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LIFT Startups

LIFT Startups

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 @humannaturedevelopment

Get @reshare_app • @communityfuturesbc Join Commun Get @reshare_app • @communityfuturesbc Join Community Futures British Columbia and become our Programs Assistant, working remotely. 

CFBC is seeking a highly organized and tech-savvy Programs Assistant to support the coordination, delivery, and promotion of workshops and training programs. This role ensures smooth event execution, provides administrative and technical support, and contributes to CFBC’s digital presence through social media and marketing activities.
If you excel in communication, thrive in a remote environment, and enjoy balancing administrative work with creative projects, we want to hear from you.

Learn more at: https://buff.ly/KyYMIin 

Community Futures is a 2025 Leading Accessible Employer that has proudly taken the Pledge to Measure. 

#cfbc #programsassistant #remotework
Get @reshare_app • @crcommunityfoundation ❤️We are Get @reshare_app • @crcommunityfoundation ❤️We are absolutely thrilled to announce... The Heart!  A new shared workspace generating mission-related revenue to be reinvested into the community❤️

Opening in the heart of Campbell River, this is a space built on connection, collaboration, and community. You put your heart into your work, now you can work from The Heart!

✨Mark your calendars and stay tuned right here for sneak peeks and updates as we count down to launch day!  We are doing everything we can to open doors on February 2, 2026.🏢

📝Want to join our growing waitlist? 👀

Complete our (short) survey and add your name here: 
👉https://forms.office.com/r/BezrMq1fsN

#WorkFromTheHeart #ComaingSoon #NewWorkspace CoworkingCommunity LocalBusiness
Winter Tech+ Social Dec 18, 6PM at Chalk Lounge 15 Winter Tech+ Social
Dec 18, 6PM at Chalk Lounge
1590 Cliffe Ave, Courtenay, BC

Join us for an evening of connection and conversation with the tech and tech-adjacent community of the Comox Valley! Whether you're a familiar face or new to the area, this is a great chance to meet fascinating people, step away from your laptops, and enjoy the vibrant community around you. We've had between 30-50 people come out in the past and there is lots of room for more!

Relax with some food and drinks, play a game of pinball, and spark meaningful conversations. Bring your business cards, ideas, and your wonderful self—we can’t wait to see you!

@blexlexlexlexlex / @bigcedar.agency 
#comoxvalley #liftstartups #comoxvalleybusiness
Get @reshare_app • @comoxvalleywbn 🎤 Get ready to Get @reshare_app • @comoxvalleywbn 🎤 Get ready to introduce yourself, everyone gets a turn!

Please give Jacqueline credit when re-sharing images 📸 @vi_portraits
Get @reshare_app • @leadershipvi What’s the best l Get @reshare_app • @leadershipvi What’s the best leadership advice you’ve ever received? 

#leadershipadvice #vancouverislandbusiness #vancouverisland
Get @reshare_app • @nanaimochamber Next Thursday, Get @reshare_app • @nanaimochamber Next Thursday, we celebrate the end of an incredible year together! 
Join us for Cocktails & Connections, our exclusive year-end networking event.

⏳ Registration closes December 1 at noon, don’t miss out!

📅 Thursday, December 4, 2025
🕓 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
📍 Coast Bastion Hotel, Downtown Nanaimo
🎟️ $40 + GST (Members) | $50 + GST (Non-Members)
🎁 Automatic entry into our 12 Minutes of Giveaways — lots of prizes!

We’re also proud to share that a portion of all ticket proceeds will support @loavesandfishesfoodbank , helping families in need across Nanaimo this holiday season.
Get @reshare_app • @ypnanaimo Join Young Professio Get @reshare_app • @ypnanaimo Join Young Professionals of Nanaimo at 5:30PM on Thursday, December 4th for a relaxed happy hour at The Nanaimo Bar. Enjoy good conversation, reconnect with familiar faces, and meet someone new. 🍸

RSVP on our website - link in bio. 

#happyhour #YPN #TheNanaimoBar youngprofessionals networking nanaimo vancouverisland community
Get @reshare_app • @victoriachamber 🏆 Nominations Get @reshare_app • @victoriachamber 🏆 Nominations are now open for the 2026 Greater Victoria Business Awards! 

Celebrate the inspiring businesses leading the way in our community! Now is your chance to shine a spotlight on local leaders and local businesses – including your own business! – in 12 categories: 

⭐ Business of the Year (1-10 Employees) 

⭐ Business of the Year (11-39 Employees) 

⭐ Business of the Year (40+ Employees) 

⭐ New Business of the Year 

⭐ Business Person of the Year 

⭐ Community Builder of the Year 

⭐ Outstanding Workplace of the Year 

⭐ Outstanding Customer Service Award 

⭐ Sustainable Business Practices 

⭐ Emerging Business Person of the Year 

⭐ Non-Profit of the Year 

⭐ Innovation Award 

🏆 ❤️ Nominate a business you love today at the link in our bio!

