The B.C. Small Roundtable has selected Nanaimo as one of six small business friendly communities in the province.
The award recognizes local policies, projects and programs that support small business as judged by a panel of small business leaders from across the province that represent regions, industries and associations.
Highlighted in the city’s submissions were efforts to build a strong business environment through streamlining city processes and investments in economic development.
The city’s support of the Nanaimo Economic Development Corporation, Downtown Nanaimo Business Improvement Association and incorporation of the Nanaimo and District Chamber of Commerce’s Successful Cities initiative in the new strategic plan were among other efforts that helped result in the award.
“The City of Nanaimo is committed to making it easier for small businesses to operate,” said Mayor John Ruttan. “[The award] is reassuring evidence we are on the right track as a community in terms of creating bylaws and processes that allow small business owners to get things done.”
Sasha Angus, CEO of the NEDC, said small business is an important economic driver in Nanaimo.
“Fostering the ongoing success of local businesses means more household-sustaining jobs for our residents and an even stronger quality of life on our community,” he said.