The Cowichan Valley is one of three locations in the province chosen for a pilot project designed to build long-term resilience for small businesses.
The Business Continuity Planning Program will be delivered by Economic Development Cowichan and Community Futures Central Island and offered free to eight Cowichan-based businesses.
Economic Development Cowichan manager, Barry O’Riordan, says the goal is helping rural businesses “protect their operations, employees, and customers in the face of increasing uncertainty.”
To be selected, the businesses must provide essential goods, services, or expertise to the community, faced or are vulnerable to disruptions such as drought, wildfires, tariffs, or road closures.
Participants will receive a Business Fitness Test, a water audit if they could be affected by drought, one-on-one coaching to develop a customized continuity plan, and peer support from local entrepreneurs.
The program runs for 6 to 9 months and is valued at $5,000, but is being offered free of charge to the participants chosen for the pilot.
The Business Continuity Planning Program is funded by the Rural Economic Diversification and Infrastructure Program to support rural businesses in preparing for climate and economic risks
