The City of Victoria is making it easier for young entrepreneurs to open businesses and local businesses to expand with the launch of a new business hub.
Earlier this week, the city opened the business hub at City Hall which will operate as a resource to encourage economic growth in Victoria.
According to Victoria Mayor Lisa Helps, the business hub has five main functions: to streamline and demystify business and development processes at City Hall, make it easier to do business in Victoria, advise on how to reduce unnecessary red tape, connect entrepreneurs with resources they need and accelerate the development of a vibrant downtown.
“We hope that this space becomes for our business community is the go to place,” she said. “This is the place where people can come for that one stop piece of information.”
The roughly 500-square-foot space includes couches and a TV and offers a place for people to meet, ask questions and connect with community partners such as VIATEC, Tourism Victoria, the Greater Victoria Development Agency and the chamber of commerce.
The business hub was a recommendation by the mayor’s task force on economic development and prosperity.
The city is also looking to hire a business ambassador, someone with experience in business start-ups, development and social enterprise to serve as a resource for those navigating the process.