Best Practices Guide

2 0 1 4 O P E N F O R B U S I N E S S AWA R D W I N N E R – G R A N D F O R K S ( L - R ) : C O U N C I L LO R G A R Y S M I T H ; M N Y; M AYO R B R I A N TAY LO R ; M C O, C O U N C I L LO R B O B K E N D E L ; C O U N C I L LO R M I C H A E L W I R I S C H A G I N ; A N D C O U N C I L LO R C H E R W Y E R S .

2 0 1 4 O P E N F O R B U S I N E S S AWA R D W I N N E R – S A L M O N A R M ( L - R ) : C O U N C I L LO R M A R G K E N T E L ; M N Y; M AYO R N A N C Y C O O P E R ; M C O ; C I T Y O F S A L M O N A R M C A O C A R L B A N N I S T E R ; C O U N C I L LO R C H A D E L I A S O N ; A N D C O U N C I L LO R D E B B I E C A N N O N .

2 0 1 4 O P E N F O R B U S I N E S S AWA R D W I N N E R – V E R N O N ( L - R ) : M N Y; C O U N C I L LO R J U L I E T T E C U N N I N G H A M ; M AYO R R O B S AWAT Z K Y; A N D M C O.

2 0 1 4 O P E N F O R B U S I N E S S AWA R D W I N N E R – C I T Y O F L A N G L E Y ( L - R ) : C O U N C I L LO R D AV E H A L L ; M N Y; M AYO R T E D S H A F F E R ; M C O ; C O U N C I L LO R J A C K A R N O L D ; A N D C O U N C I L LO R G AY L E M A R T I N .

2 0 1 4 O P E N F O R B U S I N E S S AWA R D W I N N E R – S M I T H E R S ( L - R ) : C O U N C I L LO R P H I L B R I E N E S S E ; M N Y; M AYO R TAY LO R B A C H R A C H ; C O U N C I L LO R B I L L G O O D A C R E ; C O U N C I L LO R M A R K B A N D S T R A ; A N D M C O.

2 0 1 5 D E LTA T R A D E S & T E C H N I C A L C A R E E R FA I R ( P H OT O C O U R T E S Y O F T H E C O R P O R AT I O N O F D E LTA ) .

P R E PA R E D B Y B R I T I S H C O L U M B I A’ S S M A L L B U S I N E S S R O U N D TA B L E .

D E S I G N A N D T Y P E S E T T I N G C R E AT E D B Y T H E P R O V I N C E O F B R I T I S H C O L U M B I A

( G O V E R N M E N T C O M M U N I C AT I O N S A N D P U B L I C E N G A G E M E N T ) F O R B . C .’ S

S M A L L B U S I N E S S R O U N D TA B L E . M AY 2 0 1 5

P R O D U C T I O N O F T H I S D O C U M E N T I N C L U D E D E N V I R O N M E N TA L LY

F R I E N D LY B E S T P R A C T I S E S . P L E A S E R E D U C E , R E U S E A N D R E C Y C L E .

Table of Contents

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I N T R O D U C T I O N

S M A L L B U S I N E S S F R I E N D LY T H E M E S

W H AT I S T H E O P E N F O R B U S I N E S S A W A R D ?

W H AT I S T H E B C S M A L L B U S I N E S S A C C O R D ?

AWA R D S U B M I S S I O N T H E M E S

1 ) U N D E R S TA N D I N G T H E L O C A L N E E D S O F

S M A L L B U S I N E S S

2 ) M A K I N G C O M M U N I T I E S

M O R E C O M P E T I T I V E

3 ) AT T R A C T I N G A N D R E TA I N I N G B U S I N E S S

4 ) M A K I N G I T E A S I E R T O AT T R A C T A N D

D E V E L O P TA L E N T

5 ) R E C O G N I Z I N G T H E L O C A L C O N T R I B U T I O N S

O F S M A L L B U S I N E S S

6 ) S I M P L I F Y I N G R E G U L AT O R Y P R O C E S S E S

7 ) A C C E S S I N G P R O C U R E M E N T O P P O R T U N I T I E S

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DID YOU KNOW?

