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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

🌟 Stay connected with the LIFT Startups newsletter 🌟 Stay connected with the LIFT Startups newsletter! 🌟
http://eepurl.com/drBl6X

Want the inside scoop on what’s happening across Vancouver Island? Get emails highlighting business events, resources and more.

#vancouverislandbusiness #victoriabusiness #nanaimobusiness #comoxvalleybusiness #campbellriverbusiness
Get @reshare_app • @artgalleryvic 👋 Join our dynam Get @reshare_app • @artgalleryvic 👋 Join our dynamic team!

The Curatorial, Visitor Experience & Programs (CVEP) Administrator plays a central coordination role across the Curatorial and Visitor Experience & Programs departments. Reporting directly to the Chief Curator and indirectly to the Director, Visitor Experience & Programs, this position supports the planning, delivery, and administration of exhibitions, public programs, education initiatives, and special events.

To learn more about this position and how to apply, visit the link in bio 🔗 CAREERS

🕔 This posting will remain open until 5 pm, Tuesday, February 17, 2026.
Get @reshare_app • @take.me.outside Now Hiring: Ed Get @reshare_app • @take.me.outside Now Hiring: Education Program Coordinator 🌿

Full-time | Remote (Canada) | Maternity-leave coverage

We’re looking for a self-motivated, dynamic, and enthusiastic individual who is passionate about outdoor learning and supporting educators across Canada through our national programs.

🗓 Applications open until February 10, 2026
🔗 Full job description + application details at the link in our bio!
Get @reshare_app • @anchoryourdreams.pod 🎙️ Season Get @reshare_app • @anchoryourdreams.pod 🎙️ Season One, complete.

This finale isn’t just a recap, it’s a reflection on the pause, the lessons, and the stories that shaped this season in ways I couldn’t have predicted.

Every guest who shared their journey reminded me that growth isn’t linear, that fear is normal, and that dreams are anchored through listening, learning, and trusting timing.

Thank you to the women who trusted me with their stories, and to everyone who listened, reflected, and stayed.

Season Two begins soon… grounded, evolved, and ready.

🎧 Season One Finale is live now.
Link in bio.

#businesspodcast #vancouverislandbusiness #businesswomen #comoxvalleybusiness
Get @reshare_app • @wachiay_studio Wachiay Studio Get @reshare_app • @wachiay_studio Wachiay Studio is an award winning well equipped screen printing studio located on Vancouver Island in K’ómoks territory.

Residency artists will have the use of the studio and equipment plus technical assistance from master printer Andy MacDougall.

There will be four residencies between April to October 2026 with two artists sharing the studio in each residency. We invite individual artists, or proposals from two artists working as a team.

Applications are due Feb 2nd, 2026. For details and the application form visit wachiaystudio.com/residency
Get @reshare_app • @campbellriverchamber Why join Get @reshare_app • @campbellriverchamber Why join the Chamber?

We bring local businesses together to build meaningful relationships, amplify business voices, and strengthen our community.

✔️ Build genuine connections with local businesses
✔️ Increase your visibility and credibility in the community
✔️ Stay informed, supported, and connected as your business grows
✔️ Have a collective voice on issues impacting Campbell River’s economy
✔️ Access member-exclusive discounts, programs, and benefits

If you’re curious about getting more connected locally, we’d love to connect — we’re always happy to start a conversation and explore how we can support you.

#campbellriver #campbellriverbusiness #chamberofcommerce
Get @reshare_app • @comoxvalleywbn WBN and WeBC ar Get @reshare_app • @comoxvalleywbn WBN and WeBC are proud to present She Speaks — Courageous Conversations That Change Everything. March 4th

This signature event celebrates the insight, experience, and leadership of women shaping business and community across our region. Taking place in honour of International Women’s Day, She Speaks brings together powerful storytelling, professional perspective, and meaningful connection — offering ideas that spark conversation and takeaways that last well beyond the stage.

Wednesday, March 4, 2026
The Sid Williams Theatre | Courtenay, BC

Our 2026 speaker lineup features an extraordinary group of entrepreneurs and community leaders:

• Ame-Lia Tamburrini @ame_liatamburrini 
• Tasha Page @glacier_counselling 
• Shannon Donohoe-Simpson @shannondonohoesimpson 
• Elisabeth Crisci @elisabethcrisci 
• Dawn Elgin @dawnelgin 
• Allison Seller allisonseller 
• Tracy Holbrook @tracyholbrook 
• Tanja Yardley @tanjayardley 
• Amy Englemark @amyenglemark 

Tickets now available:
https://www.cvwbn.org/she-speaks
@thewebc @sidtheatre
Get @reshare_app • @vialliance Congratulations to Get @reshare_app • @vialliance Congratulations to these @viallance member business finalists for the @businessexaminernews Vancouver Island Business Excellence Awards! 🎉

These awards are an annual celebration of the organizations moving our local economy forward. Each year, business leaders from across the region come together to recognize growth, innovation, and success across industries and company sizes.