#VicBizAwards2026 #YYJBiz #YYJEvents victoriachamber chambernetwork victoriabc yyj greatervictoria
Get @reshare_app • @thegem_littlegem PSA to shop s Get @reshare_app • @thegem_littlegem PSA to shop small! Imagine if we all bought local all the time, our towns would thrive. Grab a six pack from the brewery, treats from the bakery, wine from a small shop, gift cards to your fave restaurant and a gift from the local store.  It means the world to us. - Sincerely all small businesses everywhere.

#shopsmall #shoplocal #shophandmade shopsmallbusinesses shoplocal shoplocally
Get @reshare_app • @canadian_herb_conference We’re Get @reshare_app • @canadian_herb_conference We’re already feeling the buzz and it’s no wonder. 💚

The Vancouver Island Herb Gathering is returning June 26–29, 2026, and interest is through the forest canopy! 🌲

✨ This time, we’re honoured to welcome a triple keynote lineup unlike any other:
David Winston • Rosemary Gladstar • Nancy Turner

It’s going to be a truly unforgettable weekend of learning, connection, and celebration on the land.

🌿 Here’s your insider tip:
If you’re a Canadian Herb Conference 2025 ticket holder, you’ll receive first access to register for the Gathering before tickets open to the public!

We do expect this event to sell out quickly so if you’ve been dreaming of being part of it, this is your gentle nudge to grab your 2025 CHC ticket and get ready for your early invite.

🗓️ Save the date: June 26–29, 2026
📍 @innisfreefarm.botanicgarden, Vancouver Island, BC
🎟️ First access for CHC attendees - get your ticket now at herbconference.com
Get @reshare_app • @startupcanada Discover how wom Get @reshare_app • @startupcanada Discover how women in arts and media are shaping the future of Canada’s creative industries.

On December 3 at 12 PM ET, Startup Canada invites women-identifying founders and creatives to a free virtual roundtable built for collaboration and community.

Join fellow artists, storytellers, and creative entrepreneurs to explore how to sustain and scale your creative ventures, navigate industry challenges, and unlock new opportunities for growth and visibility.

Don’t miss this chance to connect directly with industry peers, share experiences, and gain tailored insights to help your creative business thrive.

🔗Register now with the link in bio (spots are limited)!

This marks our final event of 2025! Stay in the loop for our 2026 webinars and industry roundtables by signing up for our newsletter: https://bit.ly/4oSlQEj
Get @reshare_app • @campbellriverchamber Make loca Get @reshare_app • @campbellriverchamber Make local connections on November 20th at our next B2B Mixer at the @coastdiscoveryinn. Meet our Board of Directors and join a short, informative presentation on small business computer security.

Networking, learning, and community all in one place.

Register for free at campbellriverchamber.ca/events 

#CampbellRiverChamber #B2BMixer #CampbellRiver #VancouverIslandBusiness #ShopLocal #NetworkingEvent
Get @reshare_app • @vialliance Much of what we eat Get @reshare_app • @vialliance Much of what we eat on Vancouver Island comes from the mainland - but industry leaders say it’s time to grow local, resilient food systems.

At the VIEA ‘State of the Island’ Economic Summit, experts discussed how supporting local farms, fisheries, and food processors can boost food sovereignty, jobs, and community connection. Vancouver Island’s small-scale, diverse farms and collaborative networks offer unique opportunities for value-added products, micro-entrepreneurship, and stronger local food economies.

Collaboration, policy support, and long-term planning are key to building a food system that works for everyone.

Thanks to panelists Sabrina Crowley, Owner of Casanova Seafoods; Kent Mullinix, Director of the Institute for Sustainable Food Systems at Kwantlen Polytechnic; James Donaldson, CEO of the BC Food & Beverage Association; Gaby Wickstrom, General Manager of Namgis Business Development Corp.; and Maurita Prato, executive director of LUSH Valley Food Action Society for participating.

Also thanks to Karl Yu, Nanaimo News Bulletin for covering this important conversation!

Link to news and media in our bio to read more.

Photo Credit @dirk.heydemann 

#VIEA #VIEASummit #VancouverIsland #LocalFood #FoodSov.reignty #EatLocal #SustainableFood #IslandGood #SupportLocal #FarmToTable #FoodSystems #CommunityFood #LocalFarms #SeafoodSustainability #IslandEconomy #SustainableLiving #FoodSecurity
Get @reshare_app • @gathercomox Workshop Layout ✨ Get @reshare_app • @gathercomox Workshop Layout ✨
Gather was made to showcase the many cool makers, thinkers, and creatives in the Comox Valley and beyond.

