If you are looking to start a new business, relocate your business, or purchase a business when you move to Golden, the following organizations and resources are available to help:
Golden Area Initiatives
The Economic Development Society for Golden and Area A, GAI facilitates and supports community economic development in Kicking Horse Country. They can provide information and resources such as:
- Business needs/opportunities
- Business development guide
- Resources for doing business in Golden
Visit the Golden Area Initiatives page for more information about who we are and what we do.
Kicking Horse Country Chamber of Commerce
The Kicking Horse Country Chamber of Commerce supports the local business community of Golden and Area A. They provide their members with communication, networking and educational programs such as:
- Let’s Do Lunch workshop series
- Business after Business mingles
- Business Excellence Awards
Kootenay Rockies Innovation Council
A non-profit society, the Kootenay Rockies Innovation Council encourages economic development in the Kootenay Rockies by providing programming, resources and events related to science, technology, and innovation. This includes:
- Business coaching services
- Tech directory
- Sector news
Community Futures East Kootenay
Community Futures East Kootenay is a not-for-profit organization that supports local, community-based economic development. Their initiatives include:
- Business loans
- Business training
- Business resources
- Self-Employment Training program (SEP)
Women’s Enterprise Centre
The Women’s Enterprise Centre offers essential business services and resources to women who are starting, purchasing or growing a small business. Services include:
- Professional guidance
- Business loans
- Practical skills development
- Networking connections
Canadian Youth Business Foundation
The Foundation is a national charity that can provide young entrepreneurs aged 18-34 with financial support, mentoring and coaching, and other resources when starting a business. Their programs and services include:
- Start-up program
- Pre-launch coaching and resources
- Post-launch resources
Columbia Basin Trust
The Columbia Basin Trust provides programs and initiatives that support the social, environmental and economic well-being of the Columbia Basin. Some of their programs include:
- Affordable Housing Resources program
- Arts, Culture and Heritage program
- Enterprising Non-Profits program
- Training Fee Support program
Basin Business Advisors Program
Businesses in the Columbia Basin can take advantage of free and confidential business counselling services through the Basin Business Advisors program provided by the Columbia Basin Trust. Business Advisors can provide:
- Business counselling
- Detailed assessment report of the business
- In-depth financial analysis of the business
Summer Works Program
In order to support small businesses, the Columbia Basin Trust offers a Summer Works Program. This program provides a wage subsidy to small businesses that provide high school or post-secondary students with summer jobs. Benefits of the program include:
- Wage subsidy to Basin businesses that provide summer employment to high school and post-secondary students
- Training subsidy to help increase the skill set of summer student employees
Check out the Summer Works Program Guidelines for more information.
School Works Program
In order to encourage more local businesses and organizations to hire full-time high-school or post-secondary students for part-time work during the school year, The Columbia Basin Trust has launched a new six-month pilot project, the School Works Program. This program:
- Provides a wage subsidy to successful applicants to offset the costs of hiring a student for part-time work during the school year
- Is open to small businesses and non-profit, First Nation and public sector organizations in the Basin
- Provides students with local work experience
Check out the School Works Program Guidelines for more information.
Small Business BC
Small Business BC provides information and resources to BC’s small businesses, including:
- Seminars and workshops for small business owners and entrepreneurs
- Articles on starting, growing or exiting a business including information on legal requirements, industry regulations, financing and marketing
- One-on-one advisory services
- Business registration services
Check out our Opportunities, Business and Employment and Finance pages for more information on doing business in Golden.
A lot of young people come here for the skiing, but then find a way to work here – they open their own businesses, etc, because they love it here so much.
Krys Sikora
What puts a smile on your face?A tranquil afternoon in her Golden backyard puts a smile on Katie's face.
What's in your backyard?Lee enjoys her incredible property here in Golden, complete with a walking bridge to her house.
What can you store in your backyard?Get ready for summertime bonfires with friends and cozy winter nights by the fire.
Do your kids have the space to explore and play?In Golden, kids have endless space for adventures of all kinds.
Looking for a little relaxation?In Golden you could lounge in the peace and quiet of your own backyard.
Don't have time to make it to the market?Golden's long summer days mean we can grow our own veggies and still have time to play!
What can you see from your backyard?Kris, Lucia and Taya the dog have a stunning backdrop for their backyard swim in Golden.
Need room to run?With options like taking a riverside walk or exploring a trail in the mountains, dog owners in Golden never have to settle for a boring routine.
Looking for a little outdoor adventure?Lisa does a little outfitting in her backyard in Golden before heading out to run some class 4 rapids.