The Kamloops Chamber of Commerce is celebrating Small Business Week.
Chamber Executive Director Acacia Pangilinan says small business is the backbone of our economy and it is important that they are recognized and celebrated. Among the events this week is a Business Walk in the Valleyview corridor talking with business owners Thursday morning and gauge how businesses are feeling about their economic outlook. “So, are they optimistic about their business? Do they see themselves being around in the next five years? What are some of the major issues that they’re seeing? And we’re taking all of this data and city council, Venture Kamloops, and the Business Improvement Associations along with the Chamber, take that data and use it in our planning with what programs we offer, what services we offer and what help we provide to the business community.” Pangilinan says attitudes may change based on the election. “Business taxes is always something that business owners are thinking about and affordability. But, in certain corridors we’re seeing an increase in social issues which is impacting the way people do business. So, our teams that are going out is hearing about those issues to. But we’re also hearing about labour shortages and that fact that it’s hard to attract and retain good talent.”
Other events include a Junior Achievement Pitch Night on Friday where local high school students pitch their business ideas to the chamber. Pangilinan says it’s important to get our youth thinking about becoming entrepreneurs. “These businesses are their own ideas, they do all of the work, they become CEO’s of their own company and the business community mentors them. So, Thursday they’re virtually pitching their ideas. So this is their opportunity to get feedback from the business community and to practice pitching their business ideas.
The Chamber will also be hosting its 33rd Annual Business Excellence Awards presented by MNP on Saturday night where it will be celebrating 17 award winners.