The B.C. Small Business Roundtable invites First Nations communities and local governments to compete for the Open for Business Awards. As an incentive, the Province also provides awards of $10,000 each to the winning communities who best demonstrate they are operating within the spirit of B.C. Small Business Accord princicples. The financial reward must then be used to assist in funding a proposed small business friendly initiative that supports growth and success of small businesses in that community.

L A K E C O U N T R Y B U S I N E S S WA L K S ( P H OT O C O U R T E S Y O F T H E D I S T R I C T O F L A K E C O U N T R Y ) .

2 0 1 4 O P E N F O R B U S I N E S S AWA R D W I N N E R – K E LO W N A ( L - R ) : C O U N C I L LO R G A I L G I V E N ; M N Y; M AYO R WA LT O R G R AY; C O U N C I L LO R M A X I N E D E H A R T; M C O ; A N D C O U N C I L LO R R O B E R T H O B S O N .

2 0 1 4 O P E N F O R B U S I N E S S AWA R D W I N N E R S . B A C K R O W ( L - R ) : G R A N D F O R K S M AYO R B R I A N TAY LO R ; P O R T C O Q U I T L A M C O U N C I L LO R M I K E F O R R E S T; M N Y; M C O ; C I T Y O F L A N G L E Y M AYO R T E D S C H A F F E R ; S M I T H E R S M AYO R TAY LO R B A C H R A C H ; A N D K E LO W N A M AYO R WA LT O R G R AY. F R O N T R O W ( L - R ) : S A L M O N A R M M AYO R N A N C Y C O O P E R ; S B R T S U E A D A M S ; PA R K S V I L L E C O U N C I L LO R S U E P O W E L L ; V E R N O N M AYO R R O B S AWAT Z K Y; A N D S B R T I A N T O S T E N S O N .

2 0 1 4 O P E N F O R B U S I N E S S AWA R D W I N N E R – P O R T C O Q U I T L A M ( L - R ) : C O U N C I L LO R B R A D W E S T; M N Y; C O U N C I L LO R M I K E F O R R E S T; C O U N C I L LO R M I C H A E L W R I G H T; M C O ; C O U N C I L LO R D A R R E L L P E N N E R ; A N D C O U N C I L LO R G L E N P O L LO C K .

A B O V E : P E N I N S U L A C O U N T R Y M A R K E T ( P H OT O C O U R T E S Y O F J O - A N N WAY O F N U T T YC A K E . C A ) .

2 0 1 4 O P E N F O R B U S I N E S S AWA R D W I N N E R – PA R K S V I L L E ( L - R ) : M N Y; C O U N C I L LO R S U E P O W E L L ; M C O ; A N D C O U N C I L LO R B I L L N E U F E L D.

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IntroductionS M A L L B U S I N E S S F R I E N D LY T H E M E S

This summary highlights local government initiatives that are in the spirit of the BC Small Business Accord and helped distinguish finalist communities as “open for business”.

These best practices were identified by the Roundtable through the evaluation of past Open for Business Award submissions, and categorized by how they benefit the small business community. These best practices demonstrate a progressive business culture, making it easier for business to do business in their communities.

The Roundtable identified the following small business friendly themes in the Award submissions:

1. Understanding the local needs of small business;

2. Making communities more competitive;

3. Attracting and retaining business;

4. Making it easier to attract and develop talent;

5. Recognizing the local contributions of small business;

6. Simplifying regulatory processes; and

7. Accessing procurement opportunities.

W H AT I S T H E O P E N F O R B U S I N E S S AWA R D ?

The Roundtable’s Open for Business Award (Award) recognizes communities that have demonstrated they are operating in the spirit of the BC Small Business Accord (Accord). Originally established in 2011 as the Most Small Business Friendly Community Award, the Award was re-launched in April 2013 with the addition of a $10,000 award to fund a local small business friendly initiative and encourage communities to adopt the Accord.

Award Winners Include: Central Saanich, Chilliwack, Coquitlam, Grand Forks, Fort St. James, Kelowna, City of Langley, Parksville, Port Coquitlam, Salmon Arm, Smithers, Penticton, Surrey and Vernon.

