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A new way to market and network your local Vancouver Island business!

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Vancouver Island Grassroots Entrepreneur Network

community – connection – opportunity – empowerment

The myth of the individual entrepreneur is just that – a myth. Whatever you call yourself – a business owner, creator, founder, innovator or entrepreneur – research shows that we do better when we work together and support each other: when we are part of a community of like-minded people.

CONTACT US

“If your run your own business, and especially if you’re new to the valley, LIFT is essential for your network.”

—ARZEENA HAMIR

Connect with us.

Led by Leif Jason, LIFT is a passion project focused on growing an inclusive entrepreneurial community on Vancouver Island. We want to help you to grow your business and have fun doing it.

“LIFT has been a great part of establishing an entrepreneurial community that has been so beneficial not only for me but hundreds of others! Always great event, parties, online influence.”

—Jabin Postal

Inclusive

Whether you head up a business with 50 employees or you are a solopreneur; whether your product or service is unique or there are others offering similar things; whether you are just starting out or have been in business for 10+ years; whether you’re an introvert or extrovert…

If you’re community minded, ready to grow personally and professionally, and want to surround yourself with great people, you’re a good fit for LIFT.

Innovative

If traditional networking and the idea of handing out business cards to strangers while you make small talk has you running for the hills, well we get it! Time to adjust how you think about networking.

In LIFT you get to know people through innovative facilitated events and discussion, where we work together on real businesses and real issues. We guide and support each other while building real relationships and learning valuable skills. This is not small talk, it’s REAL talk.

“This group is a great place to come if you want to be surrounded with big thinkers. It’s unique because it’s a very collaborative and supportive atmosphere. Come on out and see what it’s like!!”

—Amy Englemark

liftstartups

Vancouver Island Local Business Network
#WeAreVanIsl ✊#networkingbetter
By @mastermynde

Get @reshare_app • @nanaimochamber Get @reshare_app • @nanaimochamber
Get @reshare_app • @victoriachamber The Greater Vi Get @reshare_app • @victoriachamber The Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce congratulates the municipal and provincial leaders elected and re-elected across the capital region. The Chamber looks forward to working constructively with them on the issues that matter most to local businesses, their employees and the communities they serve.

“Congratulations to everyone who put their name forward and earned the trust of their community. We’re ready to get to work with you,” said John Wilson, CEO of the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce. “

We’re working for Greater Victoria’s business community every day. If you’re not a member yet, now is the time to join and help shape what’s next.

Read the full Media Release on our website, link in bio. @victoriachamber 

#victoriabusiness #victoriabcbusiness
Get @reshare_app • @digfm.ca Community radio belon Get @reshare_app • @digfm.ca Community radio belongs to the community. At DIG FM, we are entirely volunteer-run and dedicated to amplifying the unique voices, music, and stories of the Comox Valley.
To make this vision permanent and get on the physical FM dial, we are looking for dedicated community members to stand with us as monthly donors. Sustainable monthly gifts allow us to plan long-term, from rent for our upcoming studio space to critical audio transmission gear.
If you believe in local, independent media, please consider setting up a recurring monthly donation today via the Dig FM Campaign Platform. https://digfm.ca/index.php/get-on-the-dial-2025/
Thank you for keeping local radio alive and kicking! 🎧
#ComoxValley #BCMedia #NonProfit #CommunityRadio #SupportLocal
Get @reshare_app • @thewebc WeBC is proud to be pa Get @reshare_app • @thewebc WeBC is proud to be part of @weoc_oefc s national network advancing women’s entrepreneurship across Canada. 

Investing in women-owned businesses is an investment in Canada’s economic growth, and we’ll be watching who gets financed, who wins contracts and who gets the support to grow.

Read WEOC’s official Budget 2026 Snapshot for the key measures, the equity implications and what to watch next: https://weoc.ca/budget2026snapshot or visit the link in our bio.

We invite others to join us for WEOC’s Post-Budget National Dialogue on November 17. Register by visiting the link in our bio. 

#WomensEntrepreneurship #WomenInBusiness #WomenEntrepreneurs #AccessToCapital #EconomicGrowth WomenOwnedBusiness WEOC WeBC Budget2026
Get @reshare_app • @douglas_magazine Reminder: 10 Get @reshare_app • @douglas_magazine Reminder: 10 to Watch nominations close Sunday, November 8!

