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Strategic Plans

Strategic Plan

The Comox Valley Regional Economic Development Strategic Plan Update was prepared to guide economic development activities in the Comox Valley over the five-year period from 2013 to 2017.

It was prepared as part of the 5 Year Agreement between Comox Valley Economic Development Society and the Comox Valley Regional District (CVRD), as the contracted agency responsible for economic development services in the CVRD. The strategy will be successfully implemented with the continued participation and joint efforts of the region’s municipalities (Courtenay, Comox and Cumberland) and Regional District, K’omoks First Nation, and many other partners in the public and private sectors.

High-level references to economic development in the Regional Growth Strategy, Sustainability Strategy and available municipal Official Community Plans are referenced in the Plan. As the economic “department” for the regional government, as well as the individual municipalities, CVEDS can use its expertise and track record to determine the specific programs and actions that are most likely to achieve these regional objectives, in the areas over which CVEDS provides services and support.

Strategic Plans

• Comox Valley Economic Development & Tourism Strategic Plan Update
• Employment & Industrial Lands Based FDI Strategy – April 2016

Work Plan

• 2019
  • Comox Valley Economic Development & Tourism Annual Work Plan
    • Q1 Highlights
    • Q2 Highlights
    • Q3 Highlights
    • Q4 Highlights (coming soon)
  • Presentation to Local Governments
    • Comox Valley Regional District, January 2019
    • Town of Comox, May 2019
    • Comox Valley Regional District, June 2019
    • Town Of Comox, September 2019
    • City of Courtenay, October 2019

• 2018
  • Comox Valley Economic Development & Tourism Annual Work Plan
    • Q1 Highlights
    • Q2/Q3 Highlights
    • Q4 Highlights
  • Presentation to Local Governments
    • City of Courtenay, April 2018
    • Comox Valley Regional District, April 2018
    • Town of Comox, May 2018
    • City of Courtenay, December 2018

VIVC Annual Report

• 2018 VIVC Annual Report
• 2017 VIVC Annual Report
• 2016 VIVC Annual Report
• 2015 VIVC Annual Report

Annual Report

• 2018 Annual General Meeting Report 
• 2017 Annual General Meeting Report
• 2016 Annual General Meeting Report
• 2015 Annual General Meeting Report
• 2014 Annual General Meeting Report

 

Past Workshops

2019

Tourism & Professional Development Week – October 21 – 24, 2019
BC Seafood Expo Presentations – June 12 & 13, 2019

2018

2018 Food & Beverage Development Workshop – November 21, 2018

2017

Business Viability: Analysis and Forecasting – October 20, 2017
Building Employee Skills: How to Access the Canada-B.C. Job Grant – October 19, 2017
Tech Talk CV – October 18, 2017
Start Smart Series – October 18, 2017
Operations for Small Business – October 17, 2017
Get Started with Email Marketing – October 16, 2017
Instagram Marketing for Busy Entrepreneurs – October 16, 2017
Business Planning for Developing Businesses – October 16, 2017
Fall Forward Tourism Mini Conference – September 28, 2017
Certified Organic Associations of BC Roadshow – September 20, 2017
BC Seafood Expo – June 12-14, 2017

2016

MIT Regional Outreach Seminar – March 10, 2016

2015

BC Provincial Nominee Program Update – October 27, 2015
BC Abattoirs Premium & BC Restaurants and Foodservices – October 21, 2015
Advanced Online Reputation Management – October 14, 2015
Economics of Organic – September 24, 2015
BC Seafood Expo & Workshop Series – June 13-14, 2015

2014

Industrial Lands – June 27, 2014
Seafood Global Growth Strategies – June 19, 2014

2008

Agri-Tourism Marketing Caravan – Oct. 6, 2008

Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)

COVID-19 Business Resource Centre

Last edited: April 3, 2020

We’re Here to Help You During the COVID-19 Crisis

If you’re a business in the Comox Valley join our e-newsletter for news and updates, including COVID-19 information.

Check the Comox Valley Businesses Services during COVID-19 webpage to view what level of modified business services are available locally during this difficult time.

Have a question that can’t be found on this website? Email Comox Valley Economic Development & Tourism at COVID-19@investcomoxvalley.com

Comox Valley Business Impacts Survey

To help benchmark and track the impacts COVID-19 is having on area businesses and sectors, Comox Valley Economic Development & Tourism has released a COVID-19 Comox Valley Business Impacts Survey and encourage all area businesses to complete it – click here to take the survey.

