Need help navigating growth and challenges in your small business? Read more to learn about the many organizations in B.C. that offer consultation, courses, workshops and conferences that can help.

The BC Chamber of Commerce, ShelfSpace (formerly Retail BC and Retail Alberta), and the Canadian Federation of Independent Business are members of the partnership that developed this small business resource guide. You’ll find organizations specific to your industry, as well as general business and human resource management associations.

For more, subscribe to magazines or newspapers and explore continuing education courses at a college or university.

Organizations

General resources

• BC Chamber of Commerce
• BC Human Resources Management Association
• Canadian Council for Small Business and Entrepreneurship
• Canadian Federation of Independent Business
• Canadian Management Center
• Center for Creative Leadership
• Community Futures of British Columbia
• Conference Board of Canada
• Leadership and Management Development Council of BC

Industry associations

• Certified General Accountants Association of BC
• Certified Management Accountants Society of BC
• Institute of Chartered Accountants of BC
• ShelfSpace: The Association for Retail Entrepreneurs
• The Alliance of Sector Councils
• Asia Pacific Gateway Skills Table HRWire.ca

Specific population groups

• Aboriginal Business Services Network
• Aboriginal Human Resource Council
• Canadian Youth Business Foundation
• Forum for Women Entrepreneurs
• Wired Woman
• Women’s Enterprise Centre

Continuing Education Opportunities

• BCIT
• Camosun College
• Capilano University
• College of New Caledonia
• College of the Rockies
• Douglas College
• Kwantlen University College
• Langara College
• Nicola Valley Institute of Technology
• North Island College
• Northern Lights College
• Northwest Community College
• Okanagan College
• Royal Roads University
• Selkirk College
• Simon Fraser University
• Thompson Rivers University
• University of British Columbia - Okanagan
• University of British Columbia - Vancouver
• University of Northern British Columbia
• University of Victoria
• University of the Fraser Valley
• Vancouver Community College
• Vancouver Island University

For more information, visit BCcampus Course & Program Finder. You’ll find online and distance courses offered by B.C.’s public post-secondary institutions.

Also check with B.C. public post-secondary institutions. Most provide contract training services, including training related to HR needs.

You may also want to check with private degree granting private career training institutions - many also offer relevant programs and courses.