The Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce launched an initiative to help refugees and immigrants make valuable business connections.
“When someone comes to this country, whether as an immigrant or a refugee, there are possibly barriers there because they don’t know anybody,” said chamber CEO Bruce Williams. “They might be bringing a business idea from another country, but they don’t necessarily know how to integrate themselves into our business communities.”
This initiative, launched Aug. 13 and called the New to Canada program, offers free, two-year chamber memberships to entrepreneurs who have had their permanent residency or citizenship for less than three years. Applicants also need a valid Greater Victoria business licence.
Membership will allow newcomers to network with established Greater Victoria entrepreneurs, develop their professional network, seek mentorship and access potential clients and customers.
“The goal is to help these new Canadians, these new to Canada people succeed in their business,” said Williams.
Greater Victoria is home to a plethora of successful immigrant and refugee entrepreneurs, all of whom contribute to Greater Victoria's economic future.
“We know that when people come here to start a business, it helps grow our economy, it diversifies the economy,” said the CEO. “Many of them will bring unique ideas that don’t already exist here, and some will bring products and services that enhance the existing sectors of business that we have.”
Find out more about the initiative here: www.victoriachamber.ca/new-to-canada-program.html.
