January 18, 2023

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.

• ‘The First Indigenous Restaurant In A Canadian Airport’ Opened In YVR
• Icicle ERP Wins 2022 Food Logistics Top Software & Technology Provider Award
• Fusion Genomics establishes first-of-its-kind wastewater surveillance pilot study at Toronto Airport
• New BC Innovation Minister Brenda Bailey lays out how she plans to support province’s tech, innovation
• Sierra Wireless and Semtech clear final hurdle for $1.2 billion acquisition to close next week
• Congratulations to the 2022 Waste Wars Winners and YVR Green Excellence Award Recipients
• Daiso opens its doors in Richmond
• New Japanese market opens in Steveston
• New fried chicken joint opens in Richmond

B.C. Employer Training Grant

The BC Employer Training Grant (ETG) supports small, medium and large businesses with skills training for their workforce. The ETG helps workers access the skills training they need to adapt to the changing labour market. 

💰 Employers can apply as often as they need and receive 80% of the cost of training up to $10,000 per employee, with a maximum annual amount of $300,000 per employer.

📅 Funding is for the fiscal year from April 1 to March 31.

Applications are open on a continuous basis.

Project Zero Incubator Program Application

Are you a BC-based entrepreneur looking to operate within the circular economy?

This free, virtual 8-month program gives BC-based entrepreneurs with new circular business ideas and early start-ups the opportunity to create and refine their business plan, learn business operation fundamentals and entrepreneurial skills, connect with mentors, and develop a pitch for their business.

This program is run by Synergy Foundation, supported by Vancity Credity Union. 

Applications are open until Monday, February 13, 2023.

Richmond Night Market 2023 - Vendor Registration

The Richmond Night Market is back for another season, grand opening set for April 28, 2023!

The Night Market is one of the largest summer events in the Lower Mainland attracting 500,000 visitors with 250 participating vendors. They are inviting retail and food vendors with unique merchandise products and delicious street food ideas to register now. 

Vendor registration is now open.

Regional Quantum Initiative Funding Opportunity

The Government of Canada is committing $14 million over six years available through Pacific Economic Development Canada to commercialize quantum technologies. This initiative is to support Canadian entrepreneurs to grow quantum-ready technologies, companies and talent.

Areas of focus for this initiative:

• Quantum computing
• Quantum sensors
• Quantum communications technology
• Quantum materials

Small Business BC Awards  - Nominate a Small Business

The Small Business BC (SBBC) Awards is B.C's largest awards competition dedicated exclusively to small businesses. To celebrate the 20th anniversary, SBBC will be returning to an in-person gala celebration on June 2, 2023. 

A prize of $10,000 each will be awarded to four winning businesses. 

Award categories include:
1. People's Choice Award
2. SBBC Business Impact Award
3. Best Youth Entrepreneur Award
4. E-Commerce Experience Award

Nominations and voting are now open until March 10, 2023. 

From The Ground Up Trade Show - Exhibitor Registration

Are you a B.C. food and beverage brand or a local sustainable service in search of more customers? From the Ground Up Trade Show is the only 100% B.C. trade show connecting local brands to multiple market channels.

Food and beverage businesses will be connected to buyers, distributors, brokers, chefs, media, and other food industry supporters to showcase and support the incredible processors, producers, and food landscape right here in B.C.

Registration to be an exhibitor is open until March 31, 2023.