Vernon council to vote on renewal of provincial nominee program to attract immigrant entrepreneurs

Photo: Contributed

The City of Vernon is looking to continue its efforts to attract immigrant entrepreneurs to the community.

In May of 2019, Vernon city council endorsed the opportunity for the city to become part of a new two-year provincial pilot program to attract entrepreneurs.

City staff says this pilot program presented a unique opportunity for rural communities, like Vernon, to help attract immigrant entrepreneurs to fulfil specific industry needs.

Now that the two-year pilot program is near the end of its term, administration is recommending council renew participation in the program.

Since 2019, Economic Development and Tourism Department staff have managed 523 email enquiries, 198 applications, and many inquiries from immigration consultants throughout Western Canada on behalf of their prospective clients.

The community review group has met on a regular basis to review more than 150 business concepts and 43 detailed business plans, and recommended four business referrals to the Province of BC's Immigration Programs Branch, which are expected to result in new business openings in the next six to 18 months.

Vernon administration reviewed the program with the community review group at its August meeting and sought their feedback on moving forward.

Feedback from the members of the community review group included the recommendation that the city should continue as a participant in the PNP Regional Pilot program as “it helps to continue to attract community investment and create new job opportunities.”

To renew the City of Vernon's participation in the Entrepreneur Immigration - Regional Pilot for a three-year term, beginning in October 2021, the Province of BC's Immigration Program Branch will continue to expect that the City of Vernon will provide and maintain the following activities and services:

• Attracting the right entrepreneurs through maintaining a listing on the BC PNP website, promotion on the City's websites, and promotion of the program with local immigration consultants.
• Make referrals to the Province's Immigration Program Branch through ongoing review of business plans by the community review group.
• Arranging exploratory visits once international travel restrictions ease - these in person visits are expected to include meeting with City staff, touring the community, and connecting with community partners including the Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce, Community Futures North Okanagan, and Vernon and District Immigrant Services.
• Supporting business establishments once they relocate to Vernon - support can include site selection, navigating City processes, and facilitating community connections.
• Celebrating successes through developing content for the City's Economic Development and Relocation websites and social media channels.

Vernon council is expected to vote on this matter in their regular meeting on Monday afternoon.