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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 • @sidtheatre JUST ANNOUNCED in t Get @reshare_app • @sidtheatre JUST ANNOUNCED in the 2026-2027 CENTRE STAGE SERIES

And this one is BIG!

We’re excited to present an evening with CORY DOCTOROW on TUE NOV 10 where the author, activist, and journalist will share his thoughts around the topic of his recent book “Enshittification: Why Everything Suddenly Got Worse and What To Do About It”.

“Enshittification” describes the degradation in the quality and experience of online platforms over time but Doctorow has argued that it’s coming for absolutely everything, especially when companies get too big to care.

🌄 PRESALE: Thu Aug 6 at 12pm - ENCORE! members get exclusive access
🎟️ ON SALE: Thu Aug 13 at 12pm

🔗 More details:
https://www.sidwilliamstheatre.com/events/cory-doctorow-talks-enshittification/

#comoxvalleybc #courtenaybc #vancouverisland #yqq
Get @reshare_app • @vialliance 🎟️ Summit 2026 regi Get @reshare_app • @vialliance 🎟️ Summit 2026 registration is officially open!

If you’re planning to join us this October, now’s the best time to grab your ticket.

⏰ Early Bird pricing: July 20th – August 31st

New this year: Day Passes go on sale September 1st for anyone who can only attend one day of the conference.

Here’s the part I’d pay attention to...

A VIEA Member full conference pass is $600 during Early Bird.

A single Member Day Pass will be $500 starting September 1st.

For just $100 more, you get the entire conference.

You also don’t need to know exactly who will be attending yet. Lock in your Early Bird price now, assign the attendee later, and if plans change, tickets can be refunded (less a $50 processing fee).

🔗 Register at the link in our bio.

See you at Summit!

#VIEASummit #TeamVancouverIsland #EconomicDevelopment #VancouverIsland #Leadership
Get @reshare_app • @mycommunityfutures 📣 Roundup o Get @reshare_app • @mycommunityfutures 📣 Roundup of myCF Workshops and Webinars for the next two weeks! 

Swipe 👉 to explore learning opportunities designed to help you launch or grow your startup, business, social enterprise or nonprofit. 

🔹 Jul 21: Canva for Social Media 
🔹 Jul 23: Developing a Vision and Setting Business Goals 
🔹 Jul 28: Google Business Basics 
🔹 Jul 30: How to Write the Best Copy for Your Website 

📌 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 • @startupcanada The Women’s Brea Get @reshare_app • @startupcanada The Women’s Breakfast Networking powered by @weoc_oefc is coming to Victoria ☀️

An intimate morning for women founders to connect, share honestly, and start the day in community. Good energy, good conversation, the kind of morning that sets the tone.

Included with your Startup Canada Tour ticket! Link in bio to register!

Presented by @ups_canada @soctiabank @pizzahutcanada

#StartupCanadaTour #VictoriaEntrepreneurs #VictoriaSmallBusiness #VictoriaEvents
Get @reshare_app • @cvimsnanaimo Join our team at Get @reshare_app • @cvimsnanaimo Join our team at CVIMS and be part of a purpose-driven organization that values equity, diversity, inclusion, and respect for all people.

We’re currently hiring for the following positions:

NEWCOMER INTEGRATION SPECIALIST [Term Contract]
DIGITAL SKILLS NAVIGATOR [Full Time]
LINC SUBSTITUTE TEACHER (Casual)
HEALTH NAVIGATOR (Full time)

If you’re passionate about supporting newcomers, we’d love to hear from you!

Please visit our website to view full job details and to apply:

https://www.cvims.org/about/work-with-us/

#HiringNow #JoinOurTeam #CareersBC #NonProfitJobs #NowHiring CommunityImpact NewcomerSupport WorkWithPurpose CVIMS CVIMSInAction
Get @reshare_app • comoxvalleychamber Summer’s bes Get @reshare_app • comoxvalleychamber Summer’s best business event is back.

Join us for the 3rd Annual Chamber Summer BBQ & Economic Roundtable, presented in partnership with Coastal Community Credit Union.

Business conversations don’t have to happen in a boardroom. Join us lakeside for an evening of local food, live music, and conversations about the future of our coastal economy.

This year’s event will feature:
• An Economic Roundtable exploring The Blue Economy and the future of our coastal economy.
• A locally catered BBQ by LUSH Valley.
• Live music from The Boondock.
• Our signature **Sea-sar Bar**—a fresh coastal twist on the classic Caesar, featuring locally sourced ingredients and topped with fresh Fanny Bay oysters. (Virgin options and other drinks will be available, too!)
• Local vendors, tastings, and artisan products.
• Lawn games, disc golf, apiary tours, and beautiful lush surroundings at Smith Lake Farm.
• Optional glamping to turn your evening into a true staycation.

Whether you come for the conversation, the connections, the food, or simply a summer evening with fellow business and community leaders, this is an event you won’t want to miss.

