For Release
November 06, 2007
Vancouver, British Columbia — The Government of
Canada, through the Vancouver Agreement, today announced $190,000 in funding
towards the Eastside Movement for Business and Economic Renewal Society
(EMBERS) to expand a business entrepreneurship and coaching program in
Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside.
The announcement was made by Russ Hiebert, Parliamentary Secretary to
the Honourable Rona Ambrose, President of the Queen’s Privy Council
for Canada, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs and the Minister of
Western Economic Diversification.
“Small businesses continue to drive job creation and economic growth
in British Columbia,” said Parliamentary Secretary Hiebert, on behalf
of Minister Ambrose. “Our Government, through Western Economic Diversification
Canada, is working with EMBERS to ensure that Downtown Eastside entrepreneurs
succeed and capitalize on this growing sector of the provincial economy.”
"The kind of community-based development undertaken by EMBERS is
in line with the Province's goals for achieving healthier, self-sustaining
communities," said Ida Chong, Minister of Community Services. "We
are pleased to support EMBERS, through the Vancouver Agreement, in their
work with entrepreneurs in the Downtown Eastside.”
"The funding being announced today will help deliver on the goals
and objectives identified in Vancouver's Project Civil City," said
Vancouver Mayor Sam Sullivan. "I would like to thank the federal
government for this important investment and their ongoing commitment
to helping us deliver compassionate solutions to the social challenges
we face."
Over the next two years, EMBERS will deliver the “Build a Business
Entrepreneurship and Coaching Program.” The program will help Downtown
Eastside residents, who are self-employed or have a business with less
than five employees, learn about all elements of establishing a successful
business.
The curriculum is made up of four stages: 1) micro-enterprise coaching
sessions in business research, marketing, sales, operations and financial
analysis; 2) one-on-one business counselling; 3) financial literacy workshops
focused on budgeting, goal setting, basic banking skills and debt management;
and 4) client support and incubation services.
"Our goal is to help low income entrepreneurs become self-supporting
through owning their own small business," said Marcia Nozick, Executive
Director of EMBERS. "It's amazing to see what happens when someone
is given a chance with the proper supports to turn their dreams in businesses.The
program has changed people’s lives, given them a future. Western
Diversification has been a great support and we look forward to future
partnerships within the larger business community."
VanCity Credit Union, BC Social Venture Partners and the UBC Sauder School
of Business provided additional funding for the Build a Business Entrepreneurship
and Coaching Program.
“Vancity’s community leadership strategy supports people—like
the participants in the EMBERS program—in making the transition
from poverty to self-reliance,” said Tamara Vrooman, CEO of Vancity.
“Instruction in financial literacy, matched savings programs and
access to financial services will provide a launching pad for the ideas
and dreams of micro-entrepreneurs in the Downtown Eastside.”
The Vancouver Agreement is an urban development initiative of the governments
of Canada, British Columbia and Vancouver. The Agreement supports and
promotes economic and social development, increases local business investment
and provides jobs for local residents in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside.
The Vancouver Agreement Economic Revitalization Plan identifies three
strategies: 1) increase the demand for Downtown Eastside products and
services; 2) strengthen the capabilities of local suppliers; and 3) increase
the employment opportunities for residents of the Downtown Eastside. For
more information, please visit www.vancouveragreement.ca.
About the Partners
The Eastside Movement for Business and Economic Renewal Society is a
non-profit organization incorporated in 2001 to assist in the economic
revitalization of Vancouver’s inner city. EMBERS offers programs
and services to assist residents of the Downtown Eastside and Inner-city
in maintaining their business or becoming self-employed. Since 2003 EMBERS
has offered its services to over 300 residents and has assisted 111 businesses
to start-up or expand operations.
For additional information, contact:
Donna Howes
Communications Manager
Western Economic Diversification Canada
Tel: (604) 666-1318
Cel: (604)-505-6616
Marcia Nozick
Executive Director
Eastside Movement for Business and Economic Renewal Society (EMBERS)
Office: 604-692-0781
Cell: 778-888-5540
Email: marcia@dtes.ca
