Castlegar and District Business Recovery Advisor

04/06/2026

Thinking of starting a new business? Here’s a webinar to walk you through it.

Thinking about starting or growing a business in a small town? Our friends at Elkford Chamber of Commerce are hosting a webinar designed just for you.

On April 14, join Keri Sanderman from Community Futures East Kootenay for "Running a Small Business in a Small Community," an insightful session that walks entrepreneurs through the key steps to successfully launch or expand a business in a rural setting.

This session is free for Members | $10 for Non‑Members. It’s a great chance to learn, connect, and strengthen your business foundation. Learn more or Register 👇🏼
https://elkfordchamber.glueup.com/event/running-a-small-business-in-a-small-community%c2%a0-hosted-by-community-futures-172692/

02/09/2026

Deadline to apply is Feb 11 for the Castlegar program! Don’t miss your chance to be a part of this fantastic opportunity. Spaces are limited.

02/02/2026

⭐️ Local Castlegar group is happening!! ⭐️
Register today - spaces are limited. Group is starting soon!

Are you looking for ways to grow your business in 2026? As your business evolves, it’s completely normal to feel stretched or overwhelmed, especially when the strategies that helped you get started don’t always support your next stage.

We’ve seen firsthand how powerful peer support can be, which is why we’re bringing back our Community Peer Mentorship Program for 2026. In partnership with Chambers and Community Futures across BC, this program helps women entrepreneurs connect locally, share real experiences, and grow together in a supportive, collaborative environment.

Here are the communities participating in this year’s program:
🌟 Abbotsford - Presented in partnership with the Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce
🌟 Castlegar - Presented in partnership with the Castlegar and District Chamber of Commerce
🌟 Chilliwack - Presented in partnership with the Chilliwack Chamber of Commerce
🌟 Creston Valley - Presented in partnership with the Creston Valley Chamber of Commerce
🌟 Fort St John - Presented in partnership with the Fort St. John and District Chamber of Commerce.
🌟 Harrison-Agassiz - Presented in partnership with the Harrison-Agassiz Chamber of Commerce
🌟 Kamloops - Presented in partnership with Kamloops & District Chamber of Commerce
🌟 Kootenay Childcare Focused Group - Presented in partnership with Community Futures East Kootenay
🌟 North Vancouver - Presented in partnership with the North Vancouver Chamber
🌟 Prince George - Presented in partnership with the Prince George Chamber of Commerce
🌟 Revelstoke - Presented in partnership with the Revelstoke Chamber of Commerce
🌟 Squamish - Presented in partnership with the Squamish Chamber of Commerce

Spots are limited, apply early to secure your place and grow your business with the support of like‑minded women. Learn more or apply 👇🏼
go.we-bc.ca/CommunityPMG

01/27/2026

Be a part of the new Peer Mentorship Program for Women In Business right here in Castlegar!

Applications now being accepted through the (revised) link! Only 8 positions are available to ensure YOU get the time YOU need.

Apply today!

Mentoring opportunity for women entrepreneurs in Castlegar!

Thewebc and Castlegar and District Chamber of Commerce are now accepting applications for a Peer Mentoring Group in Castlegar, starting in March 2026. Apply now to gain insight from an experienced entrepreneur, plus build your support system and get feedback on your business joys and challenges. Only 8 spots available!

Learn more at https://we-bc.ca/community-mentorship-program-application/

Castlegar and District Business Recovery Advisor

01/17/2026

Check out these fantastic mentorship opportunities - one group is happening right here in Castlegar!

We love seeing the power of connection in action.

Recently, our Chilliwack Peer Group gathered for a photo to capture their time together, and it beautifully captures what these circles are all about: women coming together to learn, support one another, and grow with confidence.

Our Peer Groups create space for honest conversations, shared experiences, and the kind of encouragement that helps women move forward in their business journey. When women connect with women who understand their challenges and celebrate their wins, incredible things happen.

If you'd like to join a Peer Mentoring Group in your community, we're hosting more groups in communities around BC this winter and spring! Here are the communities participating in this year’s program:
⭐️ Abbotsford - Presented in partnership with the Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce
⭐️ Castlegar - Presented in partnership with the Castlegar and District Chamber of Commerce
⭐️ Chilliwack - Presented in partnership with the Chilliwack Chamber of Commerce
⭐️ Creston Valley - Presented in partnership with the Creston Valley Chamber of Commerce
⭐️ Fort St John - Presented in partnership with the Fort St John Chamber of Commerce
⭐️ Kamloops - Presented in partnership with Kamloops & District Chamber of Commerce
⭐️ Kootenay Childcare Focused Group - Presented in partnership with Community Futures Central Kootenay
⭐️ North Vancouver - Presented in partnership with the North Vancouver Chamber
⭐️ Prince George - Presented in partnership with the Prince George Chamber of Commerce
⭐️ Revelstoke - Presented in partnership with the Revelstoke Chamber of Commerce
⭐️ Squamish - Presented in partnership with the Squamish Chamber of Commerce

Spots are limited, apply early to secure your place and grow your business with the support of like‑minded women. Learn more and apply by visiting at go.we-bc.ca/CommunityPMG

09/30/2025

Chamber Series: Making your clients better clients October 15 · 6–7:30 PM · Confluence Building, Castlegar Lawyers, accountants, and professional advisors often see business owners who aren’t financially fluent — making it harder to provide timely, effective advice. The Basin Business Adviso...

08/26/2025

Need capital support for your business? Check out the West Kootenay Boundary Community Investment Co-op. Local business supporting local business.

💡 Got a business dream? We’ve got the capital to help make it happen.
The WKBCIC invests in local businesses to build a stronger community. Let’s grow together!
Learn more at https://investkootenayboundary.com/

08/16/2025

Fantastic training available for business owners!

Clearer Financials. Smarter Decisions. Stronger Business.

Unlock the power of your financial reporting with the Financial Learning Pathway — a 10-week program, funded by the Columbia Basin Trust, designed to help business owners use their numbers to make data driven decisions and improve profitability.

Through a combination of on-demand workshops, live online working groups, and 1-to-1 confidential business advising, you’ll learn how to structure and analyze your Profit & Loss statement, understand your revenue centres and margins, and apply that insight to real decisions in your business.

This series is ideal for business owners who want to:
-Strengthen financial reporting
-Prepare for funding or government programs
-Improve profitability
-Make confident decisions backed by real data

One of the most valuable tools in your business is already in your hands — this program shows you how to use it.

Program runs Sept 18 – Nov 20 | Thursdays, 9–10:30 AM PT

Apply Now: https://bbaprogram.ca/apply-financial-fundamentals-learning-pathway