Esquimalt Nation (Xʷsepsəm)
Esquimalt Nation (Xʷsepsəm) Economic Development Strategy
The Strategy establishes a coordinated framework to help the Nation proactively identify, evaluate, and pursue economic opportunities aligned with community…
Entrepreneurs and Local Businesses
The Dock+ business Tofino Hot Sauce, founded by Lise Richard. Photo courtesy Tofino Hot Sauce.
Entrepreneurs and Local Businesses
Entrepreneurs and local businesses are the foundation of a strong, inclusive coastal economy. We focus our investments on projects that help them start, grow, and thrive across Vancouver Island and the coast.
We encourage proposals for public infrastructure and shared business assets that open new opportunities for more people to start and grow enterprises in coastal communities, from commercial kitchens and incubators to the workspaces and services new businesses need to get off the ground. Where opportunities exist, we foster partnerships between communities and the private sector.
Through investments in community-owned assets and public infrastructure, we help build a business community that can thrive over the long term: one that creates good local jobs, widens who gets to take part, strengthens supply chains across the region, and keeps the wealth it creates in the communities that build it.
Tseshaht Enterprises
Development of Five-Year Strategic Plan
The strategy will establish a clear vision, priorities, and implementation roadmap for the corporation, with a focus on business diversification,…
Pender Island Parks and Recreation Commission
Activation of Thieves Bay Park Pavilion on Pender Island
Located adjacent to the Thieves Bay Marina, the park is a key recreation area connected to the island’s active transportation…
What Projects Do We Fund?
Projects We Fund
- New publicly owned infrastructure that directly enables local business growth, market access and increased productivity
- Start-up and expansion of community-owned enterprises and social enterprises
- Business and asset-based acquisitions that generate new economic opportunities
- Joint ventures between First Nations (50%+ ownership/control and private sector partners
Projects We Do Not Fund
- Public-private partnerships where the private partner(s) have an equal or controlling interest
- Infrastructure development on privately owned property unless there is a long-term lease in place to protect public access, interest, and sustainability of the project
- Projects associated with the delivery of healthcare
- Local beautification, park, or amenity projects that do not demonstrate a clear connection to business activity, or local economic benefit.
Start the Conversation
However far along you are – an early idea, a plan taking shape, or a proposal nearly ready – the best next step is a conversation. That is where we like to start, and where the best projects usually begin.
We welcome every chance to work alongside you as your project takes shape. Reach out before you start a funding application, while the plan is still forming. When you share where you’re headed, we can help shape it with you and build a strong application together.
We’re available by phone or online, and we’re glad to meet in person, welcoming the opportunity to meet in your community.
