Why attend one of our events?

One of the most valuable aspects of these events is the chance to network with other business professionals. Port Alberni is a small town, and word of mouth is the most effective marketing out there. Engaging with our Chamber network can lead to new business partnerships, collaborations, and referrals that can significantly benefit your business.

At our Breakfasts and Luncheons, we do a round of introductions of every single person in the room so everyone knows who they have the opportunity to connect with during the networking portion after our guest presentations. Our Mixer's are entry by donation and relaxed and casual.

By attending events, members and future members, contribute to the strength and cohesion of the local business community. A united business community can more effectively address common challenges and seize opportunities to make the Alberni Valley a vibrant and prosperous business-friendly community.

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'chambermember'

FOR ADDITIONAL 10% SAVINGS

In celebration of National Indigenous History Month in Canada, we are focusing this event on Indigenous Economic Development, Indigenous commerce and the lasting legacies and impacts in the Alberni Valley region. Speakers from Hupacasath First Nation and Tseshaht First Nation are confirmed to attend.

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Join the conversation! June 19 📅 This is a great chance for Chamber members to engage with the early stages of our Fire Dept. Master Plan and share your valuable insights. 🚒 Plus, hear from Ron Merk about the Opioid Crisis and its impact on our community. Your voice matters—don't miss it!

Limited seating at the Alberni Valley Chamber of Commerce's Board Room.

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Taking place in Victoria, BC on June 6th and June 19th, join local business leaders to hear directly from BC's political party leaders hoping to win over British Columbians in this fall's election. Become informed on the different visions for the future of British Columbia and help determine which party's vision best supports your business.

A lively Q&A with Greater Victoria Chamber CEO Bruce Williams will be the focus of each event, discussing the challenges and opportunities facing businesses in our region.

Submit questions in advance with your registration to lend your voice to these discussions.

Island Good Days has been officially declared in Campbell River, Duncan, Esquimalt, Ladysmith, Langford, Nanaimo, Port Alberni, and Victoria!

Did you know that nearly 200 businesses throughout Vancouver Island and the rural islands are proudly Island Good, and this number is steadily increasing?

Island Good Days will celebrate locally grown, raise, produced and manufactured goods and those grocers, retailers and restaurants that support them.

Keep an eye out for the Island Good logo while you shop, follow @islandgoodbrand on social media, spread the word to your friends and family, and explore all the Island Good businesses.

Let's celebrate Island Good this week and throughout the year! It's good for jobs, good for our economy, good for sustainability, good for us all!

Thank you again to Char's Landing and Kuu-us Cafe and Gifts for partnering with us for our Annual General Meeting that took place on May 15, 2024.

Upper Photo: Full room at Char's Landing with Alberni Valley Tourism presenting an update of activities

Lower: 4VI, Caleb McIntyre, Manager of Sustainable Development, presenting a tourism snapshot on Vancouver Island

Thank you to BMO and BMO Private Wealth for sponsoring our May Chamber Mixer at Alberni Brewing Company! And a round of applause to Five Acre Shaker for the weekend passes for our Door Prize draw!

The Donut Shop - Indulge in the delectable delights of this Port Alberni institution, renowned for its mouthwatering donuts! Considered the "BEST DONUTS ON VANCOUVER ISLAND", the donut shop is a must visit for both locals and tourists alike. 

With fresh coffee and large selection of teas and cold beverages to pair perfectly with your sweet treat. Or enjoy a fresh sandwich/panini. The Donut Shop also offers ice cream, perfect to enjoy by the water on a hot summer day.

Event Overview:

This conference will gather maritime professionals, government representatives, and industry leaders, making it the ideal platform to showcase your brand and services.

Sponsorships:

For comprehensive details on sponsorship packages and their associated benefits, please refer to our in-depth Sponsorship Package.

Exhibitors:

For exhibitor opportunities please refer to our Exhibitor Information Package.

Why Sponsor?

