B.C. commits $2.95 million to help mill tradespeople start and grow businesses

VICTORIA — The Government of British Columbia is investing $2.95 million in a program designed to help mill tradespeople and technicians start and grow businesses.

The funding was granted to Hubspace’s Build Your Own Future program. Hubspace is a non-profit in Prince George that helps technology initiatives and companies in the region grow.

The program will offer financial, marketing and sales, operations, project management, health and safety, customer service, leadership and diversity training. Completing the training makes people eligible for a $5,000 grant to cover startup expenses, reads a news release.

“It is a big risk to venture into something that may fail without the proper resources and support,” said Debbie Domeij, a Houston resident who was recently laid off after 12 years at the Canfor mill, in the release.

“This program is a fantastic opportunity, especially as a single parent, and one that I hadn’t thought about until it was put in my corner.”