🚧 What: Cowichan Valley C&D Waste to Resource Community Session

📅 When: Tuesday, November 25, from 7 to 9 am

📍 Where: Duncan Garage Cafe & Bakery

CRD waste is one of the largest contributors to landfills in British Columbia. Still, many materials can find a new life using the principles of a circular economy, creating opportunities for cost savings, innovation, and local job growth. Synergy Foundation is looking to do just that through the development of a circular hub for CRD materials in the Cowichan region. Their upcoming workshop is your chance to help shape solutions that benefit both the environment and the economy.

Join Synergy Foundation’s Project Zero team for a complimentary breakfast and learn about their plans for a circular hub in our region. Guest speakers Dave Bennick (Founder of the Building Deconstruction Institute) and Beverley Dondale (President of The ReUse People of Canada) will share strategies and success stories from across the reuse and circular economy movement. Then roll up your sleeves for a facilitated discussion, material-matching activity, and a tour of Live Edge Design, a local business putting circular principles into action.

If you’re a Cowichan-based designer, contractor, builder, manufacturer, local artist, innovator, woodworker, welder, or simply passionate about reducing waste and building a circular economy, this event is for you.

Don’t miss this chance to network, share insights, and help shape local solutions for CRD waste. Together, we can turn waste into opportunity and make the Cowichan region a leader in sustainability.

Space is limited. Register now to secure your spot at 👉 https://cvrd-waste-to-resource-workshop.eventbrite.ca

Circular Economy Hubs

The workshop is part of a larger effort to develop tailored Circular Economy Hubs in qathet, Cowichan Valley, and Alberni-Clayoquot Regional Districts. These hubs will reflect local priorities and create real impact by driving economic growth, diversification, and long-term resilience. Learn more about the circular economy hub project on Synergy’s website.

This project is made possible thanks to the support of the Province of BC, the Cowichan Valley Regional District and other community partners.

The post Reimagining Construction Waste: A Hands-On Workshop for Local Innovators appeared first on CVRD.

Why Land Sharing Matters

Across British Columbia, agriculture is at a turning point. With many seasoned farmers retiring and land values rising, creative approaches such as land sharing are opening doors for new farmers. That’s where land sharing comes in. By connecting landholders with aspiring farmers, we can keep farmland in production, strengthen our local food system, and support the next generation of growers.

The B.C. Land Matching Program, delivered by Young Agrarians, provides personalized land matching and business support services to farmers looking for land to start or expand their farm, and landholders interested in finding someone to farm their land. The program has already facilitated over 415 matches on more than 13,000 acres across the province. This workshop is your chance to learn how you can be part of this growing movement.

Event Details

Join Young Agrarians for this Land Sharing Workshop to learn how you can access land for farming or make your land available to a farmer.

• Date: Saturday, November 8, 2025
• Time: 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
• Location: The HUB at Cowichan Station, 2375 Koksilah Road, Duncan, BC (Quw’utsun Territory)
• Register on Eventbrite

What to Expect

The workshop will be led by Ari Westhaver, Vancouver Island & Gulf Islands Land Matcher with Young Agrarians. Participants will:

• Learn about the benefits and practicalities of land sharing
• Complete a self-assessment activity to help create an action plan
• Gain access to resources and tools to support your land sharing journey
• Network with other farmers, landholders, and community members

Who Should Attend?

• Aspiring and new farmers looking for land to start or grow their farm business
• Landholders interested in making their land available for farming
• Community members passionate about local food security and sustainable agriculture

Why This Matters for Cowichan

Agriculture is a cornerstone of our local economy and culture. By supporting land sharing, we help preserve farmland, create opportunities for young farmers, and strengthen food security in the Cowichan region. The Cowichan Valley Regional District (CVRD) is proud to support the B.C. Land Matching Program. This workshop is a practical step toward building a resilient, sustainable future for our area.

Ready to Join?

Visit the Young Agrarians event page to register and learn more. Let’s work together to keep farmland in production and support the next generation of farmers.

The post Got land? Want land? Explore land sharing opportunities in the Cowichan region on November 8 appeared first on CVRD.

Celebrating Small Business in Cowichan

Small businesses are the backbone of our region. They create jobs, foster innovation, and contribute to the unique character of our communities. In British Columbia, small businesses make up over 98% of all businesses and employ more than one million people. Their success is essential to local prosperity and resilience.

In the Cowichan region, small businesses drive economic activity across sectors like tourism, agriculture, manufacturing, and technology. They help sustain a diverse economy and provide opportunities for local employment. To see real examples of small businesses and entrepreneurs making big waves in our region, visit our Cowichan Changemakers page.

BC Chamber of Commerce Small Business Week Summit

Running October 20–24, this virtual summit offers four complimentary webinars under the theme “Built to Thrive: Practical Skills for Small Business Success.”

Navigating Tariffs: Strategies for Business
Date: Monday, October 20
Learn how evolving U.S. trade policies impact small businesses and explore strategies to build resilience.
Register: https://bcchamber.glueup.com/event/navigating-tariffs-strategies-for-business-151781/

Inclusive Hiring: Strategies to Build Diverse and Resilient Workforces
Date: Wednesday, October 22
Gain practical insights into equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) and learn how to attract and retain immigrant talent.
Register: https://bcchamber.glueup.com/event/inclusive-hiring-strategies-to-build-diverse-and-resilient-workforces-152618/

AI in Action: Practical Ways to Save Hours Every Week
Date: Thursday, October 23
Discover real-world examples of how small businesses use AI tools like ChatGPT to improve efficiency and decision-making.
Register: https://bcchamber.glueup.com/event/ai-in-action-practical-ways-to-save-hours-every-week-152220/

From Everyday Actions to Big Change: Putting Purpose to Work in Small Business
Date: Friday, October 24
Learn how to embed social purpose into your business model and turn small actions into meaningful impact.
Register: https://bcchamber.glueup.com/event/from-everyday-actions-to-big-change-putting-purpose-to-work-in-small-business-152626/

👉 Learn more about the Summit on the BC Chamber of Commerce website.

Get Involved

Whether you’re a business owner, a non-profit leader, or a community member, there’s a way to participate. Attend a webinar, join a local chamber event, or explore free resources from BDC to help your business adapt and grow.

👉 Learn more about Small Business Week and access tools for success:

• BDC Small Business Week Hub
• BC Chamber of Commerce Summit Registration
• Local Chambers:
  • Duncan Cowichan Chamber of Commerce
  • Ladysmith Chamber of Commerce
  • Chemainus + District Chamber of Commerce
  • Cowichan Lake District Chamber of Commerce

Let’s celebrate the entrepreneurs who make Cowichan vibrant and ensure they have the tools to thrive in a changing world.

Photo of Wind & Wave, Lake Cowichan by Ashley Marston, courtesy of Tourism Cowichan

The post Celebrating Small Business Week in Cowichan: October 20–24, 2025 appeared first on CVRD.

▶ Watch the trailer

Why This Matters to Cowichan

Non-profits are a cornerstone of the Cowichan region. They employ more than 500 people and contribute an estimated $40 million annually to our local economy. Beyond the numbers, these organizations provide essential services, strengthen community connections, and tackle complex social challenges. Yet, many remain constrained by outdated expectations around overhead, compensation, and growth—expectations that often prevent them from scaling their impact.

Uncharitable, inspired by Dan Pallotta’s widely acclaimed TED Talk, shines a light on these double standards and asks a powerful question: What if we gave non-profits the same freedoms we give businesses? The film features voices from across the sector, including leaders from Charity:Water, The Nature Conservancy, and the Ford Foundation, alongside advocates like actor Edward Norton.

An Evening of Insight and Action

The screening will be followed by a panel discussion with local leaders, funders, and business owners. This is a chance to reflect on what we’ve seen, challenge assumptions, and explore how Cowichan can lead the way in creating a more sustainable, impactful non-profit sector.