New businesses bring fresh ideas and energy to Vancouver Island’s business community. Do you know one that’s making an impression? Nominate it for Douglas magazine’s 10 to Watch Awards. And yes, you can nominate your own business, too! Ten businesses less than three years old will be featured in the April/May issue of Douglas and recognized at the 10 to Watch Awards Gala.

➡️ Don’t miss out. Follow the link in bio to nominate.

#Douglas10ToWatch #10ToWatch2027 #Douglas10ToWatch2027 #10ToWatch #BestNewBusinesses NewBusinessAward YYJ BusinessAwards Leadership LoveYourLocalYYJ BusinessLeaders Innovation Changemakers VictoriaBC NewBusinessYYJ BestNewBusinessesVictoriaBC SupportLocalYYJ DouglasMagazine VancouverIsland
Get @reshare_app • @westshorechamber Members, plea Get @reshare_app • @westshorechamber Members, please join us on Tuesday, November 24, 2026 8:00 AM - 9:30 AM for coffee and tea with our host @thrivesocialservices!

This is a great event for those new to or nervous of networking, as everyone has a chance to provide information about their business and connect in a friendly and informal atmosphere. This event will be for a maximum of 30 people. 

🎟️ Register here: https://web.westshore.bc.ca/events/Coffee-Talk-with-Thrive-Social-Services-at-the-Centennial-Centre-Save-the-Date-Registration-opening-soon—7911/details

#victoriabcbusiness #victoriabusiness
Get @reshare_app • @tofinochamber The Business Exc Get @reshare_app • @tofinochamber The Business Excellence Awards are back! 🎉
Nominations are officially open. From now until December 10, we’re asking YOU to tell us: who deserves recognition?

How to nominate: Follow the link in bio and fill out a quick form (takes 2 minutes). Nominate any business in town for one of these awards:
💼 Business Leader of the Year
🏆 Business of the Year
🌱 Small Business of the Year
⭐ Employee of the Year
✨ New Business of the Year
❤️ Non-Profit of the Year
🌿 Green Business of the Year
🤝 Customer Service Excellence Award
👥 Employer of the Year

Share with your friends. Let’s spread the word and recognize the businesses that make this community so amazing.

Nominations close December 10.

#tofinobusiness #vancouverislandbusiness
Get @reshare_app • comoxvalleychamber 🌟 Who do you Get @reshare_app • comoxvalleychamber 🌟 Who do you think deserves to shine?

The Comox Valley is home to so businesses, organizations and individuals who go above and beyond every day. Now, it’s time to recognize their hard work, celebrate their achievements and shine a spotlight on the contributions they make to our community:

Nominations for the 2026 Comox Valley Chamber Awards are OPEN!

From outstanding customer service and business leadership to innovation and community impact, there are plenty of opportunities to recognize all those who make our community thrive.

Do you know a business that always goes the extra mile? An inspiring leader? A rising star? An organization making a meaningful difference? Put their name forward and help ensure their contributions don’t go unnoticed.

📣 NOMINATION DEADLINE EXTENDED TO 4PM ON FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 13!

You don’t need to be a Chamber member to nominate or be nominated. The only rule is that you cannot nominate yourself or your own business.

Explore the award categories and submit your nominations: https://comoxvalleychamber.com/chamber-awards-nominations

Recognition matters. Let’s celebrate the people, businesses and organizations that make the Comox Valley a great place to live, work and do business 🏆

#comoxvalleybusiness
Get @reshare_app • legendary.villageofcumberland D Get @reshare_app • legendary.villageofcumberland Do you own a business that operates in Cumberland? We want to hear from you. Please visit the Village website to take the survey. https://cumberland.ca/cumberland-business-initiative/

#cumberlandbc
Get @reshare_app • @builtforchange.ca Good news! T Get @reshare_app • @builtforchange.ca Good news! There’s one more Built for Change Breakfast before the end of the year and it’s gonna be a good one!
Here’s the details Registration link in bio.
👇🏼
Beyond the Crystal Ball: Preparing for What’s Next

As we head towards the end of 2026, it’s time to look back, share what we’ve learned and turn our attention to what 2027 might bring.

For our final Built for Change networking breakfast of the year, we’ll bring together our conversations on decision-making, priorities, navigating change, AI and the importance of human connection.

