Stronger Together

We believe we are Stronger Together in business and community!

Enjoy a light read from our partners, clients and a little of our own expertise to help you strengthen and grow your business.

My _ Hat Series - Videos for Entrepreneurs

As a business owner you have many hats to wear, and skills to master. The My _ Hat series has been created to give you a place to learn tips and strategies for the many tasks you must master as a business owner.
My _ Hat Series - Videos for Entrepreneurs

Recruitment and Retention, it's not just about wages anymore! More often employees are considering work-life balance, benefits, the culture of their workplace. 

We have put together a few videos to help you explore ideas to help boost your 'Employee Retention' efforts including: Employee benefits, and Employee Engagement Tools.

Check out the My Hat series here!

As a business owner you have many hats to wear, and skills to master. The My Hat series has been created to give you a place to learn tips and strategies for the many tasks you must master as a business owner.

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What role does social media play in employee recruitment?

Is your social media business page up to date? This may sound like an odd question when looking for new employees, but 62% of job seekers use social media to evaluate the company before applying (G2, 2021).
What role does social media play in employee recruitment?

You read that right! 62% of job seekers use social media to evaluate the company before applying (G2, 2021).

There are three things you can do:

1.       Complete your social profile – be sure all the boxes are ticked that apply to your business

2.       Share posts that reflect the personality of your business, how you support your employees, the community, and your customers.

3.       Be Social – have a little fun! Share your staff donut day, or team outings.

You can book an appointment with Elizabeth, CF’s own Digital Marketing Expert, to review your page and get some great tips to optimize and increase engagement!

Pro Tip: The City of Quesnel have posted a series of videos on Youtube that you can share on your website or through your social pages. Check them out here: Hello, Quesnel - YouTube

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Employee Retention - Why I work here!

We invited local businesses to share their employee's perspectives of "Why I work here". See what they had to say at Chemo RV!
Employee Retention - Why I work here!

 "There are so many reasons why I work at Chemo RV. We have so much fun together. Chemo RV Sales & Service Ltd has supported my career development. I have recently been promoted from part to sales. We are asked for our input to the business and community support. Giving back to the community is a big deal for me! Tiffany

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Employee Retention - Why I Work Here!

We invited local businesses to share their employee's perspectives of "Why I Work Here". See what they had to say at Chemo RV!
Employee Retention - Why I Work Here!

 All of the staff are fun to work with. We really are a team here at Chemo RV Sales & Service Ltd. I feel lucky to have this fabulous work family where I feel appreciated and recognized for my work. Jim

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Employee Retention - Why I work here!

We invited local businesses to share their employee's perspectives of "Why I work here". See what they had to say at Chemo RV!
Employee Retention - Why I work here!

The environment at Chemo RV Sales & Service Ltd. is amazing... I can be myself! We do have a lot of fun, we have staff get-togethers often. We give back to the community, that is really important to me, knowing that we are making a difference. Victoria

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Employee Retention - Why I work here!

We invited local businesses to share their employee's perspectives of "Why I work here". See what they had to say at Kwik Kleen!
Employee Retention - Why I work here!

 The fun and relaxed atmosphere created by my employers make working at Kwik Kleen Laundromat an awesome experience! Janet

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Employee Retention - Why I work here!

We invited local businesses to share their employee's perspectives of "Why I work here". See what they had to say at Lil' Red Pony!
Employee Retention - Why I work here!

I have a love and passion for all animals and love helping their owners choose healthy products for their horses and pets. Working here allows me to follow my interest in animal nutrition and wellness, and I am surrounded by fun products that is all animal related. I want to make a positive mark in the equine world by providing customer service, support and knowledge. Lil Red Pony Feed & Supplies allows me to be my true self and I am happiest when working with anything related to animals. - Jamie

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Employee Retention - Why I work here!

We invited local businesses to share their employee's perspectives of "Why I work here". See what they had to say at Lens Masters!
Employee Retention - Why I work here!

 “Working at Lensmasters Optical Ltd has been a very rewarding experience. Being able to help people see and feel good about their glasses, get them the best in their budget and be comfortable is the greatest feeling. The work environment of Lens Masters. Eric (Bodman) has allowed us as staff to be personable and creative with our customers making the job fun and successful."

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Employee Retention - Why I work here!

