13 Rural Business and Community Recovery (RBCR) Regional Business Liaison positions approved across Northern B.C.

May 30, 2023

Prince George B.C.

Northern Development announced today that it has approved 13 applications for Regional Business Liaisons (RBLs) who will offer one-on-one support services for rural businesses and communities impacted by forest policy changes and other impacts to the forest sector.

The RBCR program was first announced in early April and was made possible thanks to a $1.5 million investment from the Province of B.C.’s Rural Business and Community Recovery Initiative, which will support regional business liaison positions throughout Northern B.C. for a one-year term. Funding was made available to Community Futures Development Corporations, local governments, Indigenous governments and economic development entities. The intake opened on April 3 and closed April 28.

The following organizations have been approved for RBL positions:

• Community Futures Cariboo Chilcotin (two positions)
• District of Fort St. James
• Community Futures Peace Liard (two positions)
• Community Futures North Cariboo
• Community Futures Nadina (two positions)
• Community Futures Sun Country
• Community Futures Fraser-Fort George (two positions)
• First Nations Business Development Association
• Community Futures Pacific Northwest

Quotes:

Brenda Bailey, Minister of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation
“As rural communities and businesses in B.C. look to create sustainable, diverse and inclusive economies, these new community advisors will play a pivotal role in providing access to supports needed during this transition. We’ll continue working collaboratively with Northern Development Initiative Trust on building a stronger, more resilient future for everyone across central and northern B.C.”

Kim Martinson, Executive Director, Community Futures Nadina
“Preparation for long-term stability and resistance to disruptive events and subsequent recessions depends on economic diversification.  The Regional Business Liaison positions will assist our communities in developing strategies to deal with the ever-changing economic environment and will support individuals, businesses, Indigenous-owned businesses and non-profits that require business start-up/expansion, mitigation, recovery, transitioning and general support.”

Felicia Magee, Director, Economic Development, Northern Development Initiative Trust
“Rural businesses are deeply connected to their local communities. They tend to reinvest their profits locally, sponsor community events, and create partnerships with other businesses and organizations. Through the RBCR program, we can assist businesses and communities, creating a stronger, local economy.”