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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 • comoxvalleychamber Our Board re Get @reshare_app • comoxvalleychamber Our Board recruitment approach has evolved. Rather than relying on a static skills matrix, we take a purpose-driven, annual view of Board composition; one that reflects current strategic priorities, emerging opportunities, and the realities of our business community. Each year, the Board identifies where additional perspective or leadership capacity would strengthen governance. Prospective Directors are invited to share what they uniquely bring to the table, rather than fitting into predefined categories. This approach helps us:
-Build a Board that is responsive to the moment
-Value experience, perspective, and leadership style alongside technical skills
-Encourage participation from diverse sectors and backgrounds
-Align Board composition with our strategic plan and annual work plan
apply before February 27, 2026 https://comoxvalleychamber.com/board

#comoxvalleybusiness #comoxvalley
Get @reshare_app • @chinookbusinessadvisory Ready Get @reshare_app • @chinookbusinessadvisory Ready to buy a business in Canada with confidence?

Learn the key steps to buying a business the right way — from finding the right opportunity and understanding valuation, to due diligence, financing, and closing the deal successfully.

📘 Get the guidance you need to avoid costly mistakes and move forward with clarity.

📅 Feb 12 | ⏰ 9:00 AM PST | 💻 Live on Zoom

Learn more here:
https://chinookmabb.com/how-to-buy-a-business-in-canada

-—

¿Listo para comprar un negocio en Canadá con confianza? 🇨🇦

Conoce los pasos clave para comprar un negocio de forma correcta — desde encontrar la oportunidad adecuada y entender su valor, hasta la debida diligencia, el financiamiento y el cierre exitoso.

📘 Obtén la información necesaria para evitar errores costosos y avanzar con seguridad.

📅 12 de febrero | ⏰ 9:00 AM PST | 💻 En vivo por Zoom

Más información aquí:
👉 https://chinookmabb.com/como-comprar-un-negocio-en-canada
Get @reshare_app • @viwconnect Please join us for Get @reshare_app • @viwconnect Please join us for one of our upcoming VIWC Events! Keeping this schedule simple with local Meet & Greets, and a reminder about our upcoming All About A.I Conference happening in Nanaimo on Feb.7th 

#viwconnect #viwconnectallaboutai #vancouverislandbusinesswomen #vancouverislandsmallbusiness
Get @reshare_app • @communityfuturesbc Prepare you Get @reshare_app • @communityfuturesbc Prepare your business for anything. 🌧️🔥❄️⚡ From floods and wildfires to winter storms and power outages, our website offers essential resources to help you stay informed and resilient. Access alerts, weather updates, evacuation guidance, online workshops, guidebooks, checklists, and practical tools to protect your business and build emergency preparedness skills. 

🔗 https://buff.ly/U3OdbC7 

#RuralResiliency #CommunityFutures #BusinessPreparedness #EmergencyReady #FloodPrep
Get @reshare_app • @bdc_ca 2026 is here. Ready to Get @reshare_app • @bdc_ca 2026 is here. Ready to innovate, grow and build what’s next together. What’s your biggest goal this year?

Ensemble, on innove et on bâtit l’avenir. Quels sont vos grands projets pour cette année?
Get @reshare_app • @comoxvalleywbn Apply Now: DEAD Get @reshare_app • @comoxvalleywbn Apply Now: DEADLINE – Jan 4, 2026
9-Week WBN MENTEE PROGRAM Launching January 2026

Mentee Criteria:
Are you seeking business guidance in a supportive, understanding group willing to share insights and experiences? Are you a CVWBN member? Can you commit to 9 consecutive weeks?

Whether you’re an experienced business owner, new entrepreneur, or just starting your journey, this program is designed to help you learn, grow, and gain clarity. You’ll receive guidance, fresh perspectives, and practical insight from experienced leaders—and have the opportunity to ask questions, receive feedback, and put ideas into action.

MENTEE OPPORTUNITY
APPLY NOW: https://www.cvwbn.org/mentorship

#comoxvalleybusiness #comoxvalley #womensbusinessnetwork
Get @reshare_app • @jdavidingram Lovekin Rock at L Get @reshare_app • @jdavidingram Lovekin Rock at Long Beach in Pacific Rim National Park Reserve. Photographed with a Fujifilm X-T2 and post processed in LightRoom using the Classic Chrome film emulation as a starting point.

#tofino #lovekinrock #pacificrimnationalpark
Get @reshare_app • @locobc So many reasons to buy Get @reshare_app • @locobc So many reasons to buy local this holiday season! What’s your “Because”?

#BCBuyLocal #supportsmallbusiness #buylocalBC #eatdrinklocalBC #BuyCanada BuyCanadian TeamCanada
Get @reshare_app • @comoxvalleywbn SHE SPEAKS – CA Get @reshare_app • @comoxvalleywbn SHE SPEAKS – CALL FOR SPEAKERS 🚨

Are you a woman with a story to share? We’re seeking inspiring speakers to join our She Speaks Ted Talk style event hosted at The Sid Williams Theatre, offering a platform to educate, motivate, and connect with our community in honour of International Women’s Day.

https://www.cvwbn.org/she-speaks-application

@thewebc 
@comoxvalleywbn 
@owbnetwork

#comoxvalley #sidwilliamstheatre #courtenaybc
Get @reshare_app • @victopiacoworkingspace Happy H Get @reshare_app • @victopiacoworkingspace Happy Holidays! We’ll be closed December 24–25 and January 1. See you soon. 🎄
Get @reshare_app • @startupcanada Join #StartupCan Get @reshare_app • @startupcanada Join #StartupCanada as our Director of Partnerships & Growth! 🇨🇦🚀

We’re seeking a revenue powerhouse to secure big partnerships, raise $500k+ annually, and fuel programs that support entrepreneurs nationwide!

As Director of Partnerships & Growth, you’ll:
💼 Lead national fundraising strategy
🤝 Build multi-year corporate partnerships
📈 Drive funding that empowers Canadian founders

We’re looking for someone with:
✅ 7–10 yrs in non-profit or fundraising
✅ Proven record of closing major deals
✅ Passion for supporting early-stage entrepreneurs

This is a fully remote national role. If you’re motivated by ambitious targets AND helping entrepreneurs thrive, this is your next big move!

🔗 Apply now at the link in bio!
Get @reshare_app • @campbellriverchamber Celebrate Get @reshare_app • @campbellriverchamber Celebrate the season with us at our last B2B Mixer of the year🎉

Bring your business cards, meet new connections and reconnect with familiar faces at the @coast_discovery_hotel_Campbell River as we celebrate our incredible Campbell River business community.

📅 Wednesday, December 11
🕔 5:00 – 6:30 pm
📍 Coast Discovery Inn

Registration is free for everyone, but space is limited.
👉 Reserve your spot today at campbellriverchamber.ca/events
#campbellriver #crchamber #b2bmixer supportlocalbusinesses❤️
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
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