We invited local businesses to share their employee's perspectives of "Why I work here". See what they had to say at Booster Juice!
Employee Retention - Why I work here!

Being able to work for great owners who appreciate and value the work that you do is exactly why I work here! I feel like a contributing part of the team at Booster Juice delivering quality products to customers. ~ Jeanette

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Employer Support - Work BC

Did you know WorkBC not only assists people looking for work but also has many supports for businesses looking for employees?
Employer Support - Work BC

WorkBC not only assists people looking for work, but also has many supports for businesses looking for employees?

Free job postings – post your open position on the local job board atHorton Ventures Inc

Wage Subsidy Program – Wage subsidy offers employers opportunities to cover a portion of wages for employees, re-hire laid off employees, hire new employees, support existing operations and expansion and more.

Business Resources – Tap into essential BC business resources that can help you launch or grow your business.

Connect with Work BC at WorkBC - Employer Resources to get a full list of supports available to your business.

PRO Tip: Are you looking to reach new hires outside of the North Cariboo area? The city of Quesnel has created a Relocation Guide that can be included in your job posting to show potential applicants the lifestyle they can expect when living in North Cariboo. https://www.quesnel.ca/sites/default/files/docs/our-community/quesnel_relocation_guide_2019_final_rev1.pdf

OR you can link the landing page to a job posting:https://www.quesnel.ca/our-community/moving-quesnelProspective employees can download the relocation guide from this page or request a relocation package. 

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6 Practical Ideas to Keep Excellent Employees!

Check out the list of 6 practical things you can do starting today to keep your excellent employees!
6 Practical Ideas to Keep Excellent Employees!

 We have partnered with Work BC, the City of Quesnel, and the Chamber of Commerce to compile a list of practical employee hiring and engagement tools you can start using today!

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6 Practical Ideas to Reach New Employees.

We pulled together 6 tips to Reach New Employees, starting today!
6 Practical Ideas to Reach New Employees.

We have partnered with Work BC, the City of Quesnel, and the Chamber of Commerce to compile a list of practical employee hiring and engagement tools you can start using today!

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Bigfoot Disposal

"During this time, we have also formed solid bonds with other small businesses..."
Bigfoot Disposal

During the nearly 4 years that Bigfoot Disposal has been in operation, we have been honoured to have been nominated twice for The Quesnel and District Chamber of Commerce awards.

During this time, we have also formed solid bonds with other small businesses such as Seutter Repairs and Reed Saw Repairs, whom we first connected with through courses facilitated by Community Futures North Cariboo.

Quesnel is privileged to have a diverse and thriving small business community that supports its members. We are Stronger Together!

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Automotive Dan's

"We soon found that technology works best if you "use" it and understand how to make it work for the business. Just having a website and Facebook page doesn't mean people will suddenly see and know who/what you are and come flocking to your business. Doesn't work that way."
Automotive Dan's

This may sound very familiar to you…

Use technology for marketing they said!  So we, at Automotive Dan’s, developed a website and Facebook page for our business in 2019 for marketing our business services.

We soon found that technology works best if you "use" it and understand how to make it work for the business.

Just having a website and Facebook page doesn't mean people will suddenly see and know who/what you are and come flocking to your business. It doesn't work that way.

In addition, these technologies are changing/upgrading constantly, and you need to be aware of all this. to say the least, we were a bit overwhelmed by this "technology".

We contacted Community Futures and met with Elizabeth, CF Marketing Manager, who helped us in understanding and working with website and Facebook technologies.

She suggested we join Taking Care of Business to take advantage of the training provided. Elizabeth was also one of the instructors and taught a great course, Digital Marketing 101, which helped in understanding marketing strategies and provided tools to help grow our business.

This all helped us in updating our website, and actively using Facebook in marketing our business, Automotive Dan's.

We are Stronger Together! Thanks Community Futures and, especially Elizabeth, for the training and assistance in understanding Digital Marketing and how it fits in our business marketing. 

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Blackbird & Company Mercantile

"I have been in business for 3 years now and have continued a relationship with Community Futures."
Blackbird & Company Mercantile

 I started my business off on the right foot!

Community Futures North Cariboo has been an incredible business support for me and my business.

