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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 Liz Wootton & 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

Posted @withregram • @ventureconnectcanada Explo Posted @withregram • @ventureconnectcanada Explore your options for purchasing a business with financing options through our partners at Community Futures. While we do not offer financing, Community Futures offices across Canada do. Find your nearest office and start the journey towards business ownership.

#financing #businessfinancing #businessservices #servicesforbusiness #businessadvising #businessprofessionals
#sellerfinancing #businessowner #businessbuyer #buyingabusiness #sellingabusiness #businessesforsale #businessesforsalecanada
Posted @withregram • @sookechamber Have you cast Posted @withregram • @sookechamber Have you cast your vote? Don’t miss your chance to support Sooke’s brightest stars!  #SookeExcellence #VoteToday Voting ends Sept 28th!
https://sookeregionchamber.com/business-excellence-awards/

#sooke #sookebc #sookebusiness
Posted @withregram • comoxvalleychamber Final Ca Posted @withregram • comoxvalleychamber Final Call: Secure Your Spot at the 2024 Employer Symposium –
What are your top challenges as an employer? Let’s talk solutions over breakfast. 
Unlock the future of work at the 2024 Employer Symposium, where we dive into the cutting-edge technologies and strategies transforming today’s workforce. 
From AI integration to remote work solutions, and from diversity initiatives to modern talent acquisition, this event is designed to empower local businesses to thrive in a rapidly changing economy.
Enjoy insightful presentations, expert panels, and networking opportunities with industry leaders, all while exploring innovations that can fuel your company’s success. 
Plus, connect with attendees at the Tradeshow, hosted in the lobby of Crown Isle Resort throughout the event.
Event proceeds will partially support Comox Valley Ground Search & Rescue, ensuring your participation helps both your business and the community.
Don’t miss out on the knowledge and connections that will shape your business for the future! Register on our website.

https://conta.cc/4eRgNzw
Posted @withregram • @reimaginework We’re Hiri Posted @withregram • @reimaginework We’re Hiring! Fluorescent is seeking a Marketing Coordinator.

📍 Remote, Canada | 💼 Full-Time | ⏳ 12 Month Term (possibility to extend)

💰 $55,000 - $75,000 annually

🗓️ Apply by November 17, 2024

About Us:
Fluorescent is a remote-first Canadian company leading in digital commerce. We’re all about authenticity, innovation, and collaboration!

What You’ll Do:
- Create product-focused content
- Manage SEO and social media marketing
- Expand our partnership program
- Contribute to marketing strategies + more

What We’re Looking For:
- Marketing or communications experience
- Familiarity with Shopify (bonus!)
- Strong organizational skills
- Excellent communication abilities
- Self-starter with a curiosity for digital tools

Perks:
- 💻 Remote work
- 🏖️ 4 weeks vacation
- 🏥 Benefits after 3 months
- 🕰️ 4-day work week option

Ready to shine with Fluorescent? Comment “let’s talk” for a link to the full and complete position

#JobOpening #MarketingJobs #RemoteWork #DigitalCommerce #BCJOBS #NowHiring
Posted @withregram • @comoxvalleywbn How’s you Posted @withregram • @comoxvalleywbn How’s your reputation - and the reputation of your business?
Join us with keynote speaker Colleen Dane, from Zinc Communications on November 13th at 40 Knots Winery.

We’re talking about managing your reputation – and the reputation of your business – is important work both in the good times, and the bad times. Learn about communications strategies that can be used to build the reputation you want,  and to preserve it when there are hurdles – including tips for serving as a strong spokesperson.
Colleen specializes in facilitating and creating productive public conversations. This includes leading communications on work that generates significant public interest. She’s learned first-hand about how information and its delivery impacts public discourse. She holds a Bachelor of Journalism and Communications from Carleton University, Certificate of Marketing from the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology, and certification in International Association of Public Participation (IAP2). As a recovering journalist (Poynter Institute and Jack Webster Foundation fellowships), she loves a tight deadline and challenging issue which makes her an invaluable resource for government and private-sector clients.

Members and guests welcome!
Get your tickets for the November 13th WBN:
https://www.cvwbn.org/store/dinner-meet-up
Posted @withregram • @vialliance The 2024 VIEA ‘State of the Island’ Economic Summit Agenda is Now Complete! 

We’re thrilled to announce that the agenda for this year’s Summit is finalized and it’s packed with can’t-miss sessions! 

Join us for: ✅ Insightful discussions ✅ Expert speakers ✅ Key issues shaping Vancouver Island and the rural islands

This event is designed for business leaders, decision-makers, First Nation communities, local governments, and Island collaborators. Don’t miss this invaluable opportunity!

🗓️ Registration closes at 5:00 PM on Wednesday, October 16th. Act fast to secure your spot!

🔗 Link to our bio to explore the agenda and register today!

