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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 • @builtforchange.ca Breakfast Ne Get @reshare_app • @builtforchange.ca Breakfast Networking with Built for Change
👉🏻 Join us for a facilitated breakfast conversation and networking with Suzie Read and Lori Lynch from Built for Change.

A small group of business owners and professionals sharing ideas and solutions.

🗓️ This month’s topic: Deciding What Deserves Our Attention in Times of Change
When the conditions keep changing and the options keep growing, how do you decide what matters most?

We’ll explore how business owners and leaders make clearer decisions when priorities compete, new opportunities keep appearing and there are more possible directions than ever.

A practical, peer-led conversation about what helps us choose where to focus and what we can learn from how others approach it.

Friday, Sept 25, 2026
7:30am - 8:30am
Gather Comox, Comox, BC
Coffee and light breakfast bites will be provided.

Space is limited. Registration required.
https://luma.com/b6pwgbdr

Bring a founder friend or leader asking the same questions.
Interested in co-hosting or sponsoring? Get in touch.

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSOR
Home Instead North Island, Courtenay

Tracie Robertson, Owner Home Instead North Island and Island Nursing
Home Instead  is the local provider of personalized in-home care for older adults in the Comox Valley and North Island, part of a global network with more than 1,200 locations worldwide. They offer services like companionship, personal care, and specialized dementia support, all guided by a mission to help people age safely, confidently, and with purpose at home.
@island_nursing_inc
@homeinstead3049

#businessnetworking  #vancouverisland #builtforchange  #peerconversation
Get @reshare_app • @nanaimochamber September’s Bus Get @reshare_app • @nanaimochamber September’s Business After Business is all about meaningful conversations, new connections, and community spirit.

Join the Greater Nanaimo Chamber of Commerce for a relaxed evening hosted by the Rotary Clubs of Nanaimo & Lantzville. It is a great opportunity to meet fellow Chamber members, connect with local business and community leaders, and learn more about Rotary’s long-standing role in service and partnership across our region.

Guests will hear from Evelyn, a Nanaimo business owner, Charter Member of the Rotary Club of Nanaimo Daybreak, and Chair of the Four-Club Partnership Committee, who will share how local Rotary clubs work together to support community projects, fundraising, and service initiatives.

📅 Thursday, September 17, 2026
🕔 5:00–7:00 PM
📍 808 Wing RCAF Association Building, 719 Nanaimo Lakes Rd., Nanaimo

Free for Members | $15 for Future Members

Register through the link in our bio.

#greaternanaimochamberofcommerce  #businessafterbusiness  #nanaimobusiness  #nanaimonetworking  #nanaimobusinesscommunity
Get @reshare_app • @mycommunityfutures Here’s what Get @reshare_app • @mycommunityfutures Here’s what’s coming up next week at myCommunityFutures! 

Explore upcoming learning opportunities to support your business or organization: 

🔹 Sept 8: Key Elements of Service Contracts 
🔹 Sept 9: Sales / Client Acquisition 
🔹 Sept 10: Creating Your Intentional Week 

📌 Business training from Community Futures is free of charge within select CF-service regions. Check eligibility at mycommunityfuturesbc.ca

#vancouverislandbusiness
Get @reshare_app • comoxvalleychamber Join us next Get @reshare_app • comoxvalleychamber Join us next Wednesday, September 9 at LOAM Cumberland. This outdoor lunch-hour experience is designed to help you step away from the demands of your day and reconnect with yourself as we move into Fall 🍂

Facilitated by Annicia, Founder of Shift Experience Collective, together we’ll explore practical breathing patterns and nervous system regulation tools that can be woven into your workday. Leave with accessible practices you can revisit before an important meeting, after a difficult conversation, or anytime you need to reset. 

No yoga experience necessary! Just give yourself permission to pause. 

Tickets are available at comoxvalleychamber.com/events – spots are limited, register now 🎟

#comoxvalleybusiness #chamberofcommerce
Get @reshare_app • @clubkwench Rare opportunity co Get @reshare_app • @clubkwench Rare opportunity coming up! 📣 Private offices for teams of 2 to 20 are available starting October 1, 2026, and January 1, 2027!

☕️ Flexible 1-year lease
☕️ Flexible layout options for remote, hybrid, and enterprise teams, and the in between
☕️ Wave goodbye to overhead costs
☕️ Access to all KWENCH amenities + our radical hospitality
☕️ A highly connected community at your fingertips

+ so much more!

Give your team a turnkey office with wellness, community and support built in.

