Celebrate Small Business Month with the Ladysmith Chambers Business Mixer and two Lunch & Learns. Don’t miss these opportunities to gain insights, connect with peers, and support local business growth.

You’re invited! Join us for the Chamber Business Mixer hosted by Budget Blinds of Cowichan Valley and Nanaimo in partnership with StorX!

Plus, you’ll have a chance to win an incredible $800 door prize

“Love Your Home in Ladysmith” package with $500 in custom window coverings + gift certificates from local businesses.

Thank you to our Sponsors for the 2025 Adopt-a-Rider Program!

We’re thrilled to share that the Ladysmith Chamber of Commerce, together with the Ladysmith Chronicle, has officially sold out this year’s Adopt-a-Rider Program in support of the Canadian Cancer Society’s Cops for Cancer Tour de Rock.

Thanks to the generosity of our Chamber Members and local businesses, every rider has been adopted! Their support means more funding for pediatric cancer research, unforgettable experiences at Camp Good Times for kids and families, and a warm Ladysmith welcome when the riders arrive at the Red Serge Dinner.

Thank you, Ladysmith businesses, for showing your heart and helping make a difference. 

Chamber Membership Drive: Help Us Grow the Chamber Community

We’re excited to kick off our September Membership Drive, and we’d love your help! If you know a business that would benefit from being part of the Ladysmith Chamber, now is the perfect time to invite them to join.

Special Promotion:

New members who pre-pay for a 2026 membership will receive the remainder of 2025 free!

By joining, businesses gain access to:

• Exclusive member perks
• Members-only advertising opportunities
• Networking connections that spotlight and support their business
• A strong voice in the community and advocacy on issues that matter to local business

Please share this promotion with your business contacts—together, we can grow our Chamber community and strengthen our local business network.

250-245-2112 | roberta@ladysmithcofc.com

The Ladysmith Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to welcome our newest members! We remain committed to fostering connections among our members and within the broader community.

Take a moment to greet them—visit their website, send a friendly email, or drop by in person to introduce yourself. Your warm welcome and personal outreach will help our Chamber continue to flourish and strengthen our vibrant network.

The Blending Bar Aromatherapy + Wellness

Life Coaching • Yoga • Natural Health

Spice up your next chapter with life coaching, yoga and hand crafted aromatherapy products from The Blending Bar Aromatherapy + Wellness, where you’ll reconnect with your calm, clear and confident self. Founder Amy Reedman is a Certified Wayfinder Life Coach, Yoga and Meditation Teacher, and Certified Aromatherapist with over 25 years of experience in natural health and wellness. Welcome home! 

Website: TheBlendingBar.ca

The BC Chamber of Commerce Small Business Week Summit is back!  October 20–24, 2025

Join us as we celebrate the vital contributions of small businesses, the backbone of B.C.’s economy. This year’s summit is packed with practical, hands-on sessions designed to help you tackle today’s challenges and seize new opportunities. Over four days, you will connect with subject matter experts and thought leaders, gain actionable insights, and access valuable resources, all from the convenience of Zoom. Reserve your complimentary spot today, we look forward to seeing you online!

Public input period for draft Accessibility Plan extended

Have your say, Ladysmith!

The Town of Ladysmith has developed its first-ever draft Accessibility Plan—and they want your feedback!

Facts about the plan

• Created by the Town's Accessibility Advisory Committee
• Focused on removing barriers in Town-owned spaces, properties, and facilities
• A living document that will evolve with community input

Share your thoughts by October 14 on Let’s Talk Ladysmith

https://letstalk.ladysmith.ca

Residents must create an account on Let’s Talk Ladysmith to participate in the survey. As part of the registration process, the Town requires basic demographic information to better understand who is providing feedback and ensure diverse voices are represented in decision-making. Demographic data is kept confidential.

Community Futures Cowichan SAVVY CEO Program

Savvy CEO strengthens your confidence and leadership habits so you can make sharper decisions, navigate tough conversations, and scale with confidence

Savvy CEO is about getting clarity, building confidence, and improved communication skills to really drive your business.

It is a seven-session program for women with 3+ years in business who want to lead with greater confidence—and see it show up on the bottom line. Expect practical tools, a personal leadership playbook, and a tight peer circle that keeps you accountable.

Savvy CEO Pre-requisite:

1. You have been in business 3+ years.

2. Operate your business in the Cowichan Valley.

INVESTMENT:

Three hours -once a month

3pm to 6pm - the Second Thursday of the month.

Starts October 9th and Finishes April 9th.

Program fee is $150 (with Monthly payment options available).

AI Upskilling Central Island – Work Smarter, Not Harder with AI

Small businesses that embrace AI today will lead tomorrow. The AI Upskilling Central Island program—delivered by Community Futures Central Island in partnership with Hufnagel Consulting and AI Educator Jennifer Hufnagel—is here to help local employers, nonprofits, and solopreneurs harness AI tools to save time, boost productivity, and stay competitive.

Through three hands-on workshops, office hours, and a supportive peer network, you’ll gain practical skills to apply AI in your daily operations—no tech expertise required.

📅 Programs run January–March 2026

💡 Limited seats available (only 20!)

💲 As low as $199 (valued at $2,999)

Don’t wait—your competitors might already be using AI.