Revelstoke has a history of developing
cooperative and collaborative partnerships and one of the initial
strategic partnerships developed was the establishment of the Revelstoke
Enterprise Centre in 1988. The Enterprise Centre is based on a ‘one stop
shopping’ concept for economic and business development services. A
variety of development initiatives and services are provided by the
participating organizations and all are available at one central
location. The participants in the Enterprise Centre are the:
- Economic
Development Commission
- Chamber of
Commerce
- Community
Futures Development Corporation
This innovative approach to Economic
Development consolidates the delivery of development initiatives and
provides a community focus for developmental services. Effective
communication and cooperation between the development programs is
promoted through sharing of premises and the joint use of support staff
and equipment. All participating organizations benefit from the
effective use of funds by sharing expenses.
Revelstoke Economic
Development Commission
The Economic Development Commission (EDC)
is a committee of the City of Revelstoke and Area B of the Columbia
Shuswap Regional District with appointed members. The Commission is
managed by the City of Revelstoke and employs a full time Director of
Community Economic Development and a part time Administrative Assistant.
The Economic Development Commission
promotes economic development for the purpose of diversifying the local
economy and the creation of job opportunities. Promotion of industry
development, forest industry stabilization, tourism development and
business development are guided by a Community Development Strategic
Action Plan. The EDC is responsible for the implementation of the
economic component of the strategy which is based upon strategic
partnerships and cooperative projects with other community development
organizations.
Copies of the Revelstoke Community
Development Strategic Action Plan are available upon request from the
Revelstoke Enterprise Centre. The Plan can be viewed at
www.cityofrevelstoke.com under the Community Development button.
Revelstoke Chamber of
Commerce
The Chamber of Commerce is a business
association whose objective is to promote through its members, the
progress and development of Revelstoke and Region in order to make it a
better place in which to live and work. Policy is set by a Board of
Directors elected by the members. Staff consists of a Manager, Tourism
Coordinator, Receptionist and up to 5 seasonal Travel Counsellors.
Services provided by the Chamber
include the following:
- Promotes
tourism marketing initiatives and development through the activities
of a Tourism Development Coordinator
- Operates the
Revelstoke Film Commission and acts as contact agency for
productions taking place in the area.
- Operates the
Business Information Centre, which provides resource publications
for people who are now in business or are thinking of starting a
business
- Operates two
Visitor Info Centres.
- Offers
affordable group insurance and a variety of business service
discounts for members.
- Sponsors and
promotes seminars, workshops and conferences that are of interest to
the business person.
- Organizes
events for local business such as Trade Shows, Christmas Light-up
Revelstoke and Sidewalk sales.
- Produces a
Business and Service Directory.
Community Futures Development
Corporation of Revelstoke
The Community Futures Development
Corporation (CFDC) of Revelstoke is a broadly based community
organization that assists with local business development and initiates
programs and projects which will address economic adjustment,
diversification, employment development and training.
The organization is directed by a 10
member voluntary board and has 5 full time and 1 part time staff. The
corporation is a not for profit community based agency in the business
of assisting individuals with employment, financial and training
services. The corporation serves as an integral part of the community’s
strategic development plan which is working towards a community vision.
The organization has successfully served individual clients and the
community at large since 1988.
Services provided include the
necessary advice, direction, information, financing and training to
assist with the establishment of new business and the expansion and
support of existing businesses in the region. The Corporation manages a
revolving community loan fund that provides financing for local business
development. In addition the CFDC manages a federally funded Self
Employment program which is designed to help people become self
employed. Applicants must be eligible for Employment Insurance or have
been eligible in the past three years, or on maternity leave in the past
five years. A grant provides financial support, business counselling and
business training for 52 weeks while starting a business.
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