BC Chamber of Commerce Hosts 2022 Small Business Week Summit

The BC Chamber of Commerce is hosting its 2022 Small Business Week Summit, Oct. 17-21, where subject matter experts will discuss some of the key issues facing employers and provide practical steps on how small- and medium-sized companies can navigate today’s challenging business environment.

“Small businesses are the economic backbone of communities across British Columbia, and they face a number of challenges, including rising costs, a skilled labour shortage, increasing pressure to address climate change, and growing mental health and addiction issues in our communities that impact the workplace,” said Fiona Famulak, President and CEO of the BC Chamber of Commerce. “In addition, equity, diversity, inclusion, and justice are a very important part of today’s workplace for both employers and employees. This summit is designed specifically to equip employers with the tools and resources they need to navigate an increasingly complex and rapidly changing business landscape.”

The 2022 Small Business Week Summit will kick off Monday, Oct. 17, with an economic outlook for uncertain times, presented by Nathan Janzen, Assistant Chief Economist, RBC, and will highlight how businesses can plan for and succeed in a post-pandemic world. On Tuesday, Oct. 18, Keith Henry, President & CEO, Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada, and Greg Hopf, Owner & Operator, Moccasin Trails Incorporated, will discuss the key role businesses play in reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples.

On Wednesday, Oct. 19, Eva Stordy, Clinical Director, Arete, will share insights on mental health in the workplace and the practical steps businesses can take to prioritize it. On Thursday, Oct. 20, Sean Devin, National Managing Partner, MNP Digital, will review the cyber risks businesses face in our interconnected world and the steps they can take to be more secure.

The summit will conclude on Friday, Oct. 21, with a discussion on climate change and how businesses can prepare and be part of the solution to a phenomenon that is global in nature, with Melanie Mewhort, Eco Programs Coordinator, GreenStep Solutions Inc., Lynne Williams, Program Specialist for Conservation Education and Outreach, FortisBC, and Siraz Dalmir, Community Relations Manager, FortisBC.

The 2022 Small Business Week Summit is virtual and available on a complimentary basis to all individuals and businesses interested in learning more on these key topics from first-class thought leaders. All sessions run 8:00am-9:15am. To register for all or any of the sessions, visit bcchamber.org.