W H AT I S T H E B C S M A L L B U S I N E S S A C C O R D ?

The Province enacted the Accord to ensure that government is doing all it can do to support small business; it is a commitment to improve interactions with small business and ensure government initiatives and services consider the needs of small business. Information about government actions to support the Accord is detailed at: www.gov.bc.ca/smallbusinessaccord

DID YOU KNOW?

98% of all businesses in B.C. are small businesses.

Small businesses provide nearly 55% of all private sector jobs, employing over one million people.

Almost 50% of the total value of goods exported from the province is generated by small businesses.

Small businesses are responsible for approximately 31% of British Columbia’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

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Award Submission Themes1 ) U N D E R S TA N D I N G T H E L O C A L N E E D S

O F S M A L L B U S I N E S S :

A. Work with economic development partners such as the Central Okanagan Economic Development Commission to develop a “Business Walks” program which allows local governments, First Nations, and economic development officials to better understand business needs and offer guidance through problem-solving, resources and business planning supports. (Grand Forks/Kelowna/Penticton/Quesnel/Vernon/Lake Country)

B. Establish an “Economic Advisory Committee” representing key economic sectors or business clusters to remove local barriers that challenge local businesses and help identify infrastructure gaps, and build economic development strategies to address them. This allows government to assemble the information and infrastructure it needs to establish a realistic strategic economic development plan. (Central Saanich/Vernon)

C. Better understand small business through a “Business Satisfaction Survey” and use this information to develop and Economic Action Plan to enhance the strategies that are focused on small businesses. (Coquitlam)

D. Develop local solutions to prioritize municipal actions to improve business through “Let’s Talk: Business in Smithers”. The collaborative nature of problem solving at these sessions created individual awareness of collective solutions that everyone can contribute to. (Smithers)

E. Coffee with Council – Each week, the Economic Development Manager from the Salmon Arm Economic Development Society joins one City Councillor to meet onsite with a different business to hear first-hand about business activities, projections for the future, opportunities and challenges. The information is captured in a Business Retention Expansion (BRE) software program to be considered in establishment of our economic development work plan. (Salmon Arm)

2 ) M A K I N G C O M M U N I T I E S M O R E C O M P E T I T I V E :

A. The property tax gap has been identified as the tax most harmful to the operation of a business. Out of 161 Municipalities in 2013, only 24 achieved a tax ratio gap of 2 or less (Penticton). Grand Forks has improved balance in its tax ratio from 3.84 to 2.39 times the residential rate. (Grand Forks)

DID YOU KNOW?

The BC Small Business Accord ensures that government is doing all it can to support small business; a commitment to improve our interactions with small business and ensure government initiatives and services consider the needs of small business.

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B. Make land use planning commitments that redevelop areas with the increased density necessary to build sustainable neighbourhoods, local businesses and services. A progressive “Official Community Plan” for Colwood and Langford was prepared in partnership to encourage a higher density mixed-use, sustainable developments and the creation of opportunities for local business. (Colwood/Langford)

C. Establish a “Revitalization Tax Exemption Program” for areas in need of property improvements. (Penticton – Economic Investment Zones, Langford – Rental Housing Improvements, Salmon Arm – Industrial Revitalization Tax Exemption Program)

D. Establish “Unclassified Business Licence for Malls and Farmers Markets” to allow vendors to set up at select multi-user locations under a master business licence held by the mall and farmers market without having to purchase their own individual licence. Vendors under this licence are also provided a signage bylaw exemption so that they can put up advertising for their business without following stringent guidelines. (Salmon Arm)

E. The City of Kelowna has held Council to Council meetings with the Westbank First Nations as well as the Okanagan Indian Band to identify and address issues and opportunities of mutual interest. (Smithers/Kelowna)

3 ) AT T R A C T I N G A N D R E TA I N I N G B U S I N E S S :

A. Establish an “Investor Presentation Program” to highlight trade and investment opportunities for investors, businesses considering relocation, realtors, developers, and government trade and investment liaison offices. (Coquitlam)

B. Establish a Business Retention and Expansion Program with local private sector partners that is responsible for the city’s economic growth such as the Kamloops Venture Connect or Chilliwack’s Economic Partners Corporation. Strategies include:

• Developing solutions that improve business productivity and competitiveness;

• Maintaining and enhancing existing jobs;

• Increasing local job opportunities; and

• Enhancing local economic development.