“Non-profits are vital to our region’s social and economic health, but they are struggling to survive due to funding pressures and outdated rules. This event is about starting a conversation that empowers organizations to innovate and grow.”
— Barry O’Riordan, Manager, Economic Development Cowichan

Be Part of the Movement

If you believe in the power of the non-profit sector to change the world, this evening is for you. Reserve your seat today and join us in shaping a future where impact isn’t limited by old ideas.

🎟 Get your tickets here: https://purchase.cowichanpac.ca/EventAvailability?EventId=10001
📌 Event details: https://www.facebook.com/share/1K9Y84pCYm/

Sponsored by Economic Development Cowichan, Cowichan Valley Youth Services, and the Cowichan Valley Regional District.

The post You’re Invited: Uncharitable Screening – A Movement for Sector Change appeared first on CVRD.

Regional Tariff Response Initiative

On September 5, Prime Minister Mark Carney announced new federal measures to protect Canadian businesses from the impacts of global tariffs. These include the Regional Tariff Response Initiative, delivered through Pacific Economic Development Canada (PacifiCan), which provides funding and advisory services to help SMEs boost productivity and reduce costs, build more resilient supply chains, and reach new markets.

Eligible activities under this program include, but are not limited to:

• Investing in digitization, automation, and technology to enhance productivity and competitiveness
• Developing and expanding markets to help businesses find new customers
• Optimizing global supply chain logistics and ensuring compliance with standards to gain market access or enhance sales
• Strengthening domestic supply chains and facilitating internal trade to increase the resilience and competitiveness of businesses and the reliability of domestic markets
• Reshoring production, research and development operations, and recruiting highly qualified personnel and expertise

Visit PacifiCan’s website for more information on the Regional Tariff Response Initiative.

Build Your Own Future

At the provincial level, the Government of British Columbia has expanded its support for workers affected by tariffs through the Build Your Own Future (BYOF) program. Originally focused on the forestry sector, BYOF now supports workers across all industries impacted by U.S. tariffs. The program offers five-day business bootcamps, one-on-one coaching, and mentorship to help displaced workers transition into entrepreneurship. Participants who complete the program are eligible for a $5,000 grant to help cover startup costs.

Delivered by the Northern Innovation Network, BYOF provides foundational training in finance, marketing, operations, customer service, and leadership. Programs are available both in-person and online to ensure accessibility across the province.

Visit the Northern Innovation Network website for more information on the Build Your Own Future program.

Export Navigator Expands with New Specialized Support

In addition to its core advisory services, Export Navigator has introduced two new pilot programs to help businesses respond to trade-related challenges:

• CUSMA Compliance Advisory Services Initiative (CCASI): This initiative supports businesses that trade within North America under the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA). It facilitates access to expert guidance to help companies understand and meet compliance requirements, which is especially important as tariff structures and trade rules evolve. Learn more about the CUSMA Compliance Advisory Services Initiative.
• Technical Specialist Pilot Program: This pilot connects businesses with technical experts who can help solve complex trade-related issues. The program is open to Export Navigator clients who are looking to start exporting or who are already exporting outside BC. Learn more about the Technical Specialist Pilot Program here. Not an Export Navigator client? It’s free to join. Contact our local Export Advisor, Brady Calancie, at brady@exportnavigator.ca.

These pilots are designed to meet the needs of small and medium-sized businesses across sectors, including manufacturing, agriculture, and Indigenous enterprises.

The Government of Canada has launched a consultation on the operation of CUSMA. Canadians are asked to submit their feedback by November 3, 2025. More details on the CUSMA consultation can be found on the Government of Canada’s website.

Access Additional Support

Economic Development Cowichan is committed to helping local businesses navigate these changes. To explore available programs, learn about eligibility, and access personalized support, visit our Navigating Tariffs page:

👉 www.ecdevcowichan.com/navigatingtariffs

Together, we can build a more resilient, inclusive, and future-ready economy for the Cowichan region.

The post New Supports to Help Cowichan Businesses Respond to Tariff Pressures appeared first on CVRD.

