The Road to Recovery - January 2021 Edition

Targeted Regional Tourism Development Initiatives 

On December 8th 2020, the BC Government announced that the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast will receive $2.3 million to invest in regional tourism development. The projects that will be funded through the Targeted Regional Tourism Development Initiatives must be of regional scope, implementable within two years (2021 -2023) and align with the identified objectives and priorities in the Destination Development Strategies (Gold Rush Trail, Chilcotin Central Coast, Interlakes and Cariboo Chilcotin Coast). Project selection will consider all previous consultations and surveys (destination development, communities in transition, covid impact) and include your input as noted below. 

Funds will be invested in a variety of important projects. Our team has identified four potential project themes:  

• Trails and Trail Amenities: To develop and grow regional trail networks, connectivity and amenities to support the regional visitor economy.  
• Connectivity: Promote and develop Wi-Fi and connectivity to improve the regional visitor experience.  
• Experience Design: Diversifying and expanding regional experience and purchasable activity development.  
• Data and Insights: Access to data and insights for better decision making to support your business.  

Survey

Your input is valued as we work together to ensure the Targeted Regional Tourism Development Initiatives have the most impact on regional tourism development and job creation. We ask that you fill out this short survey (under 5 minutes). Survey closes January 24, 2021

Virtual Sessions

KCTS-9 Travelscope – Land Without Limits Episode

Saturday January 16, 2021 at 6:30pm Joseph Rosendo’s Travelscope is on PBS/KCTS-9. This episode features 30 Minutes of The Cariboo -Chilcotin-Coast Region of British Columbia, Canada – Smoking salmon with the First Nations Nuxalk people; fishing for prawns; hiking through wilderness to Canada’s third-highest waterfall; gold rush town of Barkerville, B.C. It originally aired in 2012.

The Land Without Limits Episode aired in Season 6 – 2012. By Season 7 Travel Scope had been viewed by 265 Million people and has over 18k followers on FB.

It will air at again at 6:30pm Saturday January 16, 2021, between the News and Antiques Road show.
Leonard Ellis, Sylas Saunders (RIP), Frank Talheo, Duncan & Daniel Stewart, Dave Jorgenson are some of the local colour featured in the episode.

For more information: https://www.kcts9.org/schedule#

Fun facts:
Joseph Rosendo’s Travelscope – Multiple Emmy Award Winning Show in it’s 12 season – National Emmy Awards & Nominations (19 Nominations 6 Emmys) Telly Awards (50 Telly Awards)
Bronze Telly – Land Without Limits – The Cariboo–Chilcotin–Coast Region of British Columbia, Canada
Geoff Moore met with them in 2010 to pitch the region.
They visited here 10 years ago in 2011 and spent about a week filming here.

BC SME Recovery Grant – Eligibility Changes for Sole Proprietors and Contracted Staff

The government has made some recent changes to the BC Small and Medium-Sized Business Recovery Grant eligibility criteria. It is recommended that you apply right away if you are now eligible to apply.

Grant funding is limited and first-come first-serve.

What do these eligibility changes mean for your business?
It means that businesses without payroll staff that employed contractors for at least four months of the 2019 year are eligible for the grant without submitting additional financial information.

It means that sole proprietors that do not employ payroll staff or contractors at all are now eligible for the grant – even if they do not have fixed costs attached to fixed assets.

These sole proprietors simply need to support their application with a written statement about how this grant funding will support your business recovery and benefit your community.

Whether you are a sole proprietor or not, those reviewing your grant application will consider your story and unique situation. When submitting your application, we recommend that you take the opportunity to highlight your business’ history, community contributions, staff relationships and need for funding.

If you meet all of the new eligibility criteria except for 70% revenue loss, 18-months of operation, or positive cash flow requirements: it is recommended that you still apply for the grant and include information about these barriers along with your story. We will continue to call on the government for solutions to remaining barriers for our businesses.

If you would like more details or wish to apply for the BC SME Recovery Grant, you can do so HERE.

BC Chamber of Commerce and ACE-WIL Launch Student Talent Program to Support BC Businesses in Recovery and Future Growth

Talent Forward brings businesses and students together to solve short-term labour issues while building a skilled workforce for BC’s future.

VANCOUVER, BC, January 14, 2020 – Today, the BC Chamber of Commerce and Association for Co-operative Education and Work-Integrated Learning BC/Yukon (ACE-WIL) launched Talent Forward, a program that connects businesses with skilled post-secondary students looking for work experience to fulfil requirements for their academic program. Bringing a student into the workplace benefits businesses with temporary, cost effective labour support that addresses business needs while equipping students with skills for the future.  Read More…