C. Establish a “Place to Be” culture where a comprehensive marketing and business enhancement strategies are implemented to attract customers and business to the community. (City of Langley). The cornerstone strategies for this initiative are:

• The “Place to Be” video and business leader testimonials;

• “Downtown Ambassador Program” (safety and clean-up); and

• “Get Fresh” facade enhancement program.

DID YOU KNOW?

Business is the backbone of the B.C. economy and small business owners are the heart and soul of our communities.

The Roundtable’s Open for Business Award recognizes communities that have demonstrated they are operating in the spirit of the BC Small Business Accord.

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D. Shuswap Launch-a-preneur is an innovative program in its third year and is designed to assist aspiring entrepreneurs to prepare their business plan and start their business in the Shuswap. This is a partnership program administered by Salmon Arm Economic Development Society, Okanagan College and Community Futures Shuswap. The three month program wraps up in a final “Dragon’s Den” style competition where teams pitch their business plan to a panel of angel investors and an audience of 200 community members. This program is made possible by over 30 volunteer business mentors and over 40 local business sponsors to compete for prize packages over $25,000 designed to help them start their business.

4 ) M A K I N G I T E A S I E R T O AT T R A C T A N D D E V E L O P TA L E N T :

A. Collaborate with all levels of government and Development Trusts to update technology infrastructure to spearhead access to faster and better broadband services for the whole community. This technology can be used by local Economic Development Officials to arrange meetings and video conferences (free of charge) for start-up companies, investors, financial partners, agencies, analysts, and government officials to support economic development. (Valemount)

B. Collaborate with neighbouring communities, First Nations and Development Trusts to build capacity in the Region by connecting employees, contractors and suppliers to new industry and infrastructure projects. (Fort St. James)

C. “Welcoming Communities Program” – newcomer welcome kits provide a list of services for immigrants, including but not limited to, immigrant business fairs and community talking circles to help immigrants feel welcome and included. (Chilliwack/Kelowna/Penticton/Revelstoke/Smithers). As immigrants account for 15% of the Central Okanagan’s population and enrich the community, Kelowna has established the Central Okanagan Local Immigration Partnership Council to research needs and community assets to inform the types of immigrant services required in the Okanagan. (Kelowna)

D. The Smithers Community Services Youth Empowerment Program (YEP) provides youth, aged 13–18, with creative and recreational activities and counselling services that contribute to increased resilience and self-sufficiency. In 2013, benches constructed by the participants were purchased for use in the town’s public spaces. (Smithers)

E. Initiate a painted mural project on buildings throughout the community as a long term legacy for the community to feature local artists. The purpose of murals is to attract interest in the community and encourage longer visitor stays. (Grand Forks)

DID YOU KNOW?

The Small Business Roundtable was established in 2005 to engage in a dialogue with small business owners to identify key issues and opportunities facing small businesses in British Columbia, and to develop recommendations for small business and government on strategies to enhance small business growth and success.

The Roundtable is chaired by the Minister responsible for small business. Board members are recognized as leaders in their community and represent all regions of the province.

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5 ) R E C O G N I Z I N G T H E L O C A L C O N T R I B U T I O N S O F S M A L L B U S I N E S S :

A. Establish a “City Awards” program to recognize business and community leaders who made major contributions to enhance their communities through: urban design, community beautification, environmental stewardship, energy conservation and community support. (Surrey). Kelowna has established small, medium and large business categories for their “Corporate Community of the Year Award” to recognize employee volunteerism in addition to financial contributions that have a direct benefit to the community. (Kelowna)

B. “Green Star Business Awards” to recognize businesses in three ‘green categories’ (solution, integration, and education) for their green business initiatives. Winners are showcased at the City’s Earth Day celebration, promoting the business on social media channels and showcasing the business on the website. (Pitt Meadows)

C. Establish “Small Business Saturday” through a formal proclamation to promote the sale of local goods and services. (Central Saanich)