Sponsoring this event brings substantial benefits:

Unparalleled Visibility: Achieve substantial exposure in front of a highly focused audience of maritime experts, government officials, and industry leaders.

Strategic Networking: Forge connections with potential partners, clients, and industry peers, bridging national and provincial divides.

Industry Leadership: Showcase your dedication to advancing the maritime sector, solidifying your position as a trailblazer.

The highly-anticipated Five Acre Shaker makes its return to the Alberni Valley this August 9th and 10th, celebrating its 10th anniversary since its inception in 2014.

The Five Acre Shaker is more than just a music festival as it encompasses the entire community of the Alberni Valley. It began as a memorial event for local musician Zakk Coss, and each year founders Lance Goddard and Victoria Rogoschewsky raise funds for The Zattzoo Project Society, which supports local youth musicians.

The festival has evolved over the years, moving to larger venues as its popularity grows. This year, The Shaker will be held at the Fall Fair Grounds in Port Alberni, providing a central location accessible to all ages. 

This year, The Five Acre Shaker is set to be even more special, as it debuts its new format that emphasizes inclusivity. The production team at Five Acre Co. is dedicated to creating an event space that celebrates the power of connection and community, welcoming people of all ages from the Alberni Valley and all of Vancouver Island.

Canada Digital Adoption Program - Alacrity Canada $2,400 Micro Grant

As part of the Canada Digital Adoption Program, the Government of Canada has partnered with Alacrity Canada to deliver the Grow Your Business Online grant to small businesses across the country. Eligible businesses will receive a micro-grant to help with the costs related to adopting e-commerce and will be supported by a network of e-commerce advisors. Registration is now open for both Small Business and E-commerce Advisor applicants.

For more information and to apply for this program, click here!

My Community Futures in an online platform to access services from Community Futures BC.

This website offers free workshops, peer masterminds and up to 10 hours of consulting for people thinking about starting a business, already operating a business, and managers of not-for-profits.

If the business or not-for-profit meets additional criteria (i.e. operating a revenue-generating enterprise grossing more than $15,000 in the last 12 months) then they are eligible to apply for a Business Training Reimbursement of up to 80% of costs to a maximum of $5,000. Employees are eligible for up to $2,500. Regarding employees, the workshops and peer masterminds are free for them as well.

Good news & updates made to the Securing Small Business Rebate Program

Updates to the application process will include:

Removing the requirement to provide an insurance claim when applying for funding through the reparative stream of the program. Applicants will now simply be required to provide the name of their insurance carrier and policy number.

Permitting self-installation of measures. If equipment is self-installed, the rebate will be for eligible equipment only.

Removing the requirement for the applicant to demonstrate there is vandalism in the community in order to be eligible for the preventative rebate.

Removing the application deadline of Feb. 29, 2024, for preventative and reparative applications being filed for 2023. Applications will be accepted until the program ends in 2025.

Click here to access the Application Guide

Build Your Own Future (BYOF)

In response to weakening markets and changes in the forestry sector, the BC Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction has provided 3 years of funding for Hubspace to deliver a tailored business startup support program for tradespeople and technicians affected by BC mill closures and curtailments.

PROGRAM ELIGIBILITY

Eligible participants are:

• A tradesperson or technician (employees and contractors are both eligible) in any forestry sector.

• Affected by a BC mill closure or extended curtailment.

• Interested in operating a trades or technician service business.

More info here

Chamber Event Partnership Opportunities

Interested in partnering on a Chamber event? We have a number of opportunities available including:

• Gold Partners 
• Community Partners
• Door Prize Partners
• Presenting Partners (booking for June - Sept - Oct)
• Business After Business Hosts

Connect with the Chamber for more info and booking a limited partner slot: office@albernichamber.ca

Market your business directly to local business owners and their employees! 

The Chamber publishes its monthly newsletter to 775 subscribers including 260 member businesses through the Alberni Valley. Our open rate in the past 12 months has been 49%.  

We are offering the following ads: 

-    Sponsored Content

-    Banner Ads

Book your ad with jolleen@albernichamber.ca