Led by the Synergy Foundation, Project Zero has already supported over 60 businesses across diverse sectors. Now, a limited number of free spots are open for businesses in the Cowichan Valley Regional District that operate in the construction, demolition, and manufacturing sectors—industries that play a vital role in our region’s economy and have significant potential for circular innovation.

Why It Matters to Cowichan

Cowichan’s construction, demolition, and manufacturing sectors are foundational to our local economy. These industries generate jobs, support supply chains, and contribute to community resilience. However, they also face increasing pressure to reduce waste, manage resources efficiently, and adapt to changing environmental standards.

The Accelerator Program helps businesses meet these challenges head-on. Over the course of just 5–7 hours spread across 8 weeks, participating businesses receive:

• A site visit from sustainability experts
• A personalized action plan with baseline metrics
• 35+ tailored recommendations to improve efficiency and reduce waste

The Accelerator Program has already identified recommendations that, if implemented, would result in a potential annual impact of:

• 506 tonnes of waste diverted
• 2,525 tonnes of CO₂e emissions reduced
• 47,343 m³ of water saved
• $725,880 in expense savings

Whether it’s cutting down on utility bills, improving waste diversion practices, or exploring emerging technologies, the program helps businesses take practical steps toward sustainability.

A Local Perspective

“The Accelerator Program was extremely helpful in highlighting a path towards circularity for our business. Georgia and Maddy did all the heavy lifting and provided us with valuable insight and data to use as our company continues to grow. I would highly recommend this program!”
– Noah Topp, Business Development Manager, Nexus Modular
2023 Accelerator Program Participant

Check out this video showcasing Nexus’ participation in the Accelerator program.

Get Involved

If you’re a business in the Cowichan region working in construction/demolition or manufacturing, now is the time to take advantage of this opportunity. In response to the uncertainty caused by tariffs, the Accelerator program – valued at $5,500 – is free for the next 8 businesses that sign up. Priority will be given to businesses with significant waste streams.

👉 Book a discovery call or sign up at project-zero.ca/accelerator

Let’s work together to build a stronger, more sustainable Cowichan – one business at a time.

The post Cowichan Businesses are Turning Waste into Opportunity appeared first on CVRD.

Purpose and Eligibility:

Preference is given to events that attract overnight visitors from outside the region, events that are held during non-peak times, championship events, and those organized by non-profit organizations. To be eligible, sports organizations must demonstrate adherence to current provincial and regional health safety guidelines, the Return to Sport Guidelines, and facility/venue safety guidelines. Key criteria include:

• Direct economic impact on the Cowichan Region.
• Utilization of local services and facilities.
• Recognition of CVRD as a sponsor in promotional materials.
• Post-event reporting on economic and community impacts.

Funding Details:

• Grant amounts range from $500 to $3000 per event application.
• Additional funding may be available for larger-scale events.
• Funding is disbursed in two phases: 75% prior to the event and 25% upon submission of the final report.
• Grant funds are designed for event-specific expenses and cannot be used for general operating revenue.
• Special considerations may be granted for extraordinary circumstances or events outside typical intake periods.

Part of creating a vibrant and healthy community full of opportunities for youth and adults to get and stay active means investing in sports tourism, which will, in turn, bring valuable funds back into our local economy.  Through the Sport Tourism Event Grant program, the CVRD provides up to $30,000 annually in sport event grants to community organizations hosting regional, provincial, national or international events. The return on investment can be significant, as participants and spectators arrive in our community and stay in hotels, eat at local restaurants and visit other attractions. By adhering to the outlined criteria and guidelines, event organizers can access vital support to create memorable sporting experiences.

Applications are due on October 1, 2025

APPLY TODAY

The post NOW OPEN! Cowichan Sport Tourism Event Grant Intake 2 appeared first on CVRD.

What is CUSMA and Why Compliance Matters

The Canada–United States–Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) replaced NAFTA in 2020 and sets the rules for trade between the three countries. Canada, the United States, and Mexico created the largest free trade region in the world, generating economic growth and helping to raise the standard of living for the people of all three member countries. While the agreement reduces or eliminates many tariffs, businesses must demonstrate that their goods qualify under CUSMA rules to benefit.

