PRINCE GEORGE, B.C. – Northern Development announced today that it is offering a new Regional Business Liaison (RBL) program. This program encourages Community Futures Development Corporations, Chambers of Commerce, local governments, community economic development entities or regional destination marketing organizations to hire locally based talent to provide business support services for the region.
Funding will be made available to support up to three regional business liaison positions per Northern Development region (Northeast, Northwest, Prince George, and Cariboo-Chilcotin/Lillooet), for a total of up to 12 positions for a one-year term.
Northern Development will fund 100 per cent of eligible expenses up to $75,000. This funding is a one-time offering to provide additional community resources to support small and medium sized enterprises during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Northern Development will approve RBL funding applications within one week of receiving a completed application form and the required attachments. Applications must be submitted by midnight on May 29, 2020 to be considered for funding.
For more information on eligibility and how to apply, visit northerndevelopment.bc.ca/regional-business-liaison.
Quotes:
Michelle Mungall, Minister of Jobs, Economic Development and Competitiveness
“We know that businesses across B.C. are struggling in the wake of the slowdown caused by COVID-19. Northern Development’s liaison program will deliver welcome support for small and medium enterprises by helping them navigate a path to economic recovery. This program complements the guidance offered by the B.C. Business COVID-19 Support Service, operated by Small Business BC, which is another valuable tool for businesses across the province.”
Joel McKay, CEO, Northern Development Initiative Trust
“The COVID-19 pandemic is causing overwhelming stress to many of our local business owners who are often unsure of where or who to turn to. The Regional Business Liaison program seeks to offset that stress and offer one-on-one business support to those who need it most in Northern B.C.”
Media Contact
Holly Plato
Director, Communications and Marketing
Northern Development Initiative Trust
hollyp@northerndevelopment.bc.ca
