Strategy, partnerships, and collaboration.
A DIY approach to economic development is always under control of the community. The Leaky Bucket concept helps communities to explore ways to retain the money that is already flowing into and around the community, and to prevent it flowing out.
The Coady Institute in Antigonish, N.S describes one way the concept has been used by small rural communities. https://coady.stfx.ca/wp-content/uploads/pdfs/OP9.pdf
Regional economic development
The Comox Valley continues to be one of the fastest growing regions in the Province of BC. Several regional and local organizations let you stay in touch with evolving strategies about economic developments that can affect your business. Sign up for their newsletters.
Rural Islands Economic Partnership (RIEP)
This new forum will seek to build an enduring organization that engages the rural island communities of the Northern & Southern Gulf Islands and Howe Sound, along with the coastal Indigenous Communities, who have traditional or reserve land on these rural islands. A ‘Next Steps’ working group is forming in early 2020. The goal is to build a sustainable economy in the face of climate change.
Comox Valley Economic Development Society
CVEDS is a non-profit society with annual funding from the City of Courtenay, Town of Comox, and the Comox Valley Regional District areas A, B and C. Focus areas include business, technology, tourism and agriculture, and it has extensive programs and resources.
The Islands and Sunshine Coast
Vancouver Island Economic Alliance
VIEA has grown in both membership and stature to become a respected voice wherever the Island economy is being discussed. It is a collaborative partnership spearheading regional economic development for the Vancouver Island region.
Becoming a member of VIEA offers networking, opportunities to participate in regional economic initiatives, access to shared resources, and more. Learn more about membership benefits.
The Vancouver Island State of the Island Economic Summit brings together businesses and stakeholders on Vancouver Island to understand the State of the Island Economy. Register here for the October event.
Island Coastal Economic Trust (ICET)
ICET has been at the forefront of economic diversification, planning and regional revitalization in the Vancouver Island and Sunshine Coast region since 2006.
ICET’s mission is to be a partner and catalyst to build a diverse and sustainable Island and Coastal Economy. This is primarily achieved through strategic investments in key economic sectors, leveraging new funding and investment to the region, fostering collaboration and support for community economic development readiness. Get Reports here.
Provincial organizations
Here’s a short province-wide list of economic development organizations compiled by the BC Government.