With flexible layouts from clustered tables to open central workspaces it’s the perfect place for hands-on learning, mindful gatherings, and inspired collaboration. 

Book your next workshop @gathercomox 
Visit link in Bio 💚

#GatherComox #WorkshopsAtGather #CreativeCommunity #HostAtGather #ComoxValleyEvents #GatherTogether #MakersAndThinkers
Get @reshare_app • @tofinochamber The Business Exc Get @reshare_app • @tofinochamber The Business Excellence Awards are back! 🎉
Nominations are officially open. From now until November 30, 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 5 minutes).

Who can you nominate? Any business operating in the Tofino Region.

Do you need to be a Chamber member? Nope! Anyone can nominate.

💼 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

We have a very special local feature artist this year, can you take a guess? Make sure your following to find out more about this years theme!

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

Nominations close November 30. 

Gala: February 26, 2026 🎊
Early bird tickets now on sale: $95 (save $30 until Jan 15!) 
Secure your spot: Visit link in bio

#TofinoBusinessAwards #TofinnoChamber #BusinessExcellence #RenewalByDesign #SupportLocal #TofinoBC
Get @reshare_app • @comoxvalleywbn Welcome to the Get @reshare_app • @comoxvalleywbn Welcome to the WBN Marketplace 2025
📅 Date: November 8th from 1pm-5pm
📍 Location: Crown Isle Resort
Over the next few weeks, we’ll be introducing you to our amazing WBN Members who will be our vendors at the Marketplace!

Featured Vendor: VI Portraits
Fine art portrait photography.
Visit VI Portraits at the WBN Marketplace or explore online: https://www.viportraits.com/

#WBNMarketplace #SupportLocal #WomenInBusiness #VIPortraits
Get @reshare_app • comoxvalleychamber Imagine your Get @reshare_app • comoxvalleychamber Imagine your team feeling more aligned, motivated, and moving together toward your vision. Make that a reality at our next breakfast speaker series, Nov 20 at Bites & Insights. Get your spot now & fuel your business for what’s next. 
#comoxvalleychamber  #BusinessBreakfast #LeadershipTools #bitesandinsights
Get @reshare_app • @thesulis.co (Courtenay) 𝗣𝗶𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗿 Get @reshare_app • @thesulis.co (Courtenay) 𝗣𝗶𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀… 

A room full of women, not just networking, yet rising together.

We’re activating healing, reigniting joy, and redefining what it means to gather. 

It’s more than a women’s group, it’s a movement. 

A space where collaboration fuels confidence, where we cheer each other on, and where big dreams are not just welcomed, they’re encouraged. 💛

This is the power of community. This is Sulis Collective. 

Are you ready to step into it? 

#RiseTogether #SulisCollective #WomenSupportingWomen #Community
Get @reshare_app • @tofinochamber The State of Bus Get @reshare_app • @tofinochamber The State of Business in Tofino: Insights, Challenges + Opportunities. What’s driving growth—and what’s holding it back?

The Tofino Chamber’s 2025 Business Retention + Expansion (BRE) Summary Report is here, offering a deep dive into the realities of doing business in Tofino today.

📊 Based on 50 in-depth interviews across all seven sectors, the report reveals:
How housing and infrastructure are shaping business decisions
Where leadership and investment are most needed
Opportunities for collaboration and shared solutions
The resilience and optimism that continue to define our business community

This timely snapshot highlights both the enduring appeal of Tofino’s economy and the growing pressures that threaten its sustainability.

Because when local business succeeds, our whole community thrives.

🔗 Explore the full report: https://www.tofinochamber.org/bre
#TofinoBusiness #TofinoChamber #BRE2025 #CommunityEconomy #LocalBusiness
Get @reshare_app • @comoxvalleyarts We’re excited Get @reshare_app • @comoxvalleyarts We’re excited to announce Charlie Karumi (@charliekarumi) as an Incubator Microgrant recipient! Charlie Karumi’s More of That, Please! (@more.of.that_please) brought community voices to life through five pop-up podcast sessions in the Comox Valley, including farmers’ markets and Pulse on the Plaza. Participants shared personal stories, reflections, and local insights, producing dozens of uplifting short-form clips that continue to engage the public online. The project highlighted the energy and positivity of the region, receiving media coverage in the Comox Valley Record and reinforcing the impact of community storytelling. 

For more information about Charlie’s project and other 2025 Microgrant recipients, check out our website: https://comoxvalleyarts.com/programs/incubator-microgrant-program/ 

The Incubator Microgrant Program by CV/Arts is designed to empower artists and practitioners like YOU to create engaging arts experiences for our community. From public art installations to community music programs, we’re here to support a diverse range of initiatives! 

#IncubatorMicrogrant #ComoxValleyArts #CommunityCreativity #LocalArtists #PublicArt #ArtForConnection #CVArts2025
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