The Government of Canada, through the Vancouver Agreement, today announced $190,000 in funding towards the Eastside Movement for Business and Economic Renewal Society (EMBERS) to expand a business entrepreneurship and coaching program in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside.

The announcement was made by Russ Hiebert, Parliamentary Secretary to the Honourable Rona Ambrose, President of the Queen’s Privy Council for Canada, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs and the Minister of Western Economic Diversification.

“Small businesses continue to drive job creation and economic growth in British Columbia,” said Parliamentary Secretary Hiebert, on behalf of Minister Ambrose. “Our Government, through Western Economic Diversification Canada, is working with EMBERS to ensure that Downtown Eastside entrepreneurs succeed and capitalize on this growing sector of the provincial economy.”

"The kind of community-based development undertaken by EMBERS is in line with the Province's goals for achieving healthier, self-sustaining communities," said Ida Chong, Minister of Community Services. "We are pleased to support EMBERS, through the Vancouver Agreement, in their work with entrepreneurs in the Downtown Eastside.”

"The funding being announced today will help deliver on the goals and objectives identified in Vancouver's Project Civil City," said Vancouver Mayor Sam Sullivan. "I would like to thank the federal government for this important investment and their ongoing commitment to helping us deliver compassionate solutions to the social challenges we face."

Over the next two years, EMBERS will deliver the “Build a Business Entrepreneurship and Coaching Program.” The program will help Downtown Eastside residents, who are self-employed or have a business with less than five employees, learn about all elements of establishing a successful business.

The curriculum is made up of four stages: 1) micro-enterprise coaching sessions in business research, marketing, sales, operations and financial analysis; 2) one-on-one business counselling; 3) financial literacy workshops focused on budgeting, goal setting, basic banking skills and debt management; and 4) client support and incubation services.

"Our goal is to help low income entrepreneurs become self-supporting through owning their own small business," said Marcia Nozick, Executive Director of EMBERS. "It's amazing to see what happens when someone is given a chance with the proper supports to turn their dreams in businesses.The program has changed people’s lives, given them a future. Western Diversification has been a great support and we look forward to future partnerships within the larger business community."

VanCity Credit Union, BC Social Venture Partners and the UBC Sauder School of Business provided additional funding for the Build a Business Entrepreneurship and Coaching Program.

“Vancity’s community leadership strategy supports people—like the participants in the EMBERS program—in making the transition from poverty to self-reliance,” said Tamara Vrooman, CEO of Vancity. “Instruction in financial literacy, matched savings programs and access to financial services will provide a launching pad for the ideas and dreams of micro-entrepreneurs in the Downtown Eastside.”

The Vancouver Agreement is an urban development initiative of the governments of Canada, British Columbia and Vancouver. The Agreement supports and promotes economic and social development, increases local business investment and provides jobs for local residents in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside. The Vancouver Agreement Economic Revitalization Plan identifies three strategies: 1) increase the demand for Downtown Eastside products and services; 2) strengthen the capabilities of local suppliers; and 3) increase the employment opportunities for residents of the Downtown Eastside. For more information, please visit http://www.vancouveragreement.ca/.

About the Partners

The Eastside Movement for Business and Economic Renewal Society is a non-profit organization incorporated in 2001 to assist in the economic revitalization of Vancouver’s inner city. EMBERS offers programs and services to assist residents of the Downtown Eastside and Inner-city in maintaining their business or becoming self-employed. Since 2003 EMBERS has offered its services to over 300 residents and has assisted 111 businesses to start-up or expand operations.

For additional information, contact:

Donna Howes
Communications Manager
Western Economic Diversification Canada
Tel: (604) 666-1318
Cel: (604) 505-6616

Marcia Nozick
Executive Director
Eastside Movement for Business and Economic Renewal Society (EMBERS)
Office: 604-692-0781
Cell: 778-888-5540
Email: marcia@dtes.ca