 

Latest News & Current Updates

April 2 – Emergency support is on its way for regional businesses

April 2 – Government of Canada provides guidance on services and functions deemed essential to Canada’s critical infrastructure during COVID-19

April 2 – Premier’s task force to support BC economy during, after COVID-19

April 1 – Government announces details of the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy to help businesses keep Canadians in their jobs

April 1 – Province supporting people with relief on power bills during COVID-19

April 1 – CVRD Board Approves Funding to Assist in Community COVID-19 Response

April 1 – COVID-19 Suppply Hub connects needed medical supplies to health workers

March 31 – Province extends state of emergency to support COVID-19 response

March 31 – BCEDA has updated their online Resource for BC Businesses Guide under the sections: Province of BC COVID-19 Leave, Managing COVID-19 Stress, Anxiety & Depression, BC CDC Information for Food Businesses, and more

Upcoming Webinars:

• April 2: Weekly Economic Response & Recovery teleconference call – BCEDA
• April 3: The BC Tech Virtual Connection Day – BC Tech Association. Apply by March 31 via this link
• April 3: Staying Resilient in Extraordinary Times – Small Business BC
• April 3: What you need to know about qualifying & applying for the Temporary Wage Subsidy for Employers – Vancouver Island Economic Alliance (VIEA)
• April 3: Adaptive Leadership in the Face of Crisis – Greater Vancouver Board of Trade
• April 6: Navigating COVID-19 – Contract Performance – Greater Vancouver Board of Trade
• April 8: Generating Business Growth through the COVID-19 Crisis – CGLCC; Canada’s LGBT+ Chamber of Commerce

Small Business BC Digital Meetups – view here

• April 6: Small Business Community Chat
• April 7: Commercial Lease and Contractual Law – Your Questions Answered
• April 8: COVID-19 – Managing Your Cash Flow

Videos or Recordings of Recent Webinars

• March 31: Legal Implications of Staffing Decisions During Crisis – Vancouver Island Economic Alliance
• March 27: How to Access Free Government Services for Your Business – Vancouver Island Economic Alliance
• March 26: Funding and Short Term Financing Options Recording Part 1 & Part 2 – Small Business BC
• March 26: Getting Online with Shopify – Small Business BC
• March 25: How to Cope with the Impacts of COVID-19 on your Business – Business Development Bank of Canada
• March 24: Keeping Good Company While Preparing for the Next Step – Vancouver Island Economic Alliance
• March 19: Long term priorities for Canada’s post-pandemic economy – Business Council of BC

Small Business Resources

Please find links below (in alphabetical order) with resources for small businesses from a variety of government and industry sources around COVID-19 and emergency preparedness.

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada: Industry questions and answers, as well as related links here

BC Economic Development Association:

• Weekly Economic Response & Recovery teleconference calls starting April 2: register here
• COVID-19 Business Impacts Survey Results here
• COVID-19 Resources for BC Businesses Guide here
• Business Retention and Expansion Tools here
• Community Tips for Response & Recovery here
• Planning for Coronavirus – A Guide for Businesses and Organizations here
• Workplace and Employer Resources and Suggestions here

BC Hydro offers billing help during outbreak:

• The COVID-19 Customer Assistance Program provides customers the option to defer bill payments or arrange for flexible payment plans with no penalty. Customers are encouraged to call BC Hydro’s customer team at 1 800 BC HYDRO (1 800 224 9376) to discuss bill payment options. Commercial customers will be eligible for relief on a case by case basis.
• Customers facing temporary financial hardship and possible disconnection of their service due to job loss, illness, or loss of a family member may also be eligible for BC Hydro’s Customer Crisis Fund, which provides access to grants of up to $600 to pay their bills.

BC Restaurant & Foodservices Association:

• OneTable asking restaurants to share their story and make their voice heard here
• Restaurant Sector COVID-19 Impact Survey here
• Need for temporary staff, March 24 release here
• Support your local restaurant with take-out or deliver image here
• For updates follow BCRFA on Twitter
• Printable signage for restaurant owners and operators here

Business Development Bank of Canada:

Support for entrepreneurs impacted by the coronavirus COVID-19. With flexible and tailored solutions, BDC can help you through this situation with the right financing and advice for your business.

• Small Business Loan Up to $100,000 can be obtained online in as little 48 hours from time of approval.
• Working capital loan Get extra funds to bridge cash flow gaps and support everyday operations.
• Purchase Order Financing Increase your cash flow to fulfill domestic or international orders with very flexible terms.
• You can also rely on our Advisory Services experts for tools and support to review your financial management and operations.

Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation: Dealing with Mortgage Payment Difficulties here

Canadian Bankers Association: Canada’s Six Biggest Banks Take Decisive Action to Help Customers Impacted by COVID-19 here

Canadian Chamber of Commerce: Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic Preparedness Business Guide here

Calling All Suppliers – Help Canada Combat COVID-19:

• The Government of Canada is seeking information from suppliers on their ability to provide products and services. Fill out this form if you can provide items from the list below, or any other product or services not listed.
• Products: Disposable N95 masks, Disposable Surgical masks, Nitrile gloves, Vinyl gloves, Gowns, Bottles of hand sanitizer, Other prevention products.
• Services: Guard / security services, Nursing services, Food services, Laundry services, Accommodation maintenance services, Personal services, IT support services, Other services.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

• Stop the Spread of Germs printable poster
• Symptoms of Coronavirus Disease printable poster

CGLCC – Canada’s LGBT+ Chamber of Commerce: updates and information here

• Weekly calls for LGBT+ businesses across Canada regarding the status of COVID-19 here

Comox Valley Chamber of Commerce: COVID-19 resources for businesses here

Department of Finance Canada: Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan here

• The Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy

Destination BC: Emergency Preparedness for BC’s Tourism Industry here and specific info about the Coronavirus here

Destination Canada: COVID-19 Updates here

Emergency Preparedness BC: Small Business and Tourism Operator Emergency Planning here including:

• Supply products and services to support BC’s COVI-19 response here
• Prepared BC Guide for Small Businesses
• Prepared BC Emergency Plan for Small Business
• Prepared BC Guide for Tourism Operators
• Prepared BC Emergency Plan for Tourism Operators

Employment Insurance: Service Canada is ready to support Canadians affected by COVID-19 and placed in quarantine.

• New Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB): taxable benefit of $2,000 a month for up to 4 months here
• Benefits for the Self-Employed: If you operate your own business, or if you work for a corporation but cannot access EI benefits because you control more than 40% of the corporation’s voting shares.
• Work-Sharing Program: temporary special measures for employers affected by the downturn in business due to COVID-19 here.
• EI Sickness Benefits: provide up to 15 weeks of income replacement. Canadians quarantined can apply for EI sickness benefits
• Emergency Care Benefit: providing up to $900 bi-weekly, for up to 15 weeks.  Application will be available in April 2020.
• Record of Employment: instructions for employers
  • If your employees are directly affected by the coronavirus (COVID-19) and they are no longer working, you must issue a Record of Employment (ROE).
  • When the employee is sick or quarantined, use code D (Illness or injury) as the reason for separation (block 16). Do not add comments.
  • When the employee is no longer working due to a shortage of work because the business has closed or decreased operations due to coronavirus (COVID-19), use code A (Shortage of work). Do not add comments.
  • When the employee refuses to come to work but is not sick or quarantined, use code E (Quit) or code N (Leave of absence), as appropriate. Avoid adding comments unless absolutely necessary.

Export Development Canada: Information for Canadian exporters impacted by COVID-19 here

• EDC provides relief for Canadian businesses during COVID-19 crisis here

Farm Credit Canada: FCC’s response to COVID-19, including additional lending capacity here

Facebook: offering $100M in cash grants and ad credits for eligible small businesses across the countries where they operate.

• Small Business Grants Program information here

Foreign Trade Zone – Vancouver Island (FTZVI): If you are a Canadian manufacturer or business that can assist Canada in meeting the need for medical supplies, your help is needed. If you can say yes to the following, they want to hear from you by sending a short summary of your offer to ic.mid-dim.ic@canada.ca.

• You manufacture in Canada and/or have ready access to necessary inputs through your supply chain.
• You have equipment or facilities that can be rapidly re-tooled to meet medical needs, including for personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, masks and surgical gowns; sanitizers; wipes; ventilators; and other medical equipment and supplies.
• You have skilled workers who are able to respond and who could be available for work in the current circumstances.

FortisBC:

• COVID-19 may have financial impacts to FortisBC customers. They encourage customers to reach out and let them know if you are having difficulty with your bill so they can help find a solution.

Go2HR: Health and safety resources here

• Job Board (browse jobs by sector) here
• COVID-19 HR information & updates here
• COVID-19 FAQs for Tourism Employees here

Google: for businesses affected by COVID-19 – Guidance on updating info and temporary closures here

• Ad credits for Google Ads small and medium-sized businesses here
• COVID-19: $800+ million to support small businesses and crisis response here

Harbour Air Seaplanes: COVID-19 Service Update here

Hotel Association of Canada: Information for Hoteliers here

Innovation Island: “Pivot or Preserve” presentation here

Microsoft Teams: Rogers and Microsoft are offering a 6 month free trial of Microsoft Teams here

Prepared BC: COVID-19 Provincial support and information here

• Emergency Plan for Small Businesses

Public Health Agency of Canada: Printable resources and downloads here

Restaurants Canada: Resources for foodservice operators here

Small Business BC: COVID-19 Small Business Resources here

• Supports for Small Businesses in BC
• Sign this petition to save small business
• COVID-19: Managing and Pivoting During a Time of Crisis
• Join Small Business BC’s Digital Meetups

