BCRTS Digital Support & Literacy Services Program
Today’s world is filled with more challenges than ever and we are scrambling every day just to keep up with everything we need to manage. We know that the digital world is ever-changing and challenging for most small operators to get a handle on. We also know it’s one of the most important ways to engage your existing customers and gain new ones.
For this reason, through the BC Tourism Resiliency Network and the Tourism Resiliency Program, we are offering a digital literacy support program.
We will connect you with an expert who can provide hands on one-on-one support to assist with:
- Making an update to your website, such as hours of operations and the addition of your COVID-19 Safety Plan
- Claiming your Google My Business listing
- Setting up you TripAdvisor listing (linked to your HelloBC Listing)
- Setting up a social media account (Facebook, Instagram)
- Providing recommendations for where your efforts should be focused
Contact your TRP Advisor or Register today at tourismresiliency.ca to be matched with an expert to work with you to overcome these challenges for your tourism operation.
BUSINESS SUPPORT
New Grant Program for E-Commerce Development
The Province of BC has announced a new grant program for small to medium sized businesses, the Launch Online Grant Program.
The Launch Online Grant program provides funding to B.C. based business to create an online shop and/or improve their e-commerce experience to attract new local customers and expand to new markets. The grant will pay for up to 75% of eligible expenses up to a maximum of $7,500 per business. Read More
Highly Affected Sectors Credit Availability Program (HASCAP)
The Business Development Corporation (BDC) has been mandated by the Government of Canada to provide a guarantee to your financial institution for 100% of the value of your loan, to help you access additional liquidity and cover operating costs.
Loans ranging from $25,000 to $1 Million to qualifying businesses.
Low interest loans (4%) and repayment terms of up 10 years.
Up to a 12-month postponement on principal repayments at the start of the loan.
Motion Picture Production Assistant
Spaces are limited.
TUITION-FREE ONLINE TRAINING
Are you interested in working in the Film & TV industry? This 12-week tuition-free course has been developed specifically for the regions of BC to help enhance their crew base and offering training to individuals.
The Motion Picture Industry is the fastest growing sector in British Columbia. Productions from Feature Films, to TV Series, Commercials and Natural History documentaries are scouting fresh and unique locations throughout the Province.
We are excited to introduce a unique one-time tuition free short term training program recognized by the industry. North Island College has developed an Online Entry Level Micro Credentialed Production Assistant TrialBC’s Regional Film Commissions are excited to partner on the delivery of this program. Upon successful completion graduates are qualified to apply for employment in the Locations Department of productions large and small. Several of the certificates offered in this program ie: Traffic Control crossover to employment opportunities in other sectors.
When productions film in the regions they frequently look to hire local. This micro credentialed course will provide all the training one needs to confidently work as an industry PA on any set.
The course is open to all who meet the registration criteria listed on the attached flyer, participants are not required to have completed grade 12. Students access the course through a computer with WIFI.
This course is based on a common sense approach to employment. Students while working at a self paced level are provided support from experienced film industry instructors and have opportunities to meet in live virtual classrooms.
We encourage anyone with an interest in working in the film industry to take advantage of this free pilot programming course perfect for rural and remote community access.
Motion Picture Craft Services
Spaces are limited
Click here for more info
UPCOMING WEBINARS
NEW Ideas Labs in 2021
The BC Tourism Resiliency Network together with the Tourism Café and the BC Regional Tourism Secretariat are pleased to continue to expand tourism industry support in 2021. Ideas Labs are part of the BC Tourism Resiliency Network’s suite of programs to support long term resiliency of tourism businesses as we collectively navigate the challenges of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. These 45-minute facilitated small group discussions are guided by a presentation from an inspiring Industry Topic Specialist. Each Ideas Lab has a maximum of 12 participants from across the province with a focus on sharing ideas and co-creating solutions to common challenges being faced by our tourism industry.
Ideas Labs Topics:
Business Model Innovation for a Sustainable Future
- February 16, 2021 at 2pm
Building Back Better: Contributing to a Better Future for Tourism
- February 17, 2021 at 10am
- February 24, 2021 at 2pm
- March 2, 2021 at 2pm
For more information and to register: https://tourismresiliency.ca/ideas-labs/
Digital Marketing Webinars
Get the Most Out of Your Website:
Whether you’ve had a website for 10 years or you’re just getting started, discover how to create a search-friendly website that drives user action and supports your goals in this interactive webinar with Destination BC.
Get Your Local Business on Google Search and Maps:
There are billions of searches on Google every single day, and many of them are for information about local businesses, such as hours of operation, available services, and driving directions. Is your business making the most of this popular search tool?
eLearningU-Program Webinars
Facebook Advertising for Tourism
Facebook Ads are now a core component of many digital marketing and social media campaigns — but are you getting the best results possible from your ad strategy? Facebook ads are now the second biggest advertising platform for businesses online — and for good reason. Facebook ads are extremely effective and affordable. Keep reading
Measuring Canadian Travel Patterns
The Cariboo Chilcotin Coast saw a 4% increase in visitation over British Columbia during Week 52 (January 25-31, 2021). Visitation to the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast increased by 3% and British Columbia decreased by 8% when comparing Week 51 (January 18-24, 2021) to Week 52 (January 25-31, 2021).
BC Residents comfort levels with activities listed:
78% are comfortable visiting a provincial park, 59% are comfortable eating in a restaurant and 80% are comfortable visiting a lake.