📷 credit @dirk.heydemann

#VIEA #VIEA2024 #VISummit #VIEASummit  #VIeconomy #VIalliance  #economicsummit #stateoftheislandeconomicsummit #vancouverislandeconomy #islandsummit2024 #VIEASummit #VancouverIsland #Networking
Posted @withregram • @tofinochamber 🌟 Calling Posted @withregram • @tofinochamber 🌟 Calling all local businesses! 🌟 Join us for the Stronger Together: Joint Advertising Workshop with Tourism Tofino, and discover how collaborative advertising can help your business reach new heights. 

📅 Date: October 16, 2024
📍 Location: The Maq
⏰ Time: 5-6:30 pm

In this interactive workshop, you’ll learn strategies to maximize your marketing impact through joint advertising efforts. 💡 Let’s grow stronger together! 💪

Register now by emailing bre@tofinochamber.org
Details on our events page
Posted @withregram • @victoriachamber Exciting n Posted @withregram • @victoriachamber Exciting news - we’re hiring!

We’re on the lookout for passionate, detail-oriented, and driven individuals to join our team, in two open positions:

⭐ Membership Representative
This role is responsible for driving membership growth and managing advertising sales. Working closely with the Membership Team, the Membership Representative will have a key role in member engagement, member retention, and cancellations. 
📅 Deadline: October 11, 2024

⭐ Administration Assistant
This position involves a range of administrative tasks, including data management, member engagement, and office organization. This role will also provide support to the Membership Team & Events Team, assisting with event preparation and membership communications. 
📅 Deadline: October 18, 2024

💼 These positions are accepting applications via email to operations@victoriachamber.ca. Learn more on The Chamber’s Job Board >>> Head to the link in our bio!

#victoriachamber #chambernetwork #yyjBiz #victoriabc #greatervictoria #yyjjobs #yyj
Posted @withregram • @iwist_org Island Women in Posted @withregram • @iwist_org Island Women in Science and Technology would like to invite you to join them for an inspiring evening with our panel of women in STEM. We are bringing together future innovators from middle school, high school, and post secondary along with professional women in STEM for a candid conversation about their STEM careers.

All are welcome.

Event details:
6:30 - 8:00 pm: Panel discussion
8:00 - 8:30 pm: Networking with STEM professionals and post secondary STEM students

Location: Vic High School, 1260 Grant Street, Victoria, BC

Cost: Free but registration required at iwist.ca/events

Our panelists represent a variety of STEM disciplines and are at different points in their careers:

•	Alison Bird, Seismologist and Liaison & Outreach Officer, Earthquake Early Warning, Natural Resources Canada
•	Michelle Mahovlich, P. Eng, P. GEO, FCSSE, Engineering Consultant and Board Chair, Engineers and Geoscientists BC
•	Sema Hamidi, P. Eng, Project Engineer, @avalonmechanical
•	Jenni Christensen, PhD, RPBio, Founder and CEO, TrichAnalytics Laboratory
•	Emily Murray, UVic Software Engineering student & President, @uvicwecs
•	Kezia Devathasan, PhD student, SEGAL Lab and Program Manager, @inspireuvic
Posted @withregram • @vialliance On this Nationa Posted @withregram • @vialliance On this National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, @vialliance acknowledges the importance of building meaningful relationships with Indigenous communities. We are committed to working in a good way with Indigenous communities to pursue strategic economic opportunities and partnerships that benefit everyone.

Join us on October 22nd at the Vancouver Island Conference Centre for an Economic Reconciliation Workshop - In partnership with the @nanaimochamber. Facilitator Desiree Baker is joined by keynote speaker Angela von den Hout and panelist Erralyn Joesph, Kear Porttris and Trevor Cootes. Participants will explore the principles of economic reconciliation and learn strategies to support inclusive growth and mutual prosperity. 10:00 am to 3:00 pm includes lunch.

For more information and to register go to https://nanaimochamber.bc.ca/economic-reconciliation-in-the-workplace/

#NationalDayForTruthAndReconciliation #EconomicReconciliation #IndigenousPartnerships #NDTR #TruthAndReconciliation
Posted @withregram • @inputcowork Hey everyone! Posted @withregram • @inputcowork Hey everyone! We’re thrilled to invite you to our next monthly social event at Input Cowork on October 17th. Come unwind and mingle while enjoying the stunning works of local talents, Denny Provost (the painter with a flair for the vibrant and captivating) and Dustin Rickman (the metal artist whose creations are pure magic).

We’ll have snacks, drinks, food, and music to keep the good times rolling—all free of charge! Whether you’re an art enthusiast or just looking for a fun, relaxed evening out, this event is for you. Bring your friends, make new connections, and let’s make it a night to remember!

See you there! 🌟🎨🍹
Posted @withregram • @cvfoodbank Send us a messa Posted @withregram • @cvfoodbank Send us a message if you have questions! 

If you are interested and qualified, please send your resume to Dave at executivedirector@comoxvalleyfoodbank.ca. 

We look forward to hearing from you!
Posted @withregram • @artgalleryvic 👋 Interes Posted @withregram • @artgalleryvic 👋 Interested in becoming a part of our dynamic team?

