The Sidney Business Improvement Area Society looks to lure businesses with a new economic development initiative. Start Up in Sidney is designed to reach out to new or established businesses and encourage them to set up in Sidney.
“We want to continue to attract investment and steady growth in Sidney,” says Donna Petrie, executive director of the Sidney BIA. “The town offers a great location with the airport and ferry terminals minutes away, safe and clean streets, popular year-round events that attract thousands of people, a municipal government that is business friendly, and the Sidney BIA which offers a one-stop approach to supporting new businesses.”
Over the past few years, Sidney has attracted a number of new businesses. Victoria Distillers, for example, has a world-wide following with its products now available in New York, Scotland and California to name but a few. Similarly, The Farmer’s Daughter, Sidney’s unique and popular fromgerie and wine bar on Beacon Avenue, already has plans to expand its seating and offerings in 2019. And just within the last few weeks, two new shops have opened to rave reviews, Moden Boutique, and Fresh Tandoori Flavour Indian Bistro. Devon Bird, owner of Moden, feels she chose well and was welcomed whole-heartedly by the community since opening Dec. 1 on Beacon Avenue.
“I chose Sidney because it’s honestly one of the most welcoming communities that I’ve experienced,” says Bird. “The community here is just so curious and so committed positively. The customers and retailers alike are so excited about new business.”
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As part of its service, the BIA helps prospective businesses find the ideal location and puts them in touch with realtors, commercial property owners, town officials and other key people.
As an integral part of the campaign, the Sidney BIA also has established an online Job Bank, intended to give employers from Peninsula businesses a way to reach potential employees.
“We have one of the highest levels of employment in Canada,” Petrie says. “We want to give local employers an opportunity to profile their businesses, list employment opportunities and attract talented people.”
Job seekers can visit sidneybia.ca/jobs to find their next opportunity.
Visit startupinsidney.ca to learn more about the initiative.
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