Starting a New Business
Several agencies are ready and able to assist you with your business start-up whether it is a concept,
a franchise purchase or an inquiry from a National chain. The Economic Development Office of the City of
Parksville provides services to support both start up and existing companies. Our Economic Development
Officer is trained in business facilitation and mentoring with over twenty five years of small business
and organization development skills, with a strong background in marketing.
The City's Economic Development Office is an excellent source of information. The knowledgeable staff can provide you with local market information so that you can assess feasibility and develop a business plan. The office can also refer you to resources in the area that may help you get started.
One-on-one advice and information for businesses and individuals is available through our business development services, and our partners in community development. These partners include the Parksville and District Chamber of Commerce, Business Futures, Mid Island Science and Technology Council and Malaspina College to name just a few.
The Economic Development Office is located at 125 McCarter Street, Parksville. Office hours are 8:00 am to 4:00 pm Monday to Friday. For an appointment, please call 250-954-4650
Parksville & District Chamber of Commerce - is a volunteer member organization dedicated to being the principle voice of the business community on economic issues and matters of significant interest to business.
Community Futures - The Community Futures Development Corporation of Central Island is a community development organization consisting of volunteers and staff who are committed to fostering economic development and sustainable employment within the Central Vancouver Island Region - http://www.cfnanaimo.org
Mid-Island Technology Council (MISTIC) - a not-for-profit, economic development organization that serves individuals and businesses involved in knowledge-based industries on central and north Vancouver Island and the Sunshine Coast. - http://www.mistic.bc.ca
Malaspina has been a university-college since 1989. The Parksville-Qualicum Centre is located in the Parksville Civic & Technology Centre. This new partnership is the first of its kind in Canada and is designed to create a "learning community", linking education and economic development through information technology. The Centre serves 4,500 students annually and provides a full range of programs. http://www.mala.ca/parksville/.