STRONGERBC FUTURE SKILLS GRANT

Thinking of doing some skill building? This new grant covers up to $3,500 per person for eligible short-term skills training at public post-secondary institutions…..open to British Columbians aged 19 years or older – regardless of financial need.

What is the StrongerBC future skills grant program?

The StrongerBC future skills grant is open to British Columbians aged 19 years or older – regardless of financial need – and covers up to $3,500 per person for eligible short-term skills training at public post-secondary institutions.

The grant will help learners access eligible short-term skills training to further their careers, upgrade their skills and enhance their productivity, giving them access to well-paid, high opportunity occupations. Learners can choose from a growing list of more than 400 programs.

Free Business Advisory Services for Cortes

Community Futures Central Island is offering a new Regional Business Advisory Service program that can be accessed by businesses in the Strathcona region, which includes Cortes Island.

While this program is largely for businesses and communities impacted by forest policy changes and other impacts to the forest sector, advisors will consider existing businesses on Cortes that are struggling or are seeking assistance to grow.

The Program will:– support rural businesses and communities– increase community and regional adaptation, resilience and sustainability; and– leverage existing local community/organizations to create incremental supports to impacted business and or communities.

Regional Business Advisors will work one on one with entrepreneurs to help them stabilize and increase, as well as if required, identify and diversify revenues streams. Our experience has informed us that often entrepreneurs do not know how to properly prepare for solicitation to banks and funders. We believe that for some entrepreneur’s debt restructuring will also be required. Our advisors will be able to assist companies to prepare for presentations to financial institutions.

Gaining traction in unstable times requires a nimble business model. We also want to assist businesses to reconsider and tweak their current business models and how they may shift or pivot their current model to serve both them and their customers. Our Advisors will support owner/operators in navigating the measures, determine what meets their needs and then assist them to complete applications if necessary. For some, they may be required to exit their current business and our advisors will assist in developing a liquidation/sale strategy and refer them to appropriate targeted programming

Who?

Small and medium sized businesses, social enterprises and not for profit organizations.

What?

Our goal is to provide you with practical tools, resources and strategies to help your business become more resilient and successful.

Where?

Regional Business Advisors will service rural communities within the Vancouver Island Regional Districts of Cowichan Valley, Nanaimo, Alberni Clayoquot, Comox Valley, Strathcona and Mount Waddington.  Cortes Island is included in this catchment area.

When?

This program is available effective June 1, 2023 – August 31, 2024.

Does it cost anything?

There are no fees associated with participating. Only criteria, you must be a willing and participatory applicant.

How and by Whom?

Our Regional Business Advisors will work one on one with existing businesses to help stabilize and increase, as well as if required, identify and diversify revenues streams. Their activities will be to advise and coach business owners to determine their specific needs and align their strategic direction. Each Advisor brings a wealth of expertise in strategic planning and business development. They can also help identify programming, grants, subsidies and initiatives that are being offered by a myriad of providers from all levels of government and industry. If assistance is required, to aid in the application process, the coach can help or be a conduit to individuals who have sector/industry specific knowledge and expertise.

Apply NowComplete an application and return by email to admin@cfnanaimo.org – in the subject line type Regional Business Advisory Services Application. Application forms are included in this post, below.

For more information you can contact admin@cfnanaimo.org, call 250-591-7499, or visit https://www.cfnanaimo.org/rural-advisory-program-regional-business-advisory-services/.

The tent is up at the Village Commons!

A big thanks to the tent crew – Amy, Jacques, Colin, Lorrie, Suzanne, Moses, Hugh, Fergus, and Eli – for their work getting this tent up again and ready for community use!

The Village Commons, located behind the radio station in Mansons Landing, can be used for casual gatherings. See below on guidelines for its use.

Free meetings and events at the Village Commons tent can be booked on a first-come first-served basis by scheduling it on the Tideline’s event calendar (3rd column on the right). For private, ticketed events, please contact Kate at kate@cceda.ca.

We invite you to use the land according to the following guidelines:

VILLAGE COMMONS USAGE GUIDELINES

The Village Commons is a space for generative, respectful gathering. We recognize the autonomy and sovereignty of this Land, and strive to be in reciprocal relationship with both the Land and the other beings who live here. This Commons is part of the overlapping traditional and ancestral territory of the toq qaymɩxʷ (Klahoose), ɬəʔamɛn qaymɩxʷ (Tla’amin), ʔop qaymɩxʷ (Homalco) Nations, and ʔayʔaǰuθəm (Ayajuthem) is the traditional language spoken here.

The Village Commons Land is set aside to be shared by everyone, to serve a variety of purposes and needs. While you are on the Land, please take care of the space generously. Think about who might be coming to visit after you. Do what feels right so that children, Elders, and other neighbours can also enjoy being with the Commons safely.

Community Agreements

We invite the community to be with this Land in these ways:

Connect with the Land and offer a gift each time you come here.Do not harm others, hold yourself responsibly.To the best of your ability, asking friends and neighbours for help if needed, leave the space tidy and safe for the next use.

While sharing the Commons, we encourage everyone to treat each other respectfully. This means:

Using welcoming and inclusive languageBeing respectful and empathetic when it comes to differing viewpoints and experiencesGracefully accepting constructive criticism and feedbackAssuming the best intentions and goodwill of other usersHolding each other in the highest regardAddressing conflict openly, directly, and compassionately

This notice is made on behalf of the Cortes Island Community Foundation and Cortes Community Economic Development Association.

For more information, please contact Kate Maddigan at kate@cceda.ca.