LoveCentralCoastBC.com is a grassroots shop local movement designed to change the way people make purchases – encouraging them to visit the unique, independent businesses that call the Bella Coola Valley and Outer Coast home. The site will soon be part of the Love Northern BC program, which is funded by Northern Development Initiative Trust and showcases more than 1,200 unique businesses in 30 communities throughout central and northern B.C.
It’s a marketing platform that works and an exciting opportunity to help connect our local businesses with the digital world.
On March 29th and 30th, Northern Development and the CCRD held several informational workshops that highlight the program and explained how local businesses can get involved. The program has connected artists with overseas markets and saved business owners thousands of marketing dollars as they try to maneuver their way toward a successful online presence that drives new customers to their doors. The idea is to help business owners, entrepreneurs and artists get back to doing what they love – creating and offering unique products and services – and leaving the online marketing bit to the Love Northern BC network.
LoveCentralCoastBC.com highlights businesses by telling the unique stories of the entrepreneurs who own and operate them. The program welcomes retailers, crafters, artists, tour guide operators, accommodators, growers, bakers, select non-profits, and many others.
Not sure if your businesses can be involved? Contact Tanis Shedden with the CCRD, your local LoveCentralCoastBC.com champion.
So what’s the cost? For a one-time fee of $100, participant businesses will receive a professional photoshoot with Gwyneth Anderson, owner and operator of GRA Photography and a professionally written detailed business profile – the story of your business. Support and maintenance of the website is provided by the team at Northern Development and your local champion. Additionally, as part of the Love Northern BC network, businesses will benefit from regional and provincial marketing initiatives supported by Northern Development.
The Bella Coola branch of the Williams Lake and District Credit Union has generously donated $500 dollars to fund a draw where ten lucky businesses will win half the registration fee back. To qualify for the draw, and to ensure your business profile is online before the launch party this summer, businesses must submit their application online no later than April 30th. Applications can be made online at LoveCentralCoastBC.com or by contacting the CCRD.
Thank-you to all those who took the time to come out to one of the LoveCentralCoastBC.com workshops. If you are interested in more information or were unable to attend, you can check out LoveNorthernBC.com or contact your local champion, Tanis Shedden, at 250.799.5291 or cedo@ccrd-bc.ca.