Comox Valley Chamber holds bootcamp for rural businesses

The Comox Valley Chamber of Commerce is running a Business Builders Bootcamp for small rural businesses in Area C, with monthly Wednesday evening sessions at the Black Creek Community Centre through April. The seminars were developed from a 2024 survey and cover practical topics such as security, hiring, and financial statements.

The Comox Valley Chamber of Commerce is offering a Business Builders Bootcamp aimed at small rural businesses in the Comox Valley Regional District's Area C. The series was developed after a 2024 survey of rural businesses identified demand for practical, accessible training tailored to rural realities. Sessions are scheduled on Wednesday evenings at the Black Creek Community Centre to make attendance easier for business owners outside regular hours. Four classes are currently scheduled for 2026, and the chamber may add more based on interest and community need. Key details: - The bootcamp is part of the Chamber's Rural Business Initiative and responds to a 2024 survey of rural businesses. - Seminars are held at the Black Creek Community Centre on Wednesday evenings. - Four classes are scheduled for 2026, with the potential for additional sessions if interest grows. - Upcoming sessions include: Feb. 11 on practical security, Mar. 11 on hiring and retention, and Apr. 8 on using financial statements. - Fiona McQuillan, the chamber's Rural Business Advisor, said the series reflects what rural owners asked for: practical, relevant support that fits their reality. - Registration information is available through the Black Creek Community Centre website and the chamber's Rural Business Initiative page, and the centre can be reached by phone. Summary: The bootcamp aims to give rural business owners hands-on tools and opportunities to connect within Area C. Monthly seminars run through April 2026, and the chamber may expand the series if community interest continues.