Island Good is Everywhere This Month!

We’re turning up the volume on Island Good — and for good reason! With Island Good Days taking place across the region from May 30 to June 6, there’s never been a better time to celebrate what’s made and grown right here on the Island.

Visit islandgood.ca and follow us on social media @islandgoodbrand to help spread the word and show your support.

Introducing: VIEA Member News

We’re excited to launch a brand-new section of the newsletter: ‘What’s Happening Across Our Member Network’ — a space dedicated to sharing updates, announcements, and milestones from our members. Read on to see what’s new in our vibrant business community.

Interested in becoming a VIEA member? Learn more here.

Strengthening Economic Development Connections Across the Island

We’re pleased to share that VIEA has entered into a new partnership with the Vancouver Island Coast Economic Developers Association (VICEDA) to launch an Economic Development Peer Network—an initiative designed to bring economic development professionals together to share best practices, strengthen connections, and increase collaboration across the Vancouver Island and Coast region. This partnership marks an exciting step toward greater regional cooperation.

The first network meeting took place on April 29th, where attendees received a Trade & Policy Overview presentation, touching on current interprovincial trade efforts and updates on export support programs. We look forward to working with economic developers across the region to foster innovation, collaboration, and shared success.

For more information or to get involved, contact us at [email protected]

Shaping the Island’s Future: 2025 Summit Sponsorship Opportunities

The VIEA ‘State of the Island’ Economic Summit is expanding to three impactful days (October 28, 29 and 30) in 2025, bringing together over 600 regional attendee – from business and government to First Nations and non-profits – to tackle pressing issues, and build collaborative solutions for the region’s economy.

By sponsoring the 2025 Summit, you position your organization as a key contributor to the Island’s future—aligned with innovation, collaboration and the Island’s prosperity. Standard sponsorship packages are available, and tailored options can be designed to meet your goals.

You can also choose to sponsor Island Good, the Economic Dashboard, or Vision 2050 on their own—or combine them with your Summit sponsorship for even greater regional impact!

Sponsors supporting multiple VIEA streams enjoy added benefits including newsletter features, homepage visibility, and participation in an exclusive fireside chat.

Download the Summit Sponsorship Package here

Island Good Spotlight

Island Good Days will take place from May 30 to June 6th in 2025!

Island Good days now proclaimed in the Comox Valley Regional District, City of Duncan, Township of Esquimalt, City of Langford, City of Nanaimo, City of Port Alberni, City of Victoria and more to come…

This week-long event highlights and supports the makers, growers, and producers who contribute to a thriving local economy and vibrant Island community. Keep an eye on your Island Good grocers for in-store specials and demos near you.

Tune In for Island Good Days on Pattison Radio!

We’re turning up the volume on Island Good! Tune in to your favourite Pattison Radio stations – 102.3 The Wave, 97.3 The Eagle, and 88.5 The Beach – to hear all about Island Good and Island Good Days from May 30 to June 6!

GIVEAWAY ALERT!

We’re celebrating with a special Island Good giveaway! Three lucky listeners will win gorgeous prize baskets packed with locally made Island Good products — courtesy of Island Good Vancouver Island Gift Basket Co.!

Vancouver Island Gift Basket Co., an Island Good member, was founded in Victoria, BC, in 2015. They joined forces with GiGi’s Gift Creations, one of BC’s longest-operating gift basket companies (established in 1989). Their baskets feature many Island Good businesses and they ship goodness all across Canada!

Want to win?

Keep your ears on 102.3 The Wave- Nanaimo, 97.3 The Eagle – North Island and 88.5 The Beach – Parksville/Qualicum Beach, for your chance to snag one of these amazing baskets!

Support Island made and grown. Celebrate Island Good!

Help Us Spread the Word – Discounts for Local Businesses Joining Island Good!

Know a local business that should be part of Island Good? Now’s the perfect time to tell them!