✔️ Graphic Designer & Social Media Coordinator is a new role at the AGGV and is now open for application.  If this opportunity sounds like the right fit for you, please get in touch with your resume and cover letter to careers@aggv.ca. 🖥️

👉 For full position details, check out our link in bio - “AGGV Careers”

#AGGV #AGGVcareers #ArtGallery #yyjCareers #yyjGraphicDesign #yyjSocialMedia
Posted @withregram • @stateandstory ⚡️ This Posted @withregram • @stateandstory ⚡️ This Thursday ⚡️

After a wee summer break we are back ✨

Kick off autumn with your fave (or soon-to-be fave!) creative folks: Thursday September 19th, 5-7pm at @heraldstbw 🍻

Bring your creative friends / colleagues / crush(es) / badass-solo-self — grab a drink + enjoy some damn-fine company.

No agenda or weird networky stuff, just great company (and beer). All welcome ✨

New to @stateandstory? Have questions? Don’t hesitate to reach out. Big thanks (as always!) to our pals at @heraldstbw for hosting 🖤
_______

State + Story strives to develop community engagement by bringing like-minded creatives together. No agenda, rules or catch; just good beverages with great people. Everyone welcome.

Our community ranges from designers to engineers, architects to artists, scientists to photographers, students to CEOs. 

You 👏 Are 👏 Creative. 👏
Posted @withregram • comoxvalleychamber Entrepre Posted @withregram • comoxvalleychamber Entrepreneurs hold up our economy! As of December 2022, there were 1.22 million employer businesses in Canada. Of these, 1.19 million (97.8%) were small businesses, 23,395 (1.9%) were medium-sized businesses, and 3,128 (0.3%) were large businesses.
Posted @withregram • @digitaldesks We have limit Posted @withregram • @digitaldesks We have limited tour spaces opened up for this week. If you want a coworking desk for September, come for a tour this week! We have 3 dedicated desks available.

#VictoriaBC
#YYJBusiness
#YYJTech
#VanIsland
#BCTech
#StartupYYJ
#RemoteWork
#DigitalNomad
#WorkFromAnywhere
#SharedOffice
#FlexibleWorkspace
#CollaborativeSpace
#EntrepreneurLife
#SmallBusiness
#WorkLifeBalance
Posted @withregram • @chinookbusinessadvisory Ne Posted @withregram • @chinookbusinessadvisory Need out of your business—like, yesterday? 🏃‍♂️💨

Edward Jones is hosting our very own Morgan Tate for a must-attend webinar on fast-tracking your exit strategy.

Learn how to: 
- Maximize your business value—quickly 
- Avoid costly legal, financial, and HR missteps
- Assemble your A-team for a smooth deal

📅 August 24, 2024 @ 1PM 
🔗https://edwardjones.zoom.us/webinar/register/6017234831101/WN_VhGx9YtoSyGFErJC3oHKTA#/registration
Posted @withregram • @jdavidingram Kennedy Lake Posted @withregram • @jdavidingram Kennedy Lake
Took advantage of a break in the overcast tonight and got out to a “new to me” location at Kennedy Lake on Vancouver Island pre-sunset. Lots of potential at this spot, definitely going to return and spend some time. 

#KennedyLake
#VancouverIsland
#BritishColumbia
#tranquility 
#BeautifulBC
#ExploreBC
#iPhone13
#iPhoneography
Posted @withregram • @gabriola_chamber We’re c Posted @withregram • @gabriola_chamber We’re collaborating with regional Chambers to bring special opportunities to local businesses! On September 27th, you’re invited to participate in the Bigger Mid-Island Business Expo in Nanaimo! 

Connect with new customers, network with potential partners, sell and build awareness of your products or services!

Businesses of all sizes and types are welcome to participate with discounted rates for Chamber members and NFP (not-for-profit) members. 

See a list of exhibitors and learn more on nanaimochamber.bc.ca
#vancouverislandmade #nanaimobc #nanaimobiz #nanaimosmallbusiness #smallbusinessbc #supportlocalvi #nanaimobc #businesstobusiness #greaternanaimo #chamberofcommerce #businesspartners #nanaimobusinesscommunity #shoplocal #shoplocalnanaimo #supportlocalvi #nanaimochamber #explorenanaimo #vancouverisland #midisland #BiggerMidIslandBusinessExpo
@nanaimochamber @parksvillechambr
@ladysmithchamber
Posted @withregram • @victoriachamber Our Chambe Posted @withregram • @victoriachamber Our Chamber Auction is coming up this fall, and we’ve got another great item to get you excited!

Get a look behind the scenes at the @yyjairport with this auction item! This once in a lifetime tour will take you and your guests through YYJ like you’ve never seen it before.

⭐ Interested in having your products or services showcased to a wide audience of potential customers at our auction? Email specialevents@victoriachamber.ca or fill out our 2024 Auction Donation Form by clicking the link in our bio!

📅 When: The Chamber Auction will run from Nov. 10 – 17!
📍 Where: Online! Stay tuned for more info
🎁 Thanks to: Maximum Express, Courier, Freight & Logistics and @parcliving for sponsoring this event

#YYJBiz #YYJEvents #ChamberEvents #ChamberAuction2024 #victoriachamber #chambernetwork #victoriabc #yyj #greatervictoria
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