Now Accepting Applications: Circular Construction Accelerator Cohort Two
Is your Cowichan-based business working in the construction or building sector—and looking to innovate, scale, or adopt more sustainable practices? The Circular Construction Accelerator (CCA), led by Light House, is now accepting applications for its second cohort....
Science Horizons Youth Internship Program: Empowering the Next Generation in Cowichan’s Green Economy
Are you a Cowichan-based business or organization seeking to expand your team with fresh talent while contributing to Canada's green economy? The Science Horizons Youth Internship Program offers an exceptional opportunity to do just that. What is the Science Horizons...
Supporting Local, Together: 50% Off Island Good Memberships for Cowichan Businesses
Economic Development Cowichan (EDC) and Community Futures Cowichan (CFC) are joining forces to support local businesses through a shared sponsorship of Island Good, Vancouver Island’s flagship shop-local branding initiative. Any business in the Cowichan region that is...
Growing the Next Generation: What the New Farmer Framework Means for Cowichan’s Agricultural Future
Cowichan’s agricultural sector is rooted in deep knowledge, resilient communities, and a growing appetite for sustainable, land-based livelihoods. But as the national farming population continues to age and shrink, a new report signals that much more must be done to...
Matt Huotari Doesn’t Just Build Businesses—He Reimagines What They Can Be
In Cowichan, where small businesses shape the rhythm of community life, Matt Huotari has quietly become one of the region’s most imaginative entrepreneurs. But his path here wasn’t paved with tidy five-year plans or startup incubators—it began in the fast-paced,...
Upcoming Webinar: How Cowichan Businesses Can Navigate Rising Trade Uncertainty
Unpredictable U.S. tariffs. Changing trade policies. Shifting consumer behaviour. Join Economic Development Cowichan for an essential webinar with Brady Calancie from Export Navigator, designed specifically for local businesses navigating the realities of...
Bill 7 and the Business of Resilience: What B.C.’s Tariff Response Means for Cowichan
In early 2025, a jolt in global trade relations reached British Columbia’s legislative floor—breaking from the relative stability that has defined Canada – U.S. commerce for over four decades. With the introduction of Bill 7 – the Economic Stabilization (Tariff...
Cowichan Glow-Up- How to Ride the Nanaimo Infusion Wave
A viral TikTok by Nanaimo resident Todd Maffin has ignited the Nanaimo Infusion—a spontaneous movement encouraging Americans to visit BC and support local tourism amid ongoing trade tensions. From April 25-27, 2025, over 2,000 American travelers are expected to...
Beyond the Slogan: Rethinking ‘Buy Local’ in a Time of Trade Tensions
The latest round of U.S.-Canada trade tensions has reignited a familiar rallying cry across BC and the country: Buy Canadian. Support Local. From government officials to grassroots movements, the message is clear—let’s keep our dollars at home. But in the rush to...
Unlocking Cowichan’s Economic Potential: Addressing Domestic Trade Barriers
While U.S. tariffs dominate trade discussions, barriers within Canada also hinder economic development. Reducing these restrictions can unlock opportunities, particularly in British Columbia, where interprovincial trade is crucial. From June to October 2024,...
135 Third Street
Duncan, BC
Canada V9L 1R9
edc@cvrd.bc.ca
T 250.746.7880
TF 1.866.746.2508
Economic
Development
Cowichan
Economic
Development
Cowichan
135 Third Street
Duncan, BC
Canada V9L 1R9
edc@cvrd.bc.ca
T 250.746.7880
TF 1.866.746.2508