Get in touch to inquire more. ⬆️🔑

#victoriabc #victoriabcbusiness
Get @reshare_app • @100womenwhocaremidisland Ladie Get @reshare_app • @100womenwhocaremidisland Ladies - Its time to RSVP for the September Giving Meeting

Please let us know you will be joining us, September 16th 7:30pm in Ladysmith

#ladysmithbusiness #ladysmith
Get @reshare_app • @thewebc Help grow opportunitie Get @reshare_app • @thewebc Help grow opportunities for women entrepreneurs in your community!

Applications for the WeBC Pollinator Program intake are now open. Across BC, over 330 WeBC Pollinators are creating meaningful connections, sharing resources, and helping entrepreneurs feel supported every step of the way. 

If you like connecting with fellow business owners, supporting women in business, and making a difference where you live, we invite you to join us!

As a WeBC Pollinator, you’ll become part of a province-wide network of community champions dedicated to helping women entrepreneurs access valuable programs, mentorship, and opportunities.

Along the way, you’ll gain access to exclusive training, networking opportunities, events from our sponsor, @Scotiabank Women Initiative, a complimentary 1-year membership with @athenacollective_, and more.

Applications are open until September 4. 

Learn more and apply by visiting the link in our bio or 👇🏼
go.we-bc.ca/PollinatorProgram

#WomenEntrepreneurs #WeBCPollinator #SupportWomenInBusiness #WomenInBusinessBC #Entrepreneurship CommunitySupport
Get @reshare_app • @saanichpeninsulachamber Your W Get @reshare_app • @saanichpeninsulachamber Your Weekly Update | August 26, 2026

What does your business stand for?

This fall, VIPBC is back with the next conversation in its social purpose series—helping businesses uncover their purpose and turn it into action.

Also this week 👀

👋 Meet our newest member
🤝 A Board opportunity with one of our member organizations
📅 Upcoming events + member opportunities
💼 New local job postings

Want to stay connected to what’s happening in our business community?

👉 Sign up for our weekly newsletter through our website or register for the upcoming VIPBC webinar—link in bio.

#saanichbusiness #saanich #saanichpeninsula
Get @reshare_app • @startupcanada Some of the stro Get @reshare_app • @startupcanada Some of the strongest partnerships start with a simple hello! 👋

Our Startup Canada Tour stops aren’t just about the stage; they’re built on connection! Come meet fellow founders, mentors, and ecosystem builders who are ready to talk shop! You never know who your next connection might be!

Join us in Victoria on September 29 by getting a ticket at the link in our bio!

Presented by @ups_canada @scotiabank @pizzahutcanada

#StartupCanadaTour #VictoriaEntrepreneurs #VictoriaSmallBusiness #VictoriaEvents
Get @reshare_app • @thesulis.co Instagram shouldn’ Get @reshare_app • @thesulis.co Instagram shouldn’t feel like another thing you have to figure out.
If you’re comfortable on Facebook or LinkedIn but Instagram still feels a little…foreign, this one is for you.

Instagram Made Simple is a hands-on, two-hour workshop designed to help you understand how Instagram actually works  and feel confident using it for your business.

We’ll break down:
 → Feed, Stories, Reels & Carousels
 → What to post where
 → How to create and share content
 → Setting up your profile with purpose (and consistency)
 → Engagement, connection & the features that actually matter
 → And plenty of time for your questions

No influencer energy required. No complicated jargon. No expectation that you need to become a full-time content creator.
Simple and practical guidance, hands-on support, and a small group of business owners learning together.

📅 Wednesday, September 9
⏰ 10 AM–12 PM
📍 Sulis Collective
👯‍♀️ Hosted by Meghan of Sulis Collective + Kayleigh of Prismatic Creative
🎟 Only 10 seats 

$39 | $30 for Sulis members

And if you’re ready to go beyond learning how to use Instagram and want to learn what to create, you can continue into our three-part Content That Connects series beginning September 16.

September is a good time to get comfortable with the platform, finish Q3 strong, and head into Q4 with a little more clarity and confidence.

#comoxvalleybusiness #comoxvalley
Get @reshare_app • @iafbc We’re hiring a Communica Get @reshare_app • @iafbc We’re hiring a Communications Coordinator! ✨🌱

We’re looking for someone who likes variety, takes initiative, and can take direction and run with it. IAF moves quickly, so you’ll need to stay organized, manage competing deadlines, and be ready to jump in when something new comes up. This is a full-time, hybrid role (Victoria, BC preferred). Apply by Aug 31, 2026 at 8:00am: https://bciaf.ca/careers/.

#IAFDelivers #bcjobs #yyjjobs #victoriabc
Get @reshare_app • @iwist_org From preparing for e Get @reshare_app • @iwist_org From preparing for earthquakes to unique engineering and technology challenges. These @uvic_ecss women are showing us how the future may look. Congrats and thanks to @rdbrck @shift_browser for their support! 