Chamber members in Comox Valley, Duncan-Cowichan, Cowichan Lake, Ladysmith, Parksville, and the Sooke Region get 25% off their membership thanks to reciprocal Chamber memberships.
Businesses new to Island Good in the Cowichan Valley Regional District (CVRD) & the City of Campbell River and Port Alberni get 50% off their first-year licensing. Thanks to the CVRD, Community Futures Cowichan Region and the City of Campbell River for championing local businesses and supporting Island Good.

This applies to makers, growers, manufacturers, retailers, and restaurants offering local products.

Encourage them to sign up—we’ll apply the discount to their invoice! Let’s keep growing the Island Good movement together!

We’re actively working with other communities to bring them on board to support Island Good in a similar way—stay tuned!

What’s Happening Across Our Member Network

Coastal Community Credit Union is excited to announce the appointment of Kent Jesse as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective June 1, 2025. You can access the full media release for more details here.
The VIEA community is invited to attend the 7th edition of the Canada–Mexico Dialogue Conference on Tuesday, May 27, from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM at the Segal Building, SFU, in Downtown Vancouver. The event will feature a strong lineup of speakers and panelists discussing the challenges and opportunities for trade and investment between Canada and Mexico. Event details and registration are available here.
Juan Navarro, President of CMX Partnerships, recently published an article in Mexico Business News titled “Expanding Mexico–Canada Trade: Turning Crisis Into Opportunity.” In the piece, he emphasizes the importance of deepening trade relationships between Mexico and Canada, highlighting how stronger partnerships can benefit businesses in both countries. Read the article here.
40 Knots Vineyard & Estate Winery has announced the 2025 Wine Wednesdays performer lineup, showcasing the best of Vancouver and Vancouver Island’s musical talent, from soulful folk to jazz, blues, and rock. These intimate outdoor performances offer a chance to enjoy local music, 40 Knots wines, local draft beer, and food, all while supporting independent artists in a stunning vineyard setting. More info here.
Better Change Webinar – Change is constant—and often disruptive to our energy, effectiveness, and well-being, which is why VIEA member Terri Duguay from Maigus is offering a free 75-minute live webinar on Thursday, June 12 at 5:00 PM (PT) to help you thrive through it. Register here to learn about seven personal resources that will help you maintain your energy, reduce stress, and bring your best self forward—registration closes June 10.
Nanaimo Foundation is celebrating Legacy Month by encouraging individuals to consider legacy giving, which can begin at any age and income level, with the goal of creating lasting community impact. Their new campaign, “The Unexpected Face of Legacy,” highlights diverse individuals and aims to shift perceptions around who can be a legacy donor. Read full press release.

Uchucklesaht Capital Assets Inc. has announced the purchase of Pete’s Mountain Meats, aligning with the organization’s vision to foster economic growth while honouring its core values and traditions.
Wayward Distillery — a VIEA and Island Good member — is urging support as current liquor policies threaten the future of small craft distilleries that rely on local ingredients and support BC farmers. They’ve launched a petition and video to raise awareness, and we invite members to share how government policies are impacting your business so we can advocate together for meaningful change.

Funding Opportunities

Ready to take your business global? Applications are now open for APEX, an export acceleration program powered by Alacrity Canada and built specifically for BC-based businesses looking to expand internationally. Whether you’re eyeing new markets, navigating tricky trade regulations, or seeking investment to scale, APEX is here to help. With hands-on mentorship, expert guidance, and access to global networks, APEX equips you with the tools and connections to grow your business beyond borders. Don’t miss this opportunity to strengthen your global presence and unlock your international potential. Apply now:>https://www.alacritycanada.com/the-apex-program/
Looking to grow your business globally? The CanExport SMEs program is now accepting applications until May 31, 2025, offering eligible small and medium-sized enterprises up to $50,000 to cover 50% of export-related costs to markets where they have little or no sales. The program has been updated for 2025–2026 with new requirements and a greater focus on export diversification – Learn more and apply.
Light House is now accepting applications for the next Circular Construction Accelerator (CCA), cohort—a program that helps BC construction businesses adopt circular practices to build resilience, reduce supply chain risks, and drive growth. Participants receive free one-on-one advisory support, expert insights, and resources to scale circular-driven cleantech solutions. Learn more or apply at light-house.org/cca.