Early Bird pricing is available until August 1, with savings of $15 per ticket. www.comoxvalleychamber.com/events

Tickets are limited and available now on our website. Watch this space as we introduce our Blue Economy panelists, local food partners, vendors, and more in the weeks ahead.

#comoxvalleybusiness #comoxvalley
Get @reshare_app • @tofinochamber Are you a woman Get @reshare_app • @tofinochamber Are you a woman business owner who would like to connect with others who understand your business joys and challenges? 

@TheWeBC and Tofino Chamber of Commerce are bringing mentoring for #womenentrepreneurs to Tofino. In a Peer Mentoring Group, you’ll gain insights from an experienced entrepreneur, plus build your support system and bolster your business knowledge and confidence. 

Only 8 spots available, learn more and apply at go.we-bc.ca/CommunityPMG

#womenentrepreneurs #womensupportingwomen #tofinobusiness #tofino
Get @reshare_app • @iafbc We’re hiring a Communica Get @reshare_app • @iafbc We’re hiring a Communications & Digital Content Coordinator! ✨🌱

We’re looking for somone who can ding into an impact video, and build a graphic in Canva — all in the same afternoon. This is a full-time, hybrid role (Victoria, BC preferred). Join our team: https://bciaf.ca/careers/

#IAFDelivers #BCAg #BCJobs #YYJJobs #VictoriaBC
Get @reshare_app • @gathercomox ✨ We’re hiring!✨🙌 Get @reshare_app • @gathercomox ✨ We’re hiring!✨🙌

Gather is looking for an Operations & Events Assistant to join our growing team.🙂

If you’re organized, warm, proactive, and love creating meaningful experiences for people, we’d love to hear from you. This part-time role includes supporting community events, working alongside facilitators, and helping keep Gather running smoothly with some administrative support for @canopycomox as well.

Swipe through for the role details, then visit the link in our bio to view the full job description and apply.

Know someone who’d be a great fit? Share this post with them or tag them below. 💫

#ComoxValleyJobs #ComoxHiring #VancouverIslandJobs #ComoxValleyCommunity #WorkInTheComoxValley
Get @reshare_app • @victoriachamber Interested in Get @reshare_app • @victoriachamber Interested in running for the Board of Directors of the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce? 

Find out everything you need to know at this information session facilitated by our Chamber Executive at the Chamber Office!

The meeting includes an overview of the Board roles and commitments, a review of the election process, and is an opportunity to ask questions about getting engaged as a Board Member.

Register on our website through the link in bio!

#victoriabcbusiness #victoriabc
Get @reshare_app • @kfnecdev Something new is comi Get @reshare_app • @kfnecdev Something new is coming… 👀✨

We’ve been working behind the scenes on a fresh new KEDC website, and we can’t wait to share it with you!

Our new site will make it easier to learn about who we are, our business units, partnerships, opportunities, and the work KEDC is doing to support sustainable economic growth for K’ómoks First Nation.

A big thank you to Brad Warren of Logistica Web Design for bringing this vision to life and helping us create a site that reflects KEDC’s work, values, and future growth.

Stay tuned — launch day is coming soon! 🚀

#KEDC #KómoksFirstNation #WebsiteLaunch #ComingSoon #IndigenousBusiness
Get @reshare_app • @northislandemployment 🚨 Friday Get @reshare_app • @northislandemployment 🚨 Friday Job Drop

Fresh opportunities from across the North Island, every Friday.

This week’s featured opportunities include:

Heavy Duty Mechanic
Entry Level Technology & Admin Assistant
Customer Service Supervisor
Pile Driving Bridgeman

Find all the details (and hundreds of other local opportunities) at:
👉 https://niefs.net/job-postings

#vancouverislandjobs #vancouverislandbusiness
Get @reshare_app • @westshorechamber Members, plea Get @reshare_app • @westshorechamber Members, please join us on Tuesday, July 28, 2026 from 8am - 9:30am for coffee and tea with our host the @southislandhometeam at Verity at @royalbaycolwood!

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.

🎟️ Link in bio to register!

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#WestshoreBC #YYJEvents #WestShoreChamber #LangfordBC #MixerEvent
Get @reshare_app • @builtforchange.ca Conversation Get @reshare_app • @builtforchange.ca Conversation & Connection, Campbell River
Join us for a curated conversation over a delicious lunch, kindly hosted by Polaris Law Collective (PLC) in their beautiful Campbell River office with a local harpist setting the tone.
This month’s topic is Navigating Constant Change in Business, a conversation for founders and leaders who know what got them here won’t get them where they need to go next. 
A small group, one room with honest conversations over lunch, provided by PLC.
Friday, July 17, 2026 | 12:00pm– 1:30pm
Polaris Law Collective, Campbell River
$20 ($10 per ticket to a Campbell River Charity)
Space limited. Registration required.
12:00pm– 12:30pm | Informal Networking and Lunch (with a local harpist adding ambience)
12:30pm -1:30 pm| Facilitated Conversation and Networking

Lunch will be provided by Polaris Law Collective and sourced locally in Campbell River.
Bring a founder friend or leader asking the same questions. Interested in co-hosting or sponsoring? Get in touch.