#vancouverislandbusiness
Get @reshare_app • comoxvalleychamber A huge thank Get @reshare_app • comoxvalleychamber A huge thank you to @cristinesaxon for bringing us some brilliant new books for our Business Community Lending Library! 

If you’re a Chamber member, come in and check it out. We have books on a range of topics including stress management, HR, sales skills, non-profit management and more, all free to borrow 📚 

#BuildingGoodBusiness #BuildingGreatCommunity #chamberofcommerce #comoxvalley
Get @reshare_app • @parksvillechamber We’re excite Get @reshare_app • @parksvillechamber We’re excited to introduce New Voices, a new podcast from the Parksville & District Chamber of Commerce.

Join us for conversations with the newest members of the Parksville & District Chamber of Commerce.

Hear from business leaders, entrepreneurs, and community members who are helping shape our region. Learn from their stories, experiences, ideas, and perspectives — directly from the people behind them.

New Voices is coming soon. Stay tuned for our first episode!

#NewVoices #ParksvilleChamber #ParksvilleBC #Podcast #BusinessCommunity VancouverIsland
Get @reshare_app • @vialliance 🚨 Now accepting pro Get @reshare_app • @vialliance 🚨 Now accepting proposals!

VIEA is looking for a web development partner to build the new Trade & Investment Vancouver Island website.

Help create a modern digital gateway that showcases Vancouver Island to investors, businesses, and partners around the world.

📅 Proposal deadline: September 15, 2026

🔗 Full RFP on our site, link in bio.

#VancouverIsland #WebDevelopment #RFP #EconomicDevelopment #WordPress Investment DigitalStrategy
Get @reshare_app • @blackpresscareerexpos Ready fo Get @reshare_app • @blackpresscareerexpos Ready for your next opportunity? Whether you’re searching for a new career, considering further education or planning a fresh start, the Comox Hiring & Education Expo connects you with employers, schools and training providers—all in one place.

Attend for your chance to win a free laptop 💻and visit our website for more information and to check out which exhibitors will be joining us! https://events.blackpress.ca/career-and-education-expos/comox-career-education-expo-2026/

#comoxvalley #comoxvalleybusiness
Get @reshare_app • @50thparallelpr Crisis communic Get @reshare_app • @50thparallelpr Crisis communications shouldn’t begin when the crisis does.

With communities across BC currently facing an active emergency, our thoughts are first and foremost with those affected, displaced and responding on the ground.

It’s also an important reminder that effective crisis communication begins long before an emergency happens.

During a crisis, communication has a different purpose. It’s less about polished storytelling and more about sharing timely, accurate information that people can easily understand and act on.

Preparation matters. Clear roles, trusted channels, accessible information and an established communications plan can help organizations and communities respond with greater clarity and care when circumstances change quickly.

We’re sharing a few resources that may be helpful in strengthening your own emergency communications planning, as well as organizations providing recovery and evacuation support to communities currently affected.
Get @reshare_app • @nanaimochamber Join us for an Get @reshare_app • @nanaimochamber Join us for an evening of connection, community, and purpose at our August Business After Business, hosted by Crossroads Pregnancy Centre.

This welcoming after-hours event is a chance to connect with Chamber members, local professionals, and community leaders while learning more about the important work Crossroads has done in Nanaimo for nearly 30 years. Guests will have the opportunity to tour the centre, learn about their programs and services, and hear about their new supported transitional housing initiative for pregnant and postpartum mothers experiencing housing insecurity.

📅 Tuesday, August 18, 2026
🕔 5:00–7:00 PM
📍 1717 Kerrisdale Road, Nanaimo, BC

Registration is open. Please register using the link in our bio.

A parking map is attached for your convenience, as on-site parking is limited.

#GreaterNanaimoChamber #BusinessAfterBusiness #NanaimoBusiness #CommunityConnection #CrossroadsPregnancyCentre NetworkingNanaimo
Get @reshare_app • @mycommunityfutures Here’s what Get @reshare_app • @mycommunityfutures Here’s what’s coming up next week at myCommunityFutures! 

Explore upcoming learning opportunities to support your business or organization: 

🔹 Aug 18: Instagram Analytics 
🔹 Aug 20: Crafting a Newsletter 

📌 Business training from Community Futures is free of charge within select CF-service regions. Check eligibility at mycommunityfuturesbc.ca 

#mycommunityfutures #cfbc #onlinebusinesstraining #bcentrepreneurs
Get @reshare_app • @ypnanaimo Sign up through a fr Get @reshare_app • @ypnanaimo Sign up through a free ticket on our event page!

Nanaimo Hospice is looking for Volunteer’s for their Hike for Hospice event on Sept 12! 
Funds raised help us provide free programs and services to children, youth, adults, and families in our community who are navigating end-of-life experiences, death, and grief.

#nanaimobusiness #nanaimobc
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