KAMLOOPS - Venture Kamloops, the economic development arm of the City of Kamloops, has just been awarded the ‘Marketing Initiative Award’ at the B.C. Economic Development Association’s annual awards for its VK Venture Advisors program.

The Venture Kamloops team, and volunteer VK Venture Advisors panel, couldn’t be more proud.

“We are pleased to have been awarded with this honour,” says Manager, Business Retention and Expansion, Colin O’Leary. “The hard work and passion that goes into this program is exceptional. The program helps to provide advice to new and emerging entrepreneurs to start their business, as well as those looking to expand. To be acknowledged at a provincial level in economic development circles is an honour, but our true reward comes from the success stories of those who have found the program to be invaluable to their business.”

Founding member and VK Venture Advisors President, Bryce Herman, agrees.

“The program is a venue for business leaders in our community to offer advice and guidance on business development, human resource issues, and the evaluation and implementation of business plans. We are so appreciative of the time and knowledge offered complimentary by our business leaders as they are the backbone to the success of this program.”

The VK Venture Advisors program has existed in its current form for four years. Each month, an entrepreneur or business is chosen to participate and pitch their business idea to the VK Venture Advisors panel. These experts provide constructive feedback, insight, and connections regarding the business idea.

The program was in the BC Economic Development Association’s largest award category of cities with a population of 20,000+ people. In total, the program was up against 27 submissions ranging from sustainable and green development to public-private partnerships submitted from cities across the province. The judges recognized the project as the overall winner based on its innovation for attracting, retaining and fostering business.

“Kudos to our Venture Kamloops team and VK Venture Advisors panel for their work,” said Leslie Brochu, President of the Venture Kamloops Board of Directors. “This program has made a positive impact for so many of our local businesses to help them strategically grow and for many startup companies who gain the invaluable advantage of starting on the right path.”

News from © iNFOnews, 2015