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Economic Development Cowichan has launched the Internet Performance Test to better understand the state of internet connectivity throughout the Cowichan region. In 2020, the Cowichan Valley Regional District (CVRD) Board of Directors identified connectivity as a priority in their Corporate Strategic Plan. The Board looks to develop a regional connectivity strategy and pursue provincial and federal funding to support the delivery of broadband internet service to all communities in the CVRD....

The British Columbia Economic Development Association (BCEDA) has launched a webpage to help businesses and individuals access support resources following the devastating wildfires impacting Lytton and several other areas in BC. Among the resources is a list of the Top 10 Steps to Prepare Your Business for Evacuation. Now is a great time to review your business’s evacuation plan, or create your plan if you do not already have one. The BCEDA Top 10 list provides guidance to refresh or build...

The Cowichan Food Innovation Program, spearheaded by Economic Development Cowichan, kicked off in late April 2021 with a talented group of food and beverage entrepreneurs ready to shake up the local food industry and help build a thriving food and beverage ecosystem in Cowichan. When it comes to the cohort, new friendships and connections have been brewing and there is an abundance of ideas and successful business opportunities baking in the oven and sizzling on the grill. Find out more in...

Island Coastal Economic Trust (ICET) has launched the THRIVE Small Capital Program to help stimulate and promote vitality in downtown areas across the Vancouver Island and Coast region. The program can contribute up to 100% of eligible project costs, to a maximum of $50,000, for small scale capital projects that bolster short to medium-term renewal of downtown or commercial area vitality. Successful THRIVE projects must create new outdoor public amenities or areas that contribute to increased...

In response to the unprecedented economic and social impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the region, Economic Development Cowichan began publishing a regional recovery dashboard of indicators to track progress towards recovery. The first report was published in January 2021. The May 2021 report shows an alarming increase in Cowichan housing prices, up 15% in March 2021 versus March 2020, as well as continued low inventory. “Although lack of inventory is a problem throughout British Columbia,...

Cowichan restaurants, retailers and producers selling local products can get a free marketing boost in 2021 from the VIEA Island Good Program. Economic Development Cowichan has once again partnered with the Vancouver Island Economic Alliance (VIEA) to offer Cowichan businesses a free one-year Island Good licence. VIEA developed the Island Good brand program as a way for customers to easily identify local products on retailer shelves and restaurant menus. “The need and desire to support local...