Premier Christy Clark has announced a $3.1 million skills training pilot program that will target micro-business owners who do not have any formal training beyond a high-school diploma.
“This pilot program is designed to help micro-business owners who do not have any formal credentials boost their own skill set, so they can continue to successfully grow their business, create local jobs, and contribute to our economy,” said Clark.
The new Micro-Business Training Pilot will be led by the BC Chamber of Commerce, and delivered in collaboration with local chambers of commerce, training institutions and other community partners.
It will provide general business management training skills for up to 1,200 Labour Market Agreement-eligible micro-business owners, who have less than five employees.
Eligible owners will be able to access up to $1,500 worth of business training to help address skill gaps.
This could mean taking classes in accounting principles, marketing, human resource management or a variety of other business-related training programs.
Classes can be taken through public and private training institutions, including those participating in the Chamber Learning Network.
The training may be online, in class or through other delivery methods that work best for the trainee’s schedule.
Pat Bell, minister of jobs, tourism and innovation, said, “There are a variety of skills training programs all over the province, but this one is unique because it focuses on micro-business owners who employ other British Columbians.
“These owners already have a solid product or service to offer, otherwise they wouldn’t be in business, but will benefit significantly from skills training in business-related subjects that could ultimately help take their business to the next level.”