We chat about what’s changing, what remains important and what might we need to think differently about as we look ahead.

Join us at Gather Comox on November 20 at 7.30 am - 9.30 am, for coffee and breakfast bites, great conversation and the chance to share ideas, explore what might be on the horizon and consider what we’ll take into 2027.

No crystal ball required!

Ticket price - $35

Friday, Nov 20, 2026
7:30am - 9:30am
Gather Comox, Comox, BC

Space limited. Registration required.

Coffee and light breakfast bites will be provided.

Bring a founder friend or leader asking the same questions.

Interested in co-hosting or sponsoring? Get in touch.

#comoxvalleybusiness
Get @reshare_app • @duncancowichan SOLD OUT! 🎉 Ton Get @reshare_app • @duncancowichan SOLD OUT! 🎉 Tonight’s Trades Mixer is full.

Registrations came in fast for this one, and we can’t wait to see everyone tonight. Thank you for the enthusiasm, Cowichan! 🙌

Missed out? There’s more coming. 👇

NEXT UP: MEMBER MIXER AT CHANCES CASINO 🎰

Bring your business cards and your best conversation starters! Join fellow Cowichan business owners for a lively evening of networking, new connections and catching up with familiar faces. 

Whether you’re a longtime member or just getting started, it’s a fun way to grow your network right here in the valley. 🤝

🗓 Wednesday, November 18
🕔 5:00-7:00 PM
📍 Chances Casino
✉️ Save your spot: email Sandy at admin@duncancc.bc.ca 
OR register on our website:
https://business.duncancc.bc.ca/events/catgid/6

#DuncanCowichanChamber #CowichanValley #DuncanBC #TradesMixer #MemberMixer Networking LocalBusiness BusinessCommunity VancouverIsland
Get @reshare_app • @sparkhouse.coworking We love h Get @reshare_app • @sparkhouse.coworking We love hosting networking events! Here are a few of the faces from a @builtforchange.ca breakfast we hosted earlier this year. It was a fantastic time to pause and think about all that is involved in navigating constant change in business. Watch for the next one coming soon.
Get @reshare_app • @digfm.ca Hey DIGFM community a Get @reshare_app • @digfm.ca Hey DIGFM community and local tech enthusiasts! It’s time to step away from the screens and connect in person! We are hosting a very special social & tech meetup, and you are officially invited. Tag a tech friend!

When: Thursday, November 5th at 6:00 PM
Where: Gladstones Brewing Co. (Courtenay, BC)
Get @reshare_app • @tofinochamber Every dollar spe Get @reshare_app • @tofinochamber Every dollar spent in our community is a chance to strengthen local industries, create jobs, and keep money circulating where it matters most. This is what a circular economy looks like–small businesses supporting each other and building a resilient future together. 💪 #amplifylocalBC #smallbusinessweek

#amplifylocalBC #smallbusinessweek
Get @reshare_app • @uvicwomeninscience A little bi Get @reshare_app • @uvicwomeninscience A little bit about us!

👩‍🔬UVic Women in Science is a student run organization open to all! We aim to foster inclusivity, equity, and representation within STEM!👩‍🔬

 🪄Our mission is to is to create a welcoming community on campus through events, mentorship, and sharing of resources and opportunities! 🪄

🧿 Our vision is for equity and inclusivity within STEM, to uplift and inspire the next generation of scientists, researchers, and leaders within our community.🧿

👩‍💻We want to connect with you—swipe to the end to see how!👩‍💻

🔗https://www.uvicwomeninscience.com
📧womeninscienceuvic@gmail.com

#victoriabusiness #womeninbusiness
Get @reshare_app • @viatec The Attacker’s Lens: Th Get @reshare_app • @viatec The Attacker’s Lens: Threat Modeling for AI and Agentic Systems

Prompt Victoria Session Preview:

Your AI doesn’t just answer questions anymore. It browses the web, runs code, reads files, and takes actions on your behalf.

Most teams are defending it with security playbooks written before any of that existed.

Tom Myer is a First Nations (Cayuga/Ngäbe-Buglé) Cybersecurity Principal with over 20 years across Google, Apple and Workday — and hands-on experience building the RAG architectures and LLM pipelines he now threat models.

At Prompt Victoria he’ll map where AI systems are actually vulnerable across inputs, memory, tools and outputs, and cover the attacks most teams still aren’t taking seriously: malicious content arriving through retrieved data, manipulated conversation context, chained tool abuse.