When I was starting my business, I worked with Nadine through the ‘Start Up Program’. Nadine was very understanding of my needs and knew what was required to get my ideas on paper and then into reality. She was accommodating, supportive and kept a positive tone throughout the many stages of a business startup.

I have been in business for 3 years now and have continued a relationship with Community Futures.

They are an incredible resource, bringing relevant programs and supports to our local businesses.


We are Stronger Together!

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Jim's Industrial Mill Services

"Jim’s Industrial Mill Service is a locally owned and operated business. I have worked hard to partner with local businesses including West Fraser, True Construction, city of Quesnel, Community Futures and more."
Jim's Industrial Mill Services

Jim’s Industrial Mill Service is a locally owned and operated business. I have worked hard to partner with local businesses including West Fraser, True Construction, city of Quesnel, Community Futures and more.

West Fraser is a great supporter of local businesses, including mine!

True Construction reached out because I am a local business. My trucks have been busy supporting the hospital renovation since!

Living in the north, it is no surprise that snow removal can be challenging. The city of Quesnel has used our local trucks to assist with keeping up with the snow removal.

Meeting with Siggi at Community Futures has made all the difference for my business. Over the last two years, I have been able to grow my business and expand the services offered.

My business has grown because we are Stronger Together!

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Hixon Falls Co.

"We’ve utilized the various sectors of the company from business planning and contracts to marketing research, accounting, and development, to name a few."
Hixon Falls Co.

Being small business owners in a busy crowded market, you face certain challenges that many larger scale operations may not experience or even consider. We have the power to think and work together to build ourselves as a business and as a community. 

We are Stronger Together!

 

Community Futures North Cariboo has been an influential and compelling business to work with from the beginning of our journey.

 

We’ve utilized the various sectors of the company from business planning and contracts to marketing research, accounting, and development, to name a few. We’ve received no shortage of questions and the staff is always quick to respond. The staff are continuously updating us and informing us about courses, sessions, and many resources inside and outside of Community Futures. 

 

Not only have they managed to fit us into a busy schedule during last minute “scrambles”, but we can always rely on them to promptly respond to our emails, calls, and knocks on the door, even after hours.

The staff, individually and as a whole, has shown a genuine interest in our company and it is evident to us that they truly care about our questions, concerns, and the success of our business.

 

They have even planned meetings to check-in just to see how we are doing! 

 

We can confidently say Community Features has been, and will continue to be, a major factor in the growth and success of our small business.

We are fortunate to have built such a positive relationship with such a welcoming and supportive group of people and look forward to continuing our relationship in the years to come!

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Quesnel Tree Removal

"We have established great working relationships throughout Quesnel with both Commercial and Residential clients."
Quesnel Tree Removal

Quesnel Tree Removal is so appreciative of the support we have received from Community Futures. The Support has been instrumental in our ability to provide services throughout Quesnel, Wells and Barkerville.    

Community Futures has been an ongoing support to our Business for several years. In 2018 we had an opportunity to Bid on a Fuel Management Project in Barkerville, and CF assisted us with our Proposal.  We won the contract to collect the ground material, and as the Project proceeded, it became clear that additional equipment would be required on site. With the Financial Support of CF, we were able to purchase the additional equipment, and continue with the project.

CF has continued to support us through follow up communication. We have seen the Business grow from Proprietorship beginning in 1999 to becoming a Ltd company in 2015.  We have established great working relationships throughout Quesnel with both Commercial clients and Residential. We are Stronger Together and are proud to provide services to the community we love.

Thank you to all the staff at Community Futures for your support.

 

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Circle S Western Wear

"Working together allowed us to promote each of our business' products and services."
Circle S Western Wear

 We at Circle S Western Wear know that we are Stronger Together!

A few years ago we purchased beautiful dress jackets as part of our inventory. Unfortunately, it was not until they arrived, we were made aware that they are a ‘dry-clean only’ jacket. We had some concerns, as one of our customers loved the jacket, but not the dry cleaning only.  Understanding my customer and their needs, I offered to pay for the first dry cleaning. To be sure our customers received the quality and service they are accustomed to, we decided to purchase gift certificates from our local dry cleaner. Each jacket would then include one free dry clean service. When sharing the story with the owner of the dry cleaners, they contributed one free coupon for every coupon we purchased.

We created a special coupon with both business logos and included a free dry clean service with the purchase of each jacket. Working together allowed us to promote each of our business’ products and services.

