We picked them so you wouldn’t have to (you’re welcome)
Our team has delivered many events, programs and initiatives this year, plus published many more articles – some that have only appeared in our Vancouver Economy Report. If you only read one thing from us all year, we think you should pick from our top 10 can’t-miss stories from Vancouver’s economy!
22 Leaders, Knowledge-Keepers and Trailblazers to Watch
We hope to introduce (or re-introduce) you to the work of several local visionaries whom we find inspiring, informative, and engaging. These 22 leaders are knowledge-keepers, artists, businesspeople, thought leaders and community pillars based primarily on Coast Salish territories, including that of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səl̓ilwətaɁɬ / sel̓íl̓witulh (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations. However, we have also nominated some leaders based farther afield on traditional Lekwungen territories of the Songhees, Esquimalt and W̱SÁNEĆ Nations, and from Haida Gwaii.
B.C. film roars back with record-shattering $4.8 billion spend in 2021
The film industry in BC has had an extraordinary year, with a record-breaking $4.8 billion in direct spending for the provincial economy in 2021 — a 40% jump from the $3.4 billion spent in 2020. This achievement is a testament to the hard work and resilience of local film crews and workers, who have managed to keep creating the amazing shows we all watch despite the pandemic’s difficult conditions.
Indigenous Peoples Day: 22 Leaders, Knowledge-Keepers and Trailblazers to Watch
Tech Employers, We Need Your Input to Design Soft Skills Bootcamps for Newcomer Workers
Bootcamps to help build soft skills for newcomer workers
The Immigrant Employment Council of BC (IEC-BC) and Vancouver Economic Commission have been collaborating on the development of a series of bootcamps focused on “soft skills” for newcomers to Canada. We put out a call a little while ago for tech employers to provide their input because there’s a high demand for newcomer tech workers, but many still face high barriers to employment in the industry.
How can we make climate action a net benefit for businesses and workers in Vancouver?
This is a crucial moment for Vancouver’s economy: can we build a just and equitable net-zero future, or will we be left behind as the rest of the world steps up to the task? Governments are now taking steps towards this goal and have built policy that unlocks a new market reality, but where does that leave Vancouver businesses and workers? VEC’s Zero Emissions Economic Transition Action Plan (ZEETAP) aims to address these big questions and provide direction on our way forward.
What is doughnut economics? Plus 7 Vancouver companies helping lead the way
Doughnut economics is taking the economics world by storm. Developed and defined by Kate Raworth, it’s a way of systems thinking and deep redesign that seeks to meet the needs of all within the means of the planet. Check out this article to learn more and find out how some Vancouver companies are embodying some of the principles she talks about.
Circular Food Innovation Lab launches to help business cut food waste and costs
Rising food prices are straining Vancouverites’ budgets, while extreme weather and supply chain disruptions are stressing local food industries, underscoring the need to stop avoidable food waste. The Circular Food Innovation Lab is helping tackle these daunting problems by fostering relationships and ideas among actors in Vancouver’s food economy to test some potential solutions.
Related: Future-proofing Vancouver: Food security beyond food surplus
VEC launches Zero Emissions Economic Transition Action Plan
Circular Food Innovation Lab launches to help businesses cut food waste and costs
Celebrate 23 Black Leaders in Vancouver
Earlier this year, our team nominated 23 Black leaders with qualities and notable accomplishments in the arts, planning, economic development sustainability, consultancy, tech, innovation and leadership spaces. Uplift your feed by following these visionaries, and consider elevating your events and panels with their voices.
What is economic development?
Economic development can mean different things to different people. We have put together this guide to explain what economic development means to us, as well as answer some of the most asked questions about economic development, economic reconciliation, and the strengths Vancouver has in economic development.
20 BC climate tech startups to follow in 2022
Investing in early-stage climate solutions is essential to meet and ensure the success of climate goals. The first Angels for Climate Soutions startup cohort was made up of startups working to create innovative solutions for a climate-resilient economy, covering a range of applications, from renewable energy to efficient buildings and infrastructure, to sustainable land/forestry practices.
Sewing Opportunity: Accelerating Vancouver’s Performance Apparel and Fashion Industry
The performance apparel industry has a long and successful history, but Vancouver companies face some new challenges when it comes to filling available roles and may need a bit of a boost to bring the industry fully into the 21st century.