Tech Soup Canada: Tips on Working Remotely here

The Conference Board of Canada: Implications for Canada and the economic impact here

• Videos of past webinars here

Tourism Industry Association of Canada: Updates and resources here

Trade Commissioner Service: COVID-19 Resources for Canadian business here

United Way: COVID-19 Community Response and Recovery Fund here

Western Economic Diversification Canada: Support for tourism operators and SMEs here

Work Safe BC: Information and resources for employers and employees here

• WorkSafeBC defers Q1 2020 payment here 
• Industry information for construction and manufacturing here
• Latest announcements here

 

Checklists and Recommendations

• Business Preparedness Checklist COVID-19
• 5 tips for extending cash flow amid times of uncertainty
• Working from home: Securing your new workplace
• Small Business: Financial checklist before you call your banker

 

Local Government Resources

City of Courtenay

• March 16, 2020 – City of Courtenay Closing All Facilities to the Public Until Further Notice

Town of Comox

• March 31, 2020 – Comox Valley Airport COVID-19 Update
• March 16, 2020 – Town of Comox Closing Facilities Until Further Notice

Comox Valley Regional District (CVRD)

• April 1, 2020 – CVRD Board Approves Funding to Assist in Community COVID-19 Response
• March 16, 2020 – The CVRD Closing Recreation Facilities Until Farther Notice

Civic Info 

• March 28, 2020 – ITAC Launches Stimulus Fund In Response to COVID-19

Province of BC – List of COVID-19 Essential Services here

• March 29, 2020 – Guidance to retail food and grocery stores operating during COVID-19
• March 27, 2020 – Minister’s statement on COVID-19 support for arts and culture sector
• March 26, 2020 – Province takes unprecedented steps to support COVID-19 responseMarch 25, 2020 – Supporting renters, landlords during COVID-19
• March 23, 2020 – BC announces $5B coronavirus aid package for individuals and businesses or view factsheet here
• March 23, 2020 – Prime Minister announces support for farmers and agri-food businesses under Canada’s response to COVID-19
• March 22, 2020 – Increasing hand sanitizer production to keep British Columbians safe
• March 21, 2020 – BC orders closure of ‘personal service establishment’
• March 20, 2020 – BC’s top doctor bans dine-in guests at restaurants across the province

Government of Canada: Resources for Canadian Businesses

• March 29, 2020 – How the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is affecting immigration, refugees, citizenship and passport services
• March 27, 2020 – Trudeau promises 75% wage subsidy for businesses hit by coronavirus pandemic
• March 25, 2020 – Government introduces Canada Emergency Response Benefit to help workers and businesses
• March 25, 2020 – Trudeau’s $82B coronavirus support package gets royal assent, officially passes
• March 18, 2020 – “COVID-19 financial help: EI benefits, bill deferrals and other emergency funds in BC”
• March 18, 2020 – “First Phase” of Canada’s “Economic Response Plan” announcement

 

Personal Health Resources

The Public Health Agency of Canada is actively monitoring the current outbreak of COVID-19 (coronavirus) and working with the World Health Organization and other international partners.

BC Centre for Disease Control

Information about COVID-19, how to protect yourself, your family and your community and what to do if you suspect you have the virus here

Lush Valley Food Action Society

Emergency Food Share Program is aimed at providing food to those in need in the Comox Valley, including those in need of financial and/or food delivery assistance.

Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC)

Public health risk is being continually reassessed as new information becomes available. For up-to-date and reliable information about the coronavirus and Canada’s response to this issue, visit PHAC’s online resources here.

Prevention and Planning

You can find preventative information here on the PHAC’s website and call the Health Canada 2019 coronavirus information line at 1-833-784-4397 with further questions.

Thrive Health

BC COVID-19 Self Assessment Tool and new support app here. The app will let you receive the latest updates, trusted resources, and alerts.  The Self-Assessment Tool is built in.

World Health

The World Health Organization (WHO) and the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) have issued a joint statement on international cooperation as key to the containment of COVID-19. Read it here.

 

Banks

Bank of Montreal (BMO): COVID-19 support page, including updates here

Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC): Financial assistance form, services, and updates here

Coastal Community Credit Union: Service updates, financial relief plan, FAQs here

Coast Capital Savings: member financial relief program, branch closures, and updates here

Royal Bank of Canada (RBC): Updates, financial relief program, and FAQs here

Scotiabank: Latest updates including message from CEO, financial relief, and COVID-19 FAQs here

TD Canada Trust: How they can help, mortgage payment deferral online application, and other information here