Insight Newsletter: July/August 2022 Edition

Stay up to date on relevant and timely business and economic news and resources. 

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Township’s new Agriculture Inventory Initiative

Recent events such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the devastating 2021 floods in the Fraser Valley have amplified how critical agribusinesses of all shapes and sizes are to our food system and supply chain.  The Township of Langley has contracted MNP to conduct an Agricultural Inventory and Capacity Review to identify the agriculture and equine sector’s true inventory, capacity, and activities in our community.  We’re inviting all agricultural and equine businesses within the Township to take the project survey so we can gain an understanding of all the products and services Township-based agribusinesses provide. 

Learn more and take the survey.

Manufacturing sector market opportunities

BC's Ministry of Jobs, Economic Recovery, and Innovation (JERI) works closely with BC-origin exporters in developing and expanding export markets around the world.  If you operate a traditional manufacturing business, JERI can provide support to help you develop or expand your sales abroad. The International Trade and Investment Operations Branch (ITIO) of JERI manages and maintains 17 international trade and investment promotion offices abroad to assist BC exporters.  Head office staff are available to meet BC businesses that are either currently serving export markets or businesses that are ready to begin looking at potential sales abroad. Contact Jim Anholt or visit Trade and Invest BC.

BC Bid now open to buyers, suppliers, and the public

The Province’s online procurement marketplace, BC Bid, is now open to people, businesses, and public sector organizations (including municipalities, school districts, health authorities, and Crown corporations). BC Bid serves as a single point of access for all procurement opportunities where businesses and organizations of all sizes can view and bid on procurement opportunities. For more information visit Get Started with the New BC Bid. Businesses are also encouraged to visit Township Bids & Tenders for municipal project bid opportunities in our community.

Take the tour this summer

Make the most of your summer staycation in the Township and support local. Check out the self-guided Circle Farm Tour and get to know some of the many unique agritourism destinations in our community. Visit Tourism Langley’s Guide to Langley’s Circle Farm Tour to plan your own tour of farm experiences, sips and spirits, and farm stores and markets.

BC Employer Training Grant | Receive up to $10,000 per employee

The BC Employer Training Grant provides funding to small, medium, and large businesses to support skills training for their new or current employees. This program is intended to help British Columbians access the skills training required to adapt to the labour market’s changing job requirements, while also encouraging employer involvement in skills training. This grant helps employers pay for skills training, which better positions employees for increased job security and advancement opportunities within the business. Employers can apply as often as needed and can receive up to $10,000 per employee, with a maximum annual amount per employer of $300,000. To learn more, visit WorkBC - Employer Resources.

Coming soon: Filming Pilot Initiative

The Township of Langley is participating as a pilot community in an initiative led by BC’s Agricultural Land Commission (ALC) and by Creative BC (CRBC). This two-year pilot initiative is directed at providing authority for temporary non-farm use for the purpose of filming on agriculturally-zoned properties.  

Eligible property owners in the Township who make an application to participate in the pilot will benefit from an expedited application review. Applications approved by the ALC may be eligible for reduced application fee and eligibility to host film productions for up to 60 days per year for each of the two years subject to municipal permit approvals to film productions. Stay tuned for more information on this initiative, including application deadlines, and how and where to apply.

We're here to help your business

The Township's Economic Investment and Development team remains available to help support our local business community. Contact Val, Nav, or Dustin via email to invest@tol.ca or call us at 604-533-6084.