New Economic Development website puts Squamish’s ideal mix of lifestyle, key sectors and location on display

Designed to attract economic investment and new jobs, the site also provides 150+ resources for local business owners and job seekers 

The District of Squamish has launched a new online presence to attract and facilitate economic investment and local job growth focused on developing three key areas of the Squamish economy: the green economy, outdoor recreation technology and design, and sustainable tourism and hospitality. The site aims to target local job growth through outside investment and support for local business expansion by providing improved access to resources, information and data. The website features an enhanced user-friendly experience and reflects Squamish’s unique appeal as the ultimate lifestyle destination.

“This is more than a website about any one sector such as clean tech or performance apparel design – it tells the story of Squamish through a business lens, highlighting the importance of our infrastructure, and our local workforce that make a variety of industries work here in Squamish,” says District of Squamish Mayor Karen Elliott. “This website clearly articulates who we are, what we do and the types of businesses that currently exist and those we are looking to attract in the form of investment to support our sector development, our thriving economy, affordable housing, and childcare - the services and amenities that our community needs. And most importantly, it’s about providing our local business community access to tools and resources to grow, develop and thrive.”

The website consists of four key sections:

• Why Squamish: Highlighting lifestyle, regional and international access, the local economy, our knowledgeable workforce, and current economic climate;
• Key Sectors: A look at Squamish’s thriving green economy, outdoor recreation, and sustainable tourism and hospitality industries;
• How Can We Help?: A range of tools intended to support entrepreneurs and investors through all phases of businesses, as well as resources for job seekers;
• Investment Opportunities: An overview of Squamish’s key sectors, local supply chain opportunities, need for enhanced services and amenities for residents and visitors, and opportunities for businesses seeking to invest in the Squamish market.

Key features and benefits:

• A new Business Resources and Library which features extensive resources, tools, data and information to support local business development.
• Resources for individuals looking for work in Squamish;
• Case studies about local businesses designed to attract companies in key sectors;
• Resources for investors, local businesses, start-up entrepreneurs and organizations within local our economy;
• A dedicated Ambassador Toolkit to provide easy access to content for local business ambassadors;
• Three new video features produced locally for this project: Why Squamish, Green Economy, and Outdoor Recreation.

The website and supporting content were funded in part through the CanExport Community Investments Program with additional support from the Province of B.C.

About Economic Development

The District of Squamish Economic Development department supports sustainable economic development which considers the economic, social, and environmental well-being of local residents.

With the goal of encouraging strategic investments and economic growth in priority sectors, the Economic Development department works to generate new employment and economic resiliency, as well as provide business intelligence by conducting research and providing economic development expertise to internal staff and external stakeholders.

This work informs policy development, investment and business decisions and is complemented by a range of programming and partnerships to supporting local sectors of our economy.

For more information, visit http://investsquamish.ca.

March 22, 2022