The Regional Business Liaison (RBL) program encourages Community Futures Development Corporations, Chambers of Commerce, local governments and other organizations to hire locally based talent to provide business support services for the region. Northern Development funds 100 per cent of eligible expenses up to $75,000 for up to three regional business liaison positions per Northern Development region for a one-year term. This program was a single intake offering in 2020.
In 2020, Northern Development approved RBL positions for the following:
| Community Futures Nadina | Fort St. John Chamber of Commerce |
| Community Futures Peace Liard | Community Futures Sun Country |
| Community Futures Cariboo Chilcotin Coast | Community Futures North Cariboo |
| Community Futures Fraser-Fort George | Haida Gwaii Community Futures |
| Regional District of Bulkley-Nechako | Community Futures Pacific Northwest |
| Fort Nelson Chamber of Commerce |
“Many business in my area are having trouble finding and keeping employees,” said Erik Sagmoen, regional business liaison, Regional District of Bulkley-Nechako. This was an issue before COVID-19. I hope that many of the businesses and non-profits I provide support to come out of COVID-19 stronger than they were before.”
“Businesses during this time need support to understand and access government and provincial subsidies and keep up with the changes to various programs,” said Youness Bourhim, regional business liaison, Fort Nelson and District Chamber of Commerce. “People have really appreciated the contact, knowing someone is trying to help and that we will do all we can to support them.”