👏 2026 VIEA Member Finalists:

➡️ @chek_news 
➡️ @coastalcommunity 
➡️ comoxvalleychamber
➡️ @elite.image
➡️ @hakaienergysolutions
➡️ @midislandcoop
➡️ @motivation.monday.marketing
➡️ @paportauthority
➡️ @petroglyph_dg
➡️ @tighnamara

We’re also excited to share that VIEA has been nominated for Non-Profit Organization of the Year! 🎉

We’re honoured to be recognized alongside so many amazing non-profits doing impactful work across Vancouver Island.

📅 The 2026 Vancouver Island Business Excellence Awards will be held on Thursday, February 19, 2026 at the Vancouver Island Conference Centre in Nanaimo.

Well-deserved recognition - congrats to all the nominees! 🎊

#VIEA #VIBEXAwards #VancouverIslandBusiness #IslandEconomy #BusinessExcellence ShopLocal SupportLocal BCBusiness EconomicDevelopment CommunityStrong
Get @reshare_app • @northislandemployment New Virt Get @reshare_app • @northislandemployment New Virtual Series being offered by WorkBC Centre-North Island. 

Introducing You Inc.

Created to help job seekers living in rural, remote or coastal communities identify their strongest work skills and strengths, explore diverse work options (including self-employment and remote work), connect with WorkBC services and resources that can help them earn a sustainable living.

Four great sessions, and you can attend any or attend all!

Dates and Times: Feb 4, 11, 25 & March 4 - Wednesdays from 1 – 3 pm

Session 1 - Work and Self Employment Pathways - Which One Will Work For You?
Session 2 - Identifying Your Most Marketable Skills and Tapping into Your Market
Session 3 - Remote Work Opportunities and Avoiding Scams 
Session 4 - Self Employment Resources & Developing Your 
Potential/Plan/Pathway Forwards

(IMPORTANT - You will need Internet/WI-FI, laptop and a private place to participate online)

To register for any of the upcoming sessions or for the whole series, call toll free 1-866-286-6788 or email Outreach Coordinator Jenny Evans at jenny.evans@niefs.net
Get @reshare_app • @comoxvalleywbn Women-led. In-p Get @reshare_app • @comoxvalleywbn Women-led. In-person. Community-powered.

The Thrive Series is a new workshop series for women in business and at work, led by local experts — including five CVWBN members.
• Practical skills
• Hands-on learning
• Strong local connection

Early bird pricing is now open, with special pricing for CVWBN members.
Learn. Build. Thrive.

Best Value – Full Series Bundle (6 workshops)
$747 — Buy 6, pay for 5 (regular value $900)
Early Bird / CVWBN Bundle: $700 (limited time)

Individual Workshops
$150 each
Early Bird / CVWBN: $135
(Bundle pricing applies to full series ticket only)

Full Series Bundle:
https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/1978322831845?aff=oddtdtcreator
Get @reshare_app • @crcommunityfoundation 🚀 Applic Get @reshare_app • @crcommunityfoundation 🚀 Applications are officially OPEN!

The Campbell River Community Foundation is accepting applications for our 2026 Community Grants. It is our mission to enrich our community and we are looking to support projects from arts and culture to environment, social services and more.

If your non-profit or registered charity has a project that will make life in Campbell River even better, we want to hear from you!

🗓 Application Window: Jan 15 – Feb 15, 2026 
📍 Who can apply: Registered charities with projects happening within the boundary School District 72. 
🔗 Apply here: https://crfoundation.ca/grant-types/community-grants/

#CampbellRiver #CommunityGrants #GivingBack #CampbellRiverGrants #HelpingPeopleHelpOthers
Get @reshare_app • @designyyj ✨ We’re launching a Get @reshare_app • @designyyj ✨ We’re launching a Co-Design Challenge for Design Victoria 2026 ✨

We’re inviting designers, makers and creative thinkers to help shape a signature feature of the 2026 festival: a public Meeting Point installation where people gather, connect and start their festival experience.

The Meeting Point Co-Design Challenge is a collaborative, hands-on process bringing together people from different disciplines—architecture, engineering, graphic design, fabrication, illustration, lighting and more. Come with a team or come solo and meet collaborators along the way.

Sponsored by @rjc_engineers and @ame_group Group - delivered with @man.and.son.design & @buildingmaterialexchange - the winning design will receive production support and be built using re-used building materials—then installed as the festival hub for Design Victoria 2026.

🛠️ 3 guided co-design sessions
📍 RJC Engineers, The Rotunda (Victoria)
🕟 4:30–6:30pm

📅 Jan 27 • Feb 10 • Feb 24
(Attending all sessions encouraged, not required)

If you love collaboration, making things together, and seeing ideas come to life—this one’s for you.

👉 Link in bio to learn more + sign up

#DesignVictoria #MeetingPoint #CoDesign #CreativeCommunity #DesignChallenge VictoriaBC SustainableDesign MakersOfInstagram PublicDesign
Get @reshare_app • @startupcanada Make 2026 the ye Get @reshare_app • @startupcanada Make 2026 the year your insights and expertise reach entrepreneurs across Canada!

You’re invited to apply to speak at upcoming @startupcanada webinars, industry roundtables, and podcast episodes.

If you have lived experience, practical lessons, or industry insights to share, this is your opportunity to contribute across Startup Global, Startup Women, Startup Podcast, and more. Your perspective can help inform, inspire, and empower founders nationwide.

🔗Apply now with the link in bio!

#businessincanada #businessspeaker
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
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