D. Grand Forks has partnered with Phoenix Foundation, The Grand Forks Credit Union, The Province, Rotary Club, and the Boundary Country Regional Conference to bring the “Family Friendly Business” initiative to the region. Families have an opportunity to nominate and vote for a business, and those with the top number of votes are presented are recognized and receive awards at the annual Small Business Week event in October. (Grand Forks)

E. In April 2014, the District of Delta partnered with the Delta School District, BCIT, Kwantlen Polytecnic University, Vancouver Community College, industry organizations and many local employers to host the second annual Delta Trades and Career Fair. The Fair featured 75 exhibits and reached 3,500 students to encourage them to pursue future careers in trades and technical areas, most of which are offered by local businesses. (Delta)

6 ) S I M P L I F Y I N G R E G U L AT O R Y P R O C E S S E S :

A. Work with the Province to enrol in BizPaL and establish Mobile Business Licence Agreements to build momentum on the recently completed agreements for Metro West & Fraser Valley, and the Central Island. For smaller communities, establish a cost-conscious business licence that starts at $25.00. (Fort St. James)

B. Commit to front line staff training that supports a “Full Circle Customer Service Program” where customers can expect Courtesy and Respect/Timely Response/Clear and Accurate/Follow-up/Accountability. (City of Langley)

DID YOU KNOW?

With the help of public consultations and Twitter conversations (#BCBizChat and #BCSmallBiz) the Roundtable works to better understand business issues and opportunities, which are often unique to the region where they were identified.

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C. Undergo a “Development Application Process Review” (DAPR) to review and rethink how development processes are delivered by local government. The DAPR process helps shift the regulatory environment to a facilitation model that is focused on performance goals, solution-oriented decision-making and improved communication with stakeholders including the community and applicants. (Kelowna). For smaller communities introduce an online “Building Permit Kit” for streamlined permit processing. Multiple forms and checklists are consolidated into one form with a supporting application guide. (Squamish)

D. Establish a “Local Government School” to educate business owners on how to best work with local government through support materials and seminars. (Lake Country). Develop a “5 Steps to a Business Licence” guide that includes a checklist to help individuals understand the different regulations impacting businesses. (Smithers)

E. Communicate effectively with the business community through welcome letters to new business; an active social media strategy; monthly e-newsletters; press releases for major initiatives and programs; and regular outreach though website. Economic Development officials maintain regular contact with business retention and expansion prospects through email and phone correspondence. (Richmond)

7 ) A C C E S S I N G P R O C U R E M E N T O P P O R T U N I T I E S :

A. Enact a local government policy that allows the community to pay up to 10% more for local goods and services. (Fort St. James)

B. Collaborative launch of a “10% Shift” shop local campaign in partnership with the local Chamber of Commerce and the Downtown Business Association. (Ladysmith)

C. “Major Project Portal” to encourage major contractors to select local businesses before looking outside the community. (Campbell River)

D. Review municipal purchasing policy to investigate how to incorporate local purchasing into the City’s practices to maximize economic development in the community, and a workshop with the local Chamber of Commerce. (Port Coquitlam)

E. Provide venues and financial support to community-driven special events where local small businesses can showcase their goods and services.

• Central Saanich – Peninsula Country Market

• Chilliwack – Party in the Park

• Penticton – Public Street Market and Festivals

• Langford – Goldstream Station Market (June – October)

DID YOU KNOW?

Small businesses are an important contributor to the economic well-being of the province, accounting for 98% of business and 56% of private sector jobs in B.C. The Roundtable supports organizations, initiatives and programs that foster an entrepreneurial culture.

Notes

J O I N T H E CO N V E R S AT I O N .T W I T T E R : # B C B I ZC H AT A N D # B C S M A L L B I Z

F O R M O R E I N F O R M AT I O N A B O U T T H E B. C .’S S M A L L B U S I N E S S R O U N DTA B L E , T H E B. C . S M A L L B U S I N E S S ACCO R D A N D T H E O P E N F O R B U S I N E S S AWA R D S ,

P L E A S E V I S I T U S O N L I N E : W W W. S M A L L B U S I N E S S R O U N DTA B L E . C A