As an organization we are consistently looking at ways to assist our local business community in expanding and retaining employment in the community. In order to achieve this we are working on the ground with local businesses to determine needs and assistance in making them successful.
In 2010 we launched our Business Retention and Expansion program. The focus in this program is to encourage expansion of existing businesses through a coordinated approach to export market research and assistance. The program places significant emphasis on creating a business environment for stable, successful companies in a global market place. The rationale for this approach is that locally owned businesses have a long-term commitment to the community. These businesses relate to our community's lifestyle, and they have a vested interest in their community's quality of life. They are there because they want to be.
The Penticton Business Retention and Expansion program is an economic development approach that recognizes the importance of existing businesses and focuses on engaging the business community in gathering important information and information that illustrates overall trends within the region. The business retention program will focus its efforts in improving local business competitiveness as these businesses are more likely to stay and expand in a community that they are supported in. It is a well known fact that up to 80% of new job growth and capital investment in any community is generated by existing business. The goal of the program is to identify and realize solutions that enhance the ability of local business to expand and grow in Penticton. The development of a Business Retention and Expansion program promotes job growth by helping the community identify the concerns and barriers to growth, as well as opportunities facing existing local businesses.
In the fall of 2010 we hosted a program on selling to the government. Most businesses are unaware that both the Federal government and Provincial government are great places to mine for business. In fact over the past three years Penticton businesses have secured over 26 million dollars of business with the government of Canada.
We are also working with the local business community to expand goods and services internationally. On February 21 we will be hosting a roundtable discussion to assist local technology and innovation companies in making a connection with United Kingdom companies that are looking for business opportunities and joint ventures in Canada. This program through investment Canada and Regional Economic offices is the perfect place to promote your products and services to a well established mature market that is seeking growth and new business. If you are interested to be a part of this program and would like to meet Andy Curtis our on the ground contact in United Kingdom contact our office 250-493-3323 or email lkruger@penticton.org.
More information on Monday, February 21, Andy Curtis meet and greet:
http://www.imaginepenticton.ca/news/new-trade-and-investment-officer-for-united-kingdom/