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Long Table Grocery

"From the beginning, Long Table Grocery has always been built on collaborations with other small businesses. Our business model is based on supporting others like us and investing together in our shared future as neighbours and fellow entrepreneurs."
Long Table Grocery

From the beginning Long Table Grocery has always been built on collaborations with other small businesses. Our business model is based on supporting others like us and investing together in our shared future as neighbours and fellow entrepreneurs. Currently we work with over 50 local businesses, farms and ranches as well as even more small BC based businesses to provide good food, sustainably sourced to our community. Our collaborations with other businesses include market produce, locally-raised meat, farm eggs, preserves, ready-made meals from local restaurants, bread and baking and more! 

One of our signature products at Long Table that highlights our collaboration with other local businesses are the Elevenses Charcuterie Boxes. By strategically designing our box menu to include local products, people are able to sample and taste all the delicious flavours our community has to offer. Our boxes include local items like Hixon Falls Co. Crackers, Baguettes from the Quesnel Bakery, jams and jellies from The Elder-witch and Glenrosa Gardens, pickles made with local produce in the Long Table Kitchen, local veggies from farms like Beds to Bowls, Koster's, Hillside Garden, and Puddle Produce, Wildcraft Mustard made in 150 Mile House, pepperoni and salami made from locally-raised beef, and even pickled quail's eggs from our store manager's flock. With a focus on seasonal and local items, our boxes are always a new flavour experience that showcases the best of what each season has to offer, right from our own backyard. Ordering a Charcuterie Box from us supports so many more folks than you might realize due to our localized sourcing and purchasing choices. 

 

We are Stronger Together!

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Act Fast Moving

"We are happy to be in a supportive community like Quesnel."
Act Fast Moving

We are happy to be in a supportive community like Quesnel.

Act Fast Moving has been in business for 11 years. We are very happy to be supporting our community, whether it is delivering tables and chairs to a pancake breakfast, picking up food donations for the Salvation Army or helping families who have suffered loss through a house fire.

We believe we are Stronger Together by supporting our community.

Our community supports our business through client referrals, and we are very grateful for that. 

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R10 First Aid Training Ltd

"The day I got the courage to walk into Community Futures North Cariboo was the start of a big step. I finally shared my grand idea of an all-mobile first aid training company with people who could really help."
R10 First Aid Training Ltd

The day I got the courage to walk into Community Futures North Cariboo was the start of a big step.  I finally shared my grand idea of an all mobile first aid training company with people who could really help.

I had been teaching part time for over 6 years for other agencies and through my own Red Cross Training Partnership but only on a word-of-mouth basis which was keeping my idea and my dream pretty small.

We are Stronger Together!  With an incredible amount of patience and encouragement, I was able to do the foundational work required to really build a successful business. The big hurdles of where to start, what to do first, who to contact, how to get everything moving forward with a well laid out plan was what I needed most.

Siggi Stoldt was amazing to work with, she helped me to really see how effective a good business plan and more could help me to take that big step as an entrepreneur.

Email: r10firstaid@gmail.com

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The Den

"On June 18th, 2021, The Den opened its doors, and with that, a strong partnership with Back40Ranch began!"
The Den

Moonshine Coffee has been around since the early 2000’s as the local Coffee Roaster in Quesnel, and in June, they took the leap into Coffee Shop status.

On June 18th, 2021, the Den by Moonshine Coffee opened its doors. And with that, a strong partnership with Back40Ranch began. 

We are Stronger Together!  Desiree (Back 40 Ranch) makes magic with the food!

Desiree is great at exploring new ideas and changing things up, which people love in this town! She will create something fun, creative, and delicious that fits the moment from summer through winter and all the holidays between.

With this collaboration, the Den offers everything under the moon, including coffee, a variety of Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner options, and delicious treats to fill the day.

Amelia and all the staff at the Den can whip you up any coffee-based drink off the menu or customize whatever you're in the mood for.

(Not to mention a great selection of VQA wines, BC beers, and a broad list of spirits and liqueurs. That's right, this Den is licensed!)

So, if you want a great coffee and snack, a glass of wine and a meal, indoor or outdoor seating, the Den by Moonshine Coffee IS the place to go!