Hosted by @polarislawco 
Facilitated by Lori Lynch & Suzie Read @builtforchange.ca

#campbellriver #campbellriverbusiness
Get @reshare_app • @50thparallelpr Our client, the Get @reshare_app • @50thparallelpr Our client, the @temexwtreatyassociation, is looking for a driven, organized and dynamic individual to join their team as a Communications Generalist.

In this role, you will support their communications work by creating content for multiple social platforms and supporting community engagement. 

If you have a passion for communication, a keen eye for detail and a flexible schedule to accommodate community events, we invite you to apply today at the link in bio @50thparallelpr
Get @reshare_app • @vialliance We attended CANSEC Get @reshare_app • @vialliance We attended CANSEC 2026 in Ottawa as part of a coordinated Team Vancouver Island effort.

CANSEC brings together leaders from across Canada’s defence, marine, aerospace, advanced manufacturing, innovation, and security sectors to explore emerging technologies, partnerships, and procurement opportunities.

Our focus is on strengthening relationships, identifying opportunities, and helping position Vancouver Island as a coordinated, investment-ready region. From marine industries and clean technology to advanced manufacturing, Indigenous partnerships, and innovation, Vancouver Island has world-class expertise with the potential to play an even greater role in Canada’s evolving economy.

We’re looking forward to connecting with organizations from across the country, learning where federal priorities are headed, and bringing those insights back to Vancouver Island’s businesses, communities, and partners.

#CANSEC2026 #VancouverIsland #EconomicDevelopment #TIVI #TeamVancouverIsland
Get @reshare_app • @prismaticcreativeco Episode 2 Get @reshare_app • @prismaticcreativeco Episode 2 of Prism Sessions is LIVE! ✨🎙️

In today’s solo session I’m rambling off about two topics I genuinely love: marketing & branding.

I’ll be breaking down the four marketing foundations every business needs before anything else, as well as the difference between marketing and branding, why your logo is just the starting point, and a simple audit you can do to figure out exactly where your gaps are.

A logo without strategy is just a pretty picture. A logo backed with a plan, now that is something powerful.

I’d love for you to listen to the newest episode 🫶 Available on Spotify + Apple Podcasts (🔗 in my bio!)

A huge thank you to everyone following along & who has supported me on this new journey! 💖
Get @reshare_app • @thewebc Many entrepreneurs thi Get @reshare_app • @thewebc Many entrepreneurs think they have a marketing problem when, in reality, they have a strategy problem. The key to making confident business decisions is knowing which numbers matter, how to track them, and what they’re telling you about your business.

Join us for this free WeCafé with Sarah Campbell, Director of Studio 3 Creative, as we explore the KPIs that can help you better understand your marketing performance and business growth. You’ll learn:
• What KPIs are and how to connect them to your business and marketing goals
• How to think about your marketing funnel, from traffic to revenue
• The key numbers every business owner should be tracking
• How to interpret your results and make informed decisions about your marketing efforts
• Simple communication habits that can help you turn more leads into clients

You’ll leave with practical insights you can put into action right away to start turning your marketing into measurable results.

This session is free and open to everyone. Register today at go.we-bc.ca/KPIWecafe

#WeBC #WomenEntrepreneurs #SmallBusinessBC #BusinessGrowth #MarketingStrategy KPIs Entrepreneurship WeCafe
Get @reshare_app • @westshorechamber Members, plea Get @reshare_app • @westshorechamber Members, please join us to eat, drink, be merry on Thursday, July 23, 2026 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM! This event is a great way to connect with the WestShore Chamber community while getting to know our host @icavictoria at @hobfinefoods with @houseofboateng.

🎟 Link in bio to register!

📍 HOB Fine Foods - 101 - 2829 Peatt Rd
📆 Thursday, July 23, 2026
⏰ 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Please read through all of the details on the events page before registering! As we’ll be hosting two mixers in July, we kindly ask members to register for just one so that more people have the chance to attend and enjoy the experience.

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#yyjevents #networkingevent #cityoflangford #westshorebc #langfordbc victoriabc communityevents yyj yyjbiz colwoodbc WestshoreChamberofCommerce westshorechamber
Get @reshare_app • @humantouchit Something excitin Get @reshare_app • @humantouchit Something exciting is coming soon! 🎙️

We’re thrilled to announce that our podcast with @charliekarumi, in partnership with the Chamber comoxvalleychamber , will be released soon.

This image has a little twist: the background was enhanced using artificial intelligence. Why? Because we believe AI is a powerful tool when it serves people—not when it replaces them.

At Human Touch IT, our mission is simple: less artificial intelligence for its own sake, more human touch where it matters most. Technology should amplify creativity, strengthen relationships, and keep people at the heart of every conversation.

Stay tuned for an inspiring discussion about innovation, community, and the balance between technology and genuine human connection.

#HumanTouchIT #HumanTouch #Podcast #AI #Innovation Community ComoxValley ChamberOfCommerce
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