The City of Salmon Arm has been saluted for its efforts to support small business in the community.
The city was one of nine municipalities that received awards at the annual Union of BC Municipalities convention that took place in Whistler last week.
As an incentive to promote an open-for-business culture, the BC Small Business Roundtable is providing $10,000 to each winning community to fund a local, small-business friendly program that aligns with the principles of the B.C. Small Business Accord.
Mayor Nancy Cooper lauded the team effort that contributed to the recognition.
“This would not have happened without Economic Development, council and staff working together to help support small business,” she said, noting the awards cited the Launch-A-Preneur program, the city’s Industrial Tax Incentive program and the adjustments to the tax rates for heavy industry as contributing to a supportive atmosphere for small business.
“It shows we are really willing to work with businesses, and show that we know how valuable our businesses are.”
Pending council approval, the award money would likely be put towards the city’s Launch-A-Preneur program, which is co-ordinated by the Salmon Arm Economic Development Society.
“It seems like there was a general sense of agreement that this would be a really good place for the money to be used,” said Cooper.
Thirteen communities were initially named finalists, with the winners coming from Grand Forks, Kelowna, City of Langley, Parksville, Port Coquitlam, Salmon Arm, Smithers, Surrey and Vernon.