CanNor is investing more than $940,000 over two years for four projects that support small and medium business development in Yukon. The four projects will support business training, networking opportunities, and increase bilingual marketing products and services. The four projects include:
CanNor's investment will support the Whitehorse Chamber of Commerce (WCC) to deliver a number of initiatives to enhance the capacity of both employees and employers in Yukon.
- The continuation of the successful Partnering for Success Initiative that encourages collaboration between the business and public sectors on strengthening and sustaining Yukon's growing economy. The WCC hosted two procurement forums and continues to explore issues related to the tourism, retail service and knowledge sectors.
- WCC will partner with the Business Development Bank of Canada to offer a series of workshops, forums and stakeholder meetings that will focus on small and medium enterprises in the areas of information technology, human resource development and marketing.
- WCC, in partnership with Yukon government's Advanced Education Department will enhance its Business Training Fund to improve access to training for employees and potential employees in the business community, and to increase the ability of Yukon residents to benefit from job opportunities in Yukon.
- WCC will develop the Women's Initiative in Self Employment Program, for women who are interested in business and entrepreneurship as a career path. The program will focus on job search strategies, linkages to work placements and one-on-one career counseling to prepare women for the workplace.
The Whitehorse Chamber of Commerce is a member-based organization mandated to support local businesses and organizations in various ways, including promoting economic growth and positive business conditions, marketing, research, training, business exploration and development, facilitating commercial development, providing contacts and networking opportunities, and advising governments on private sector issues.
The Yukon Chamber of Commerce (YCC) will launch a ‘Lunch Lecture Series', to be held monthly in Whitehorse and regional Yukon Chamber communities to facilitate constructive dialogue between industry professionals, local businesses, government representatives and the general public. YCC will also host ‘Community Colloquiums' to support communities with no formal or active chamber of commerce. These events will establish effective networking and knowledge sharing opportunities and help identify business issues.
CanNor funding will also assist the YCC to redevelop their website, develop membership collateral and complete a re-working of the business directory.
The YCC is a not-for-profit organization representing the interests of the Yukon Business community. Its main goals are to provide advocacy and services on economic initiatives and business and infrastructure development.
CanNor funding will assist L'AFY to develop and increase the supply of bilingual tourism marketing products and services to increase their capacity to offer bilingual services to visitors while highlighting francophone culture.
L'AFY will also carry out a feasibility study and pilot project for the development of a Home Stay Program. If successful, the program will be offered to tour operators, travel wholesalers and agencies looking for a personalized product for small groups visiting the Yukon. The feasibility study will evaluate what is already being done in this field in other provinces and territories and will assess the costs and economic impacts.
Additionally, L'AFY will develop a familiarization tour for the Francophone tourism industry and Francophone media. L'Association Franco-Yukonnaise (AFY) is a non-profit organization with a mission to improve the quality of life for Yukon's Francophone community.
Investment in these projects are made possible through CanNor's Strategic Investments in Northern Economic Development (SINED) program, which focuses on long-term economic growth, economic diversification and capacity-building across the North.
