Conservative MLA calls out NDP following bankruptcy of Small Business BC

A well-known organization that supports local businesses across BC has unexpectedly been placed under bankruptcy.

Small Business BC (SBBC) is a non-profit organization that provides advisory services, workshops, networking opportunities and mentorship to small businesses across the province.

“The sudden and unexpected demise of a well-known organization supporting thousands of entrepreneurs over the decades is yet another blow to the small business community and economic confidence,” said Kelowna-Mission MLA Gavin Dew, Conservative critic for jobs, economic development and innovation.

Dew added that it is "deeply unsettling” that 36 staff from SBBC have been laid off just weeks before Christmas.

The news of the organization being placed under bankruptcy comes a little more than a month after the federal government announced $2.7 million from the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada (PacifiCan) in support of SBBC.

"Entrepreneurs turn to Small Business BC for essential support at every stage of their journey and this funding from PacifiCan empowers us to enhance the services and education we offer,” said Tom Conway, CEO of SBBC, in a Nov. 1, 2024 press release.

“Each year, we provide supports to thousands of entrepreneurs across the province seeking trusted guidance and resources.”

On top of providing numerous services, the non-profit would also hold an annual awards competition for small businesses, the largest of its kind in BC.

More than 6,600 businesses participated in the competition across 21 years, according to the previously mentioned press release.

"This happened on David Eby's watch,” said Dew on SBBC being placed under bankruptcy.

“The provincial government was a major longtime funder of SBBC, had a direct line of sight with a seat at the board table, and would have known it was facing bankruptcy. It's hard to take seriously any claim that the NