(VICTORIA, B.C.) The woman who soared from pilot to founder of Canada’s first Indigenous airline. The entrepreneur who transformed a dying community into a world-renowned destination. The music entrepreneur who put Rifflandia on the must-see festivals map. The credit union CEO who believes banking can change the world for the better. The economist with her eye on how the headlines impact the economy.
These are just some of the changemakers delivering keynotes at the upcoming Rising Economy conference at the Delta Hotels Ocean Pointe Resort in Victoria from March 4 to 6. Now in its sixth year, this highly anticipated conference attracts a diverse audience, from small business owners to CEOs, community leaders and policymakers. The theme for this year’s conference is “What is Possible?”.
“This is a very unpredictable time for business, particularly in light of the actions of the current U.S. administration, so we wanted this year’s Rising Economy to feel empowering,” says Aaron Stone, CEO of South Island Prosperity Partnership (SIPP), Greater Victoria’s economic alliance, which produces the Rising Economy conference.
“We want people to come away from the conference feeling connected, inspired and equipped with actionable takeaways to help shape their futures.”
With two days of in-person content and one day of virtual, Rising Economy 2025 features a host of panels, rapid-fire innovation sessions and exciting keynotes, including:
- Teara Fraser, the Métis CEO of B.C.-based Iskwew Air
- Zita Cobb, co-founder and CEO of Shorefast and Fogo Island Inn
- Nick Blasko, cofounder CEO, Rifflanda Entertainment Co.
- Wellington Holbrook, President and CEO of Vancity
- Rachel Battaglia, RBC economist.
For more information and to register, visit the Rising Economy 2025 website at OurRisingEconomy.com
To arrange interviews or media passes, please contact:
Kerry Slavens, Director of Public Relations & Marketing
Mobile 250-516-0152
Email kslavens@southislandprosperity.ca
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Additional Quotes
“British Columbia’s economy is built on the strength of small- and medium-sized businesses and the entrepreneurial leaders behind them. The Government of Canada is proud to support the Rising Economy Conference in Victoria, which highlights innovation across the province, strengthens business connections, and builds regional prosperity for years to come.” — The Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada (PacifiCan)
“We are excited to return as Presenting Sponsor of the Rising Economy Conference 2025,, and we look forward to sharing insights and ideas to help businesses thrive and communities prosper in the new economy.” — Martin Thibodeau, Regional President, RBC
“At Vancity, we believe communities thrive when local entrepreneurs have the confidence to dream about starting and growing their businesses – and have the tools to turn those dreams into reality. Rising Economy plays a critical role in the South Island region by bringing business, government, First Nations, and the nonprofit sector together to help each other make their communities better. We are proud to support its work to build a local economy that’s resilient, innovative, sustainable and equitable.” — Wellington Holbrook, CEO, Vancity
