I am pleased to introduce the 2022 Venture Kamloops Annual report on behalf of the Venture Kamloops Board of Directors. As President of the Board of Directors, I appreciate the ability to witness first-hand the strength, and tenacity of the dynamic economy that Kamloops enjoys and deserves.
Read More2022 is behind us – are things back to normal? That is a question that we at Venture Kamloops ask ourselves everyday. In many ways, yes things are more normal in the Kamloops economy. But in many other ways, things are anything but what we have become accustomed to. This message marks the third successive Venture Kamloops Annual Report in which I’ve used the word “pandemic,” a term I don’t believe I’d ever written before March of 2020. But if we are to try and determine what is now normal for business, then this must be done in terms of the environment before and after the COVID-19 pandemic.
Read MoreThe team at Venture Kamloops works to provide the most up-to-date information to those interested in starting their business in Kamloops or expanding their current operations in the city. Contact us today and book an appointment for a confidential, no-obligation consultation to discover how we can support you.
Meet Our Staff Meet Our BoardThe VK Workforce Development Program is the newest initiative of Venture Kamloops, designed to support businesses in accessing various government and non-government hiring programs. The program aims to connect businesses with the resources they need to hire and train employees at all levels of employment, from entry-level to highly skilled and senior management. Through the VK Workforce Development Program, businesses in Kamloops will have the opportunity to strengthen their teams with local, national or international talent.
Venture Kamloops' Start Here program is a centralized resource hub that acts as the first point of access for entrepreneurs looking to start or grow their business in Kamloops. The program provides a comprehensive directory of resources, including access to funding, mentorship, and training opportunities from nine entrepreneurial support organizations in Kamloops. By offering a one-stop-shop for entrepreneurial support, the Start Here program streamlines the process of accessing resources and helps entrepreneurs navigate the complex landscape of business support services in Kamloops.
The VK Accelerate Program is focussed on helping early-stage or transitional entrepreneurs secure their first physical location by connecting them with the necessary resources and expertise. 2022 saw multiple entrepreneurs take part in the program, which provided them with connections to funding opportunities, mentorship, as well as various business and real estate connections. Through the program, entrepreneurs were able to accelerate their business growth and establish a strong foundation for long-term success.
The VK Venture Advisor Program is a mentorship initiative designed to support and guide entrepreneurs in launching or scaling their business. In 2022, the program had nine entrepreneurs from various industries participate in the program. Through the program, the entrepreneurs received guidance and support from experienced business leaders, as well as access to resources and networking opportunities to help them grow their businesses.
The VK Inside Track Program is an initiative of Venture Kamloops that aims to foster relationships with outside real estate developers. The program provides developers with up-to-date market information and other desired information to help them make informed decisions about investing in Kamloops' high-demand real estate market. Venture Kamloops aims to foster collaboration and investment in the region, helping to drive economic growth and create new opportunities for businesses and residents alike.
For Nick and Christy, baking had been a long-time passion shared with friends and family. Thankfully for the Kamloops community, they aspired to open their own bakery so they could share their creations on a permanent basis! After a while market testing their products at local and regional farmer’s markets, they worked to make that dream a reality through hard work and dedication. Follow their journey to opening their bakery doors, and becoming one of Kamloops go-to local baked good providers!
Nicole Duff entered 2022 with big goals for her new start-up. The creator of the SlyPod™ Dog Poop Caddy took part in the VK Venture Advisors Program to sharpen the business case for her pet product. With her eyes set on pitching to Dragons’ Den Season 17, Nicole reached a national audience when her episode aired in October 2022. She even cleaned up the competition by accepting an offer to partner with a Dragon to invest in her growing business!
Source: statscan.gc.ca
Source: Statistics Canada Census Profile, 2021 Census of Population
For the Year Ended December 31 | Budget | 2022 | 2021 |
---|---|---|---|
Revenue | |||
City of Kamloops Economic development funding | $639,733 | $639,733 | $639,733 |
Government Grants | - | $10,000 | - |
Donations in kind | $40,322 | $40,322 | $35,100 |
Other Revenue | - | $162 | $7,434 |
$680,055 | $690,217 | $682,267 | |
Expenses | |||
Administrative | $352,219 | $345,355 | $318,856 |
Business Attraction | $273,858 | $262,101 | $246,762 |
Business Retention and Expansion | $139,721 | $107,021 | $120,648 |
$765,798 | $714,477 | $686,266 | |
Annual Deficit | ($85,743) | ($24,260) | ($3,999) |
Accumulated Surplus, beginning of year | $109,972 | $109,972 | $113,971 |
Accumulated Surplus, end of year | $24,229 | $85,712 | $109,972 |
As at December 31, 2021 | 2022 | 2021 |
---|---|---|
Financial Assets | ||
Cash and cash equivalents | $125,872 | $153,938 |
Accounts Receivable | $3,905 | $1,646 |
$129,777 | $155,584 | |
Liabilities | ||
Accounts payable | $67,322 | $70,480 |
Net Financial Assets | $62,455 | $85,104 |
Non-financial assets | ||
Prepaid expenses | $15,913 | $16,750 |
Tangible capital assets | $7,344 | $8,118 |
$23,257 | $24,868 | |
Accumulated surplus | $85,712 | $109,972 |
CityViz is a platform that provides data visualization tools to help communities make data-informed decisions. The data for the Kamloops community includes a variety of information, such as demographics, transportation, housing, and much more that can be analyzed to better understand the community's needs and opportunities. The platform allows users to explore and interact with the data to gain insights and make informed decisions.
The Venture Kamloops Social Media Takeover initiative aims to promote local businesses and entrepreneurs in Kamloops through social media. The program involves partnering with a local business or entrepreneur to showcase their products or services through Venture Kamloops' social media channels for a day. The takeover includes sharing photos, videos, and information about the business, as well as encouraging followers to engage with and support the business. The initiative continues to increase visibility and exposure for local businesses and entrepreneurs, while also building community engagement and support.
Did you know? In 2018, Kamloops was identified as one of only four BC markets where homes for sale align with local earnings.
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