Becoming compliant typically involves steps such as:

• Determining the country of origin of your goods using rules of origin
• Preparing and maintaining a CUSMA certificate of origin
• Keeping detailed records of materials and production processes
• Ensuring your shipping and customs documentation clearly identifies CUSMA eligibility

Without this process, goods may be subject to regular tariffs or face delays at the border. That’s why programs like CCASI are valuable — they help cover the costs of working with experts to ensure compliance is done correctly.

What the Program Offers

• Reimbursement of up to 50% of costs, to a maximum of $5,000
• Eligible expenses include hiring:
  • Customs brokers
  • Trade consultants
  • Trade lawyers
  • Compliance specialists
• Service providers can be based in either Canada or the U.S.

This program is first-come, first-served and runs until March 2026 or until all funds are allocated.

Who Can Apply

You may qualify if your business:

• Is registered in British Columbia
• Has exported to the United States in the past 12 months
• Incurred eligible costs on or after April 1, 2025

This last point is important. Only expenses made after April 1, 2025 can be reimbursed through the program. That means if your business recently paid a customs broker, trade lawyer, or compliance consultant to help with CUSMA requirements, and the invoice is dated April 1, 2025 or later, you may be able to recover up to 50% of those costs (to a maximum of $5,000).

If you have invoices from before that date, they won’t qualify. However, any upcoming costs related to compliance services between now and March 2026 are eligible — so businesses are encouraged to plan ahead and apply early, before funds run out.

You do not need to be an existing Export Navigator client to apply.

Who Can You Hire With This Funding?

The program is flexible in who you can work with, as long as the services directly support CUSMA compliance. Eligible service providers include:

• Customs brokers – to ensure documentation and tariff classifications are accurate at the border
• Trade consultants – to provide tailored advice on rules of origin, market access, and compliance strategies
• Trade lawyers – to review contracts, agreements, or disputes related to CUSMA requirements
• Compliance specialists – to assess risk, review internal processes, and confirm your business meets trade regulations

Providers may be located in Canada or the U.S., giving businesses a wide range of options to choose from.

Why This Matters for Cowichan Businesses

Exporting to the U.S. is a critical growth opportunity for many Cowichan companies—from wineries and food producers to manufacturers and craft businesses. But navigating the complexities of CUSMA rules can be costly and time-consuming. This program helps reduce financial barriers, supports compliance, and ensures your products qualify for tariff reductions and smoother cross-border trade.

With professional advisory services partially funded, businesses can:

• Avoid costly compliance mistakes
• Reduce border delays
• Strengthen long-term export strategies

How to Apply

1. Complete the online application form
2. Receive approval and hire an eligible service provider
3. Submit receipts for reimbursement
4. Access up to $5,000 in funding support

Applications are open now and processed on a rolling basis.

Learn More & Apply

Visit the Export Navigator website for full program details and to apply.

The post New Funding Available: Up to $5,000 for Cowichan Businesses Exporting to the U.S. appeared first on CVRD.

When the executive order was signed on July 31, it sent a ripple through global markets. For Cowichan exporters, it sent a message: prepare to adjust, or risk being priced out.

Reading the Fine Print

The tariffs target a range of goods not fully protected under the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA), including steel, aluminum, automotive parts, and value-added wood products. These are precisely the sectors where Cowichan’s small manufacturers and resource producers have found footing in U.S. markets.

The change is not just numeric. It signals a strategic shift. Trump’s rhetoric points to a transactional approach to trade relationships, even with long-standing allies. For Canadian producers, this means less predictability, more scrutiny, and higher costs.

Local Sectors in the Crosshairs

Cowichan’s economy is diverse, but several key sectors are exposed:

• Forestry firms, already navigating global softwood tensions, now face additional barriers shipping south.
• Light manufacturers producing components for U.S. clients may be forced to renegotiate contracts or absorb new costs.
• Agri-food producers whose products do not qualify under CUSMA rules could lose access to key markets overnight.

For small and mid-sized businesses, especially those without legal or logistics teams, this is not a minor adjustment. It is a structural challenge.

