Business Expo Identifies Government Support Sources

For Immediate Release
September 15, 2016
Nanaimo, BC

The Nanaimo Chamber of Commerce’s 9^th Annual Business Expo on Thursday, October 20 at Vancouver Island Conference Centre is excited to confirm more of its lineup of exhibitors, special guests, speakers and participants in this consumer AND business-to-business trade show.

This year, Business Expo celebrates BC Small Business Month and National Manufacturing Month. It’s no secret that small businesses are a mainstay of the Nanaimo economy, but it might come as a surprise that the manufacturing sector is also strong in the mid-Island. Exports are becoming a bigger focus of regional software developers, educators, agri-food producers and processors, craft distillers, wineries and others who are all seeking support from experts in the field.

That’s why Business Expo is adding up to twenty booths from agencies, ministries and non-profits offering government services and funding support for small businesses and entrepreneurs.. Expo organizers will present a series of free breakout sessions featuring panels of experts speaking on “How to Sell to Government”, “Pillars of Start Up” and “Access to Financing” with a focus on entrepreneurs. The Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters Association will also present a luncheon with a keynote speaker on the subject of “Enhancing International Trade & Export from Vancouver Island”.

Business Expo began as a way for Nanaimo businesses to meet each other, and to network in an environment with their products and services on display. Consumers started to notice it was a great place to find new products and services so they began showing up in increasing numbers. As have the trade show exhibitors who will exceed 100 this year.

At the end of the Business Expo’s day, Community Futures hosts an Awards Reception honouring the best booths. The reception, hosted by the Coast Bastion, includes appetizers and refreshments. “This is going to be the apex of the Business Expo’s” according to Kim Smythe Chamber of Commerce CEO “given the number of experts, specialists, panel speakers, and the government support we’re having on hand.”

Access to the Trade Show and breakout sessions are free but there is a small fee for the luncheon, and for non-exhibitors to attend the Awards Reception.

Business Expo only happens once a year, call us today so your business doesn’t miss out. Contact Brett at the Chamber 250-756-1191, #5 or www.nanaimochamber.bc.ca for more information.

For more information contact:

Kim Smythe, CEO
Greater Nanaimo Chamber of Commerce
250-756-1191