardship.
• Marine Planning Partnership (MaPP): Collaborative Ocean Management: Supports sustainable marine use and ecosystem-based management through collaborative planning between Indigenous and provincial governments, protecting coastal biodiversity and supporting local economies.

Climate Action & Environmental Justice

• Cortes Climate Café: Exploring Zoning & Climate Resilience: Engages the Cortes Island community in discussions about zoning, climate resilience, and sustainable land use through the Climate Café series.
• The 2024 State of the Climate Report-The Urgent Call for Transformative Climate Action: Highlights the alarming lack of progress in combating climate change despite decades of warnings and research, emphasizing the urgent need to phase out fossil fuels, cut methane emissions, and shift toward sustainable, post-growth economic systems to protect future generations.
• Ecotrust Canada: Advancing Economic and Environmental Justice: Works with rural, Indigenous, and coastal communities to build sustainable economies through innovative solutions that balance environmental and social well-being.

Arts, Tourism & Community Wellbeing

Community Wellness & Collaboration

• Gabriola Health & Wellbeing Collaborative – Enhancing Community Wellness: Brings together local organizations and individuals to improve health and wellbeing on Gabriola Island through collaborative initiatives and community-driven solutions.

Tourism Development & Support

•  SGI Tourism Partnership – Promoting Sustainable Tourism: Supports sustainable tourism development across the Southern Gulf Islands by fostering community partnerships and enhancing the visitor experience.
• Municipal & Regional District Tax Program (MRDT) – Supporting Tourism in BC: Provides funding to local governments and tourism organizations to promote tourism marketing, projects, and infrastructure, enhancing destination development in British Columbia.

Arts & Culture Initiatives

• Yellowhouse Art Centre – Inspiring Creativity on Gabriola Island: Offers a vibrant space for local artists and the community to engage in art through exhibitions, workshops, and cultural events