Plus how to fold AI security review into the process you already have.

📍 Nov 5, 2026 · promptvictoria.ca

Gold Sponsor: CGI | Silver Sponsor: Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP | Teal Sponsor: Airbnb

Organized by the teams at VIATEC, Victoria Data Society, AI4Enterprise.ca & PlusROI Online Marketing Inc.
Get @reshare_app • @comoxvalleywbn November 11 CVW Get @reshare_app • @comoxvalleywbn November 11 CVWN presents two amazing speakers at the November Meetup Event!

From Fish wives to Fish Business Women!  Bonnie Dennis (Coast Seafoods and Divers Catch) and Melissa Collier (Wild Catch), are married to commercial fishermen.  Both have left their original careers to support their husbands in operating their fishing businesses, which has morphed into them taking on primary roles and often being the face of their companies. 

Both have taken on active roles in advocating for the livelihood they believe in.  Their parallel journeys each have unique challenges specific to the different fisheries they partake in.

Come listen to Bonnie and Melissa share stories of their journey on managing a business in an unpredictable and uncertain industry where politics and public perception overrule science and data.

Location: Crown Isle Resort
Time: 5:30 - 8:30 pm

Networking, Keynote and Spotlight speakers, food and fun! 

Get your tickets early! 

Tickets: https://www.cvwbn.org/store/p/dinner-meet-up-november2026

$55 Members
$65 Non-members

#womeninbusiness #comoxvalleybusiness
Get @reshare_app • @nanaimochamber 🎄 Tickets are o Get @reshare_app • @nanaimochamber 🎄 Tickets are officially LIVE for the Chamber Holiday Bash! 🥂
Let’s wrap up 2026 together with an evening of festive cheer, great conversations and meaningful connections.
Join Nanaimo’s business community for a relaxed year-end celebration featuring delicious appetizers, refreshments and plenty of time to mix, mingle and celebrate the year—no presentations, no formal program, just pure networking!
📅 Thursday, December 10, 2026
⏰ 4:00–6:00 p.m.
📍 Coast Bastion Hotel 
Tickets are limited, so register early and join us as we raise a glass to the people, partnerships and accomplishments that made 2026 memorable!
🎟️ Get your tickets on our website now!
#ChamberHolidayBash #NanaimoChamber #NanaimoBusiness #CelebrateAndConnect #NetworkingNanaimo HolidayNetworking
Get @reshare_app • @westshorechamber On behalf of Get @reshare_app • @westshorechamber On behalf of @town_of_view_royal Council and the @westshorechamber, you are cordially invited to an upcoming business mixer on Wednesday, November 4, 2026 @ 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM specifically for View Royal businesses.

Members of Town Council and representatives from the WestShore Chamber of Commerce will be in attendance and look forward to reconnecting with you or meeting you in person for the first time.

Refreshments will be provided! View Royal business owners, managers or staff are invited to eat, drink, network, and share your ideas to help make our community an even better place to do business with your newly elected representatives.

Link in bio to register!

To ensure as many people as possible can participate, registration is limited to a maximum of two attendees per organization.

#vancouverislandbusiness
Get @reshare_app • comoxvalleychamber Join the BC Get @reshare_app • comoxvalleychamber Join the BC Chamber of Commerce for a week of FREE practical sessions helping B.C. small businesses manage tariff pressures, protect their margins and find new paths to growth. Sessions include:

Monday, October 19: What The Year Ahead Will Cost B.C. Small Business 12:00-1:00 PM PT | An economic outlook for B.C. small business with Bryan Yu, Chief Economist, Central 1

Tuesday, October 20: Cybersecurity and AI basics for small business 12:00-1:00 PM PT

Wednesday, October 21: After the U.S.: Where B.C. Exporters Go Next 12:00-1:00 PM PT | Led by Export Navigator

Thursday, October 22: Business Next Door: Getting into Western Canada’s Supply Chains 12:00-1:00 PM PT | A conversation with BC Chamber & Alberta Chambers of Commerce

Friday, October 23: From B.C. to the World: Reaching Overseas Customers Through the Port 12:00-1:00 PM

Register now via the link in bio 🎟️

#buildinggoodbusiness #chamberofcommerce #comoxvalleybusiness
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