Canada’s Counterbalance

In response, the federal government has pledged $1.2 billion to support affected industries. This includes loan guarantees and funding for market diversification. British Columbia’s Economic Stabilization (Tariff Response) Act allows the province to cancel contracts with U.S. vendors as a form of countermeasure.

These policies may help with immediate pressures, but they do little to restore predictability. Many business owners are now operating in a wait-and-watch posture, unsure if a contract signed today will be viable six months from now.

A Cowichan Pivot

Resilience in this climate will require more than damage control. Some businesses are already taking steps:

• Revisiting CUSMA compliance, with the help of Export Navigator, to ensure product classifications are airtight.
• Exploring non-U.S. markets, including Asia-Pacific and European buyers with the help of Community Futures Cowichan and Export Navigator.
• Leaning into local procurement, where demand for B.C.-made goods remains strong.

For companies with a clear value proposition and flexibility in their operations, this moment may create new openings. As supply chains shift globally, Cowichan’s emphasis on craft, sustainability, and regional identity should be considered a strength rather than just a niche.

New Federal Measures Offer Hope for Exporters

On August 5, 2025, Prime Minister Mark Carney unveiled a national strategy to support and transform Canada’s softwood lumber sector in response to rising U.S. tariffs. The announcement marks a broader shift from trade reliance on the United States toward a more diversified and resilient economic model rooted in domestic production and expanded international market access.

For Cowichan, where forestry firms are already navigating the impact of these tariffs, the federal measures provide a multi-faceted response:

• $700 million in loan guarantees to help softwood lumber businesses maintain operations and restructure as needed.
• $500 million for product and market diversification, with a focus on increasing domestic processing, supporting Indigenous-led forestry businesses, and boosting value-added production.
• A new “Build Canadian” procurement approach that prioritizes Canadian materials in federal housing and infrastructure projects.
• A dedicated initiative to expand exports of Canadian wood products into Asian, European, and other fast-growing international markets.
• $50 million for upskilling, reskilling, and income support for more than 6,000 workers affected by the softwood lumber dispute.

These measures go beyond short-term relief. They offer a long-term strategy to strengthen the sector through innovation, diversification, and strategic investment. For Cowichan businesses, the path forward may lie in aligning with this federal direction. Community Futures Cowichan and Export Navigator remain valuable partners for accessing support and identifying new market opportunities.

In a shifting global trade environment, the message is clear: build Canadian, strengthen relationships, and stay adaptive to seize new opportunities.

The post Tariffs, the goalposts continue to shift appeared first on CVRD.

The Trade Accelerator Program (TAP) is returning to Vancouver Island this fall, offering small and medium-sized enterprises a proven path to international expansion. Delivered by the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade in partnership with Export Development Canada and the World Trade Centre Toronto, TAP is a fast-tracked, hands-on program that helps you build an export strategy tailored to your business, backed by expert mentorship and coaching.

Why TAP?
This five-day intensive program equips businesses with the knowledge, resources, and network to develop and execute a robust export plan. TAP graduates see results: six months after completing the program, average export revenue rises by 23%. And participants forecast a 37% increase in export sales over five years.

By the end of TAP, you’ll walk away with a fully developed, peer-reviewed go-to-market strategy—ideal for future funding applications, including CanExport.

Program Dates (Fall 2025 Cohort – Vancouver Island and Coast Region):

• Workshop Days: September 17, 18, and 24 (Victoria)
• Virtual Mentorship Days: October 29–30
• Application Deadline: September 3, 2025

Eligibility Criteria:

• Incorporated and operating in B.C. for at least two years
• Minimum $300K in annual revenue
• Ability to commit one or two senior leaders to the program

Thanks to generous bursaries, the TAP—normally valued at $5,000—is available at a significantly reduced cost for qualifying companies.

Learn more and apply:
https://www.boardoftrade.com/events/7873
Questions? Contact: info@wtcvancouver.ca

The post Expand Your Business Globally: Apply Now for the Trade Accelerator Program appeared first on CVRD.