New Season, New Momentum – Let’s Grow Together!

Spring is bringing fresh changes and new opportunities at the Vancouver Island Economic Alliance (VIEA)!

In this issue, we’re sharing updates to our membership structure, including new fee changes designed to better support our growing network.

Plus, we’ve got a sneak peek at what’s coming up for the 2025 Economic Summit — mark your calendars!

And don’t miss the latest Island Good news as we continue to champion local producers and retailers across the Island.

VIEA Membership Refresh: More Inclusive. More Impactful.

VIEA is rolling out refreshed membership options designed to increase accessibility, strengthen partnerships, and support local impact.

Here’s what’s new:

Flat Rate for Non-Profits
We’ve introduced a flat membership rate of $185 for non-profit organizations. This makes it easier for service agencies to become part of the VIEA community. This rate is available exclusively to non-profit and social profit entities that operate independently and are not member-based associations or trade organizations.

Updated Definition of Small Business
If your organization has fewer than four staff members, you now qualify for the small business rate of $185!

New Municipal Membership Tiers
We’ve redefined municipal membership based on community size.

Island Good Add-On
Join Island Good and add-on a VIEA Membership for just $35, offering new ways to stay connected and grow visibility for our Island Good businesses.

Reciprocal Memberships with Island Chambers
We’re building stronger connections across the Island through reciprocal membership agreements with Chambers of Commerce. These partnerships open the door to shared events, collaborative initiatives, and more opportunities to engage.

Convene, Connect and Collaborate for a thriving, sustainable and self-reliant economy for Vancouver Island and the rural islands.

Join VIEA here

Save the Date!

Our dedicated Summit Committee of volunteers has begun meeting, and we are excited about what Summit 2025 will bring with three days now – October 28, 29, and 30! Registration will open July 2025.

Vision 2050 will play a key role at the summit as we continue to develop it. Read the full report from the Vision 2050 kick-off workshop here.

Sign up for the new Island Good newsletter!

Ready to support your community and buy locally-made goods? The Island Good newsletter is your monthly guide to discovering the best of Vancouver Island and the rural islands!

When you subscribe, you’ll:

Discover local brands – From food and drink to manufactured goods, meet the people and products that make our Island so special.
Stay connected to your community – Get the scoop on events, seasonal highlights, and inspiring Island stories.
Hear from local voices – Enjoy spotlights, interviews, and behind-the-scenes looks at the makers, growers, and businesses doing great things.
Get inspired to shop local – Find new favourite products and see how small choices can make a big difference. Check out our new printable shopping list!

If you love where you live and want to support the people who grow, craft, and create here—this newsletter is for you.

Check out our latest issue here and subscribe today!

What’s Happening Across our Network

Join social entrepreneurs, impact investors, and ecosystem builders for Connect Money Impact 2025, a one-day summit focused on mobilizing capital for meaningful change. Attend in Campbell River at the Maritime Heritage Centreon May 8 or Kelowna on May 22 (or both) to explore how community wealth building, social finance, and regenerative approaches can help address some of our most pressing social and environmental challenges. Expect real conversations, practical learning, and inspiring connections. Register here.

Looking to grow globally? Join the EDC’s free webinar ‘Planning for expansion in a changing global market‘ on Thursday, April 24th at 1 p.m. ET to learn how to identify top markets, leverage trade agreements, and access Canada’s trade resources.

Funding Opportunities

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.