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Invis

"My most valued business partners are my clients. I’ve had the pleasure of serving Quesnel as a mortgage broker for over 10yrs."
Invis

My most valued business partners are my clients.

I’ve had the pleasure of serving Quesnel as a mortgage broker for over 10yrs.

Every client is unique in their situation, and it is my passion to find a solution to each and every person that walks through my door.

Providing the best possible service and being available to help clients navigate through real estate transactions is priority.

Clients appreciate the work I do with them side by side as a partner and refer me to their friends and family knowing they too will have the support from me to reach their homeownership goals.

We are Stronger Together!

I want to thank all of my clients for trusting in me, supporting my business, and truly believing I am here working in their best interest. 

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Hello Promotions

"They provided a great deal of guidance, helping us navigate through the small business assistance options that being made available by federal and provincial governments."
Hello Promotions

The last 18 months have presented a great deal of uncertainty for Hello Promotions as a small business as it did for many of our customers.

As businesses braced for the worst and focused on curtailing spending while schools, community organizations and institutions also shut down by limited group and recognition events, as was prescribed by our public health officials. These changes resulted in a significant reduction in sales at the onset of the pandemic with no sense of when or if things would return to normal.

During this uncertain time Community Futures North Cariboo reached out to provide us with a number of options to assist our business to get through these unprecedent times. They provided a great deal of guidance, helping us navigate through the small business assistance options that were being made available by federal and provincial governments.

The assistance CFNC provided helped simplify the application process and also help ensure we met some of the tight deadlines that were set, while also filtering out the options that were being made available.

The assistance provided by Community Futures helped us maintain our accounts payable as well as our payroll while allowing us to transition our business to areas that had a greater demand during COVID.

We are Stronger Together with Community Futures North Cariboo!

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Kick Stands Up Biker Shop

"We are working together to promote each other by provided special item clothing for our customers."
Kick Stands Up Biker Shop

We are fortunate to have a business relationship with Sherry from Firebird Ink n’ Studio.

We are working together to promote each other by providing special item clothing for our customers. Hoodies and t-shirts with unique artwork for the ‘biker’ and the ‘biker at heart’!

We are Stronger Together bringing amazing products to our customers!

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Dragon Lake Veterinary Hospital

"We also received direction on accessing grant money that helped us to purchase some unique equipment for the hospital."
Dragon Lake Veterinary Hospital

Dragon Lake Vet Hospital can offer many examples of how Community Futures has helped our new care

facility to run efficiently.

At the beginning, we were able to participate in several business courses while building the practice. The courses helped both the employees and the owner to learn important skills for running a successful business.

We also received direction on accessing grant money that helped us to purchase some unique equipment for the hospital.

This greatly increased our scope of practice and ability to help our patients.

During the 2017 wildfire crisis, they offered help with navigating the red cross information and assisted many of our neighbors with a similar process.

Community Futures’ staff members have always been warm, welcoming, and inclusive to my staff and myself. They have tried to make application forms as easy to fill out as possible, thereby making their services more user friendly.

I love their lunch time courses and always learn something; just wish I had more time to attend! 

Any questions we have or phone calls we make are always returned in a timely fashion which helps to keep the management of our business on track.

Thank you, Community Futures North Cariboo, you are an excellent resource, and we are happy to have you in our business network!

We are Stronger Together!

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The Space Above

"We are grateful to have their support and friendly service. They are very accommodating and supportive of my business carrying a nice selection of art supplies and will order in anything I need."
The Space Above

The Space Above holds art workshops and sells art supplies. Our customers can express themselves in many creative mediums.

We are Stronger Together with Big Country Printers!

We are grateful to have their support, and friendly service. They are very accommodating and supportive of my business carrying a nice selection of art supplies and will order in anything I need. The printing services they offer are easy to use and very convenient for me to print postcards, cards, and art prints. It is also nice to have them so close to my shop! 

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Bugs XStitching

"Any training I could need for navigating my business is at my fingertips."
Bugs XStitching

Community Futures has supported my business by providing workshops on a huge variety of topics.

My Taking Care of Business membership allowed me to take training in areas I had little knowledge. This has helped me exponentially. Any training I could need for navigating my business is at my fingertips. The best part is, the workshops and training are free!

We are Stronger Together!

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Community Futures North Cariboo
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