Currently, 37.7% of all small businesses in BC are owned by women - that’s just over 145,485 women-owned businesses who fit the profile above and are struggling to keep the doors open and the businesses running through the pandemic. Early forecasts predict 50% of businesses won’t survive COVID-19 impact. More than ever small businesses, many owned by women, need support.

Since the Zoom meet up, CR Area Session: The Power of the Library Card, held on April 22nd, I have had a new found love for the Library. With my position as Economic Analyst I am constantly looking for information to help businesses with training resources, statistics, best practices, innovative ideas and funding. What I have found is that the online resources and data bases that you can access through your library card will help you not only find the answers, but they will help keep your training budget in check as well! With VIRL’s (Vancouver Island Regional Library) newly updated home page, the resources you are looking for are easier to find as well.