January 19, 2022

Richmond Business (Good) News!

Below is a collection of local news success stories that showcase both innovation and resilience. Don't forget to use the hashtag #RichmondHasHeart when sharing your stories.

• DC's Superman show in Richmond, Metro Vancouver helps B.C. economy

• YVR, Indigenous Tourism BC join forces to boost Indigenous tourism

• Metro Vancouver-born T&T Supermarket expanding to Quebec

• MDA and ICEYE Sign Agreement to Integrate X-band SAR Satellite into MDA's CHORUS Constellation

• Icicle ERP Wins 2021 Food Logistics Top Software & Technology Providers Award

• London Drugs making space for fitness businesses hit by COVID-19 restrictions

• Liv'Ez Co Wins Gold for Social Impact Business Award

• Richmond-based Keg named one of best places to work in Canada

Richmond to continue investment in flood protection

Although the City of Richmond fared well during the recent extreme weather events, the City will continue to invest resources to strengthen and upgrade its flood protection infrastructure to protect residents against the future extreme weather that is expected to occur due to climate change.

“The City has invested over $120 million in our dikes and flood protection infrastructure,” said Mayor Malcolm Brodie. “Such investment is crucial to protect the community from the risks of weather events as well as rising sea levels attributed to climate change. Recent events only reinforce the value of that commitment and the need for more.”

2022 BC Tourism & Hospitality Conference Sponsorship Opportunities

Does your business supply goods or services to the tourism or hospitality industry? If so, you may want to promote your business at the 2022 BC Tourism & Hospitality Conference taking place in Richmond, British Columbia from March 9 – 11, 2022.
 
The BCTHC will be held at the Richmond Conference Centre and is an opportunity to reach a highly targeted audience of over 600 delegates. Hundreds of tourism owner/operators, hoteliers, destination marketing and management professionals, educators, government representatives, industry sectors, and other stakeholders representing all regions of British Columbia will be in attendance.

Opportunities include participating in the conference's Vendor Marketplace or taking advantage of a Sponsorship Package. 

The 2022 BC Tourism & Hospitality Conference is brought to you by the Tourism Industry Association of BC and the BC Hotel Association.

COVID-19 Closure Relief Grant

The COVID-19 Closure Relief Grant provides fully funded grants to businesses that had to close due to the December 22, 2021 Provincial Health Officer (PHO) orders.

Businesses who were ordered to close to help stop the rapid spread of Omicron can now apply to receive up to $10,000 through the COVID-19 Closure Relief Grant. The grant can be used to cover expenses like rent, insurance, employee wages, maintenance and utilities. Businesses must meet the following requirements to be eligible:

• The business has been in operation and registered in B.C. as of November 1, 2021
• The business location had to fully close to comply with the December 22, 2021 Provincial Health Officer orders. Examples of businesses ordered to closed include:
  • Bars, nightclubs and lounges that do not serve full meals
  • Pilates and yoga studios
  • Barre, spin and adult dance studios
  • Gyms offering indoor high or low intensity group exercise classes or exercise activities
  • Event venues that can no longer hold events due to cancellations

Project Zero 2022 Incubator Applications Now Open

The Project Zero Incubator program applications are now live!
 
This free, eight-month business incubator is designed specifically for innovative, early-stage start-ups and established businesses that operate within the circular economy, from waste-to-resource models and closed-loop designs to clean technology and renewable energy. 
 
Participants will have the opportunity to create their business plans, learn business operation fundamentals and entrepreneurial skills, connect with mentors, and develop a business pitch.