In general, people will ask, “What do these transformations have to do with business?” and I’ll answer, “Everything.”
Collaboration is vital to our regional economy. The Westshore Chamber of Commerce leverages this attitude to success, serving as business stewards for one of the fastest-growing regions in B.C. Through collaboration, the WestShore Chamber of Commerce unifies communities to give them a voice and transforms the economic landscape for businesses both big or emerging.
The WestShore Chamber’s one-stop shop for services and businesses is built through individual relationships and catering to the unique needs of WestShore and beyond. The Chamber’s work includes supporting entrepreneurship through innovative programs, such as the Business Breakthrough Blueprint. This program supports established women entrepreneurs in building local prosperity through an individually tailored experience delivered over ten months.
Find out how Julie Lawlor, the WestShore Chamber of Commerce Executive Director, guides the Chamber’s work with a quote by poet and civil rights activist Maya Angelou: “Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.”
Q+A with Julie Lawlor, the WestShore Chamber of Commerce Executive Director,
What approach or innovation sets your organization apart in today’s economic landscape?
We are continuing to grow and adapt to today’s economic landscape. The WestShore Chamber of Commerce is fortunate to serve those who do business in a rapidly growing and transforming area. Our approach requires constantly examining what we’re doing and keeping up with the changes amidst a flurry of activity. Our region has an entrepreneurial spirit, evident in our abundant small businesses, startups and more. We are very interested in continuing to position ourselves to serve that group.
What motivated your organization to join South Island Prosperity Partnership. How does this align with your vision for impact?
We joined SIPP because we are all part of a greater whole in the region, and there is often too much duplication of effort in all sorts of areas. By being aware of what SIPP is doing and what we’re doing, we can contribute and collaborate in a way that’s helpful, streamlined and not duplicated.
“Our organization’s biggest goal is supporting businesses, advocating on their behalf and lending our voice to various initiatives that make it easier to do business”
Julie Lawlor
In light of current global challenges, what strategies do you believe are essential for cultivating thriving businesses for Greater Victoria?
Based on what we hear from our members, we find it challenging that efforts are often not joined up in Canada. For example, even from a regulatory lens, what the Federal, Provincial and Municipal governments do sometimes doesn’t align with the same goals. This then impacts businesses and makes it more challenging to do business.
As a result, coordinating and streamlining efforts is a vital strategy to build vibrant businesses in our region. We know our region can do that. We saw a lot of this collaboration during COVID-19 in terms of being able to work together. However, we’re not doing it as effectively as we could. With too many challenges and a lack of collaborative efforts, I think the death by 1000 cuts risk is real for business.
With global competition for talent and investment intensifying, what unique advantages does Greater Victoria offer to stand out?
We live in an extraordinarily beautiful place. The lifestyle opportunities are abundant. You have access to rural areas, coastlines and amenities. Our unique climate also helps us stand out internationally. I can’t imagine having to cope with winters now! In terms of community, there’s also a lot of positivity in how people interact with one another and a more relaxed pace.
Looking at the hurdles facing our region, which challenge is your organization most dedicated to addressing?
Our organization’s biggest goal is supporting businesses, advocating on their behalf and lending our voice to initiatives that make it easier to do business. Part of the challenges we see right now is how people are more stretched for resources and time. They sometimes don’t even have time to do anything other than keep their business running. Our job is to support our community’s businesses and nonprofits. If you’re a nonprofit, you run like a business or you’re not a nonprofit for long.
What upcoming initiatives or projects within your organization are you most enthusiastic about for impacting the economy?
One program we’re excited about is the Business Breakthrough Blueprint for established women entrepreneurs. This new program, for women who have been in their business for three years or more, is modeled on one that has been very successful up island. This is the initiative that I’m most excited about because it could be the first step to unlocking more entrepreneurship programs in terms of what we do and who we serve.
Is there a particular mantra, individual, or reading fuelling your drive to make a difference in what you or your organization does?
“Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.” ― Maya Angelou.
Fast-forward two decades: how do you picture Southern Vancouver Island? Describe the transformations that will take place for our economic future.
I’ve reflected a lot on this recently. In general, people will ask, “What do these transformations have to do with business?” and I’ll answer, “Everything.”
In 20 years, we are much more Indigenous-led than we are now. I want everyone to have a home, family doctor, access to education and child care where they need it, and a transit system working for all. We will be much denser in population than we are now. All of the things that we need to make our society fully function helps businesses thrive as well.
We will have to be doing this against a backdrop of environmental responsibility. We will be in the throes of climate change much more than now. We’re continuing to be adaptable and flexible, and I sincerely hope that we’ve achieved an economy that is truly inclusive in every sense of the word.
Find out more about the organization’s work at the WestShore Chamber of Commerce website.
