Vancouver, B.C. - The Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN) will be in the spotlight as one of Canada's most friendly communities for home-based business (HBB) at a national awards ceremony on October 30. The district is among three entrants winning top honours.
 

Other 2002 winners in the fourth annual nationwide survey conducted this past summer and fall are the cities of London, Ontario and Mount Pearl, Newfoundland. This year's survey is jointly sponsored by RBC Financial Group, Canada Post, the federal government's Western Economic Diversification agency, and Home Business Report magazine. It is also endorsed by the Economic Development Association of British Columbia. 

"Each year we spread the word through every province and territory of Canada that we want to recognize communities, regions and private sector champions who have demonstrated an outstanding commitment to small and home-based business," said Home Business Report publisher Barbara Mowat. "This commitment generally evolves over a period of several years or longer. It takes a dedicated effort on the part of municipal staff, elected officials and often one or more passionate crusaders in the business community itself."

"Recently implemented business bylaws recognize the creativity of small business entrepreneurs by focusing on providing for a range of complementary and compatible accessory uses that are needed to make self-employment viable. At the same time, the new regulations respect the need to maintain the character of rural and residential neighbourhoods. There is a delicate balance."

An innovative feature of the new RDN bylaw is a freshly unveiled Home-Based Business Registry. The Registry will promote economic development and tourism in the region by enabling registrants to have their businesses listed in a searchable directory on the RDN website. The Registry also ensures that HBBs are aware of the regulations in their specific areas, thereby promoting good relations with neighbours.
 

"It is an honour for the District and its communities to receive this national award," says Mr Holme, who will proudly accept the 2002 award on behalf of his regional district. "I do consider it very significant that we were nominated by one of the region's HBB owners, Mary Jane Puckrin. Over the past few years, she has worked tirelessly with municipal and elected officials to help build a solid foundation for a home-based business friendly region."

"It is an honour for the District and its communities to receive this national award," says Mr Holme, who will proudly accept the 2002 award on behalf of his regional district. "I do consider it very significant that we were nominated by one of the region's HBB owners, Mary Jane Puckrin. Over the past few years, she has worked tirelessly with municipal and elected officials to help build a solid foundation for a home-based business friendly region." Ms Puckrin, owner of Wood 'n' Stuff Woodcrafting Inc. and host of the Folk Art Community Website, has been a positive activist with a vision and persistence that has identified her as a true micro-enterprise champion. Her efforts have gone a long way in guiding the RDN into the winner's circle.

The awards ceremony, hosted by RBC Financial Group and attended by sponsors, award winners, government and business leaders, and the media, alternates years between Toronto and Vancouver. This year Vancouver is the host city.

"Home-based businesses are a growing trend these days. As inventors, innovators, and job builders, these business owners create wealth for themselves, their families and for Canada," said Jim Hamilton, RBC Financial Group vice-president for Small Business and Agriculture. "At RBC we are committed to supporting this sector by providing resources and services to help these businesses be successful. It's an honour to support programs such as the Home Based Business Friendly Awards that recognize the value of community-building. " 

The RDN submission applauded Canada Post's rural area service where an HBB may receive inexpensive daily package/parcel pick-up as part of the regular postal route, and the new client affinity program, VentureOne, with a variety of small business services including a 5% saving on many CP shipping services. 

Canada Post's Regional General Manager Operations Pacific Region, John Polak confirms, "We have taken significant steps to ensure that Canada Post has become more attuned to the needs of small business, particularly to HBBs which often rely most heavily on our products and services."

"Success in today's highly competitive marketplace requires speed, flexibility and adaptability, all characteristics of today's home-based businesses," says Ardath Paxton-Mann, Assistant Deputy Minister, Western Economic Diversification - B.C. Region. "Creating that environment, one that will assist small business prosper is fundamental to WD's mandate and philosophy."

"Working for people working from home has been Home Business Report's mission for nearly a decade and a half," Ms. Mowat sums up. "It's truly rewarding to witness the increase in people, cities and now regional districts championing the home-based business sector. This sector creates jobs and wealth. I'm thrilled we can formally recognize this important economic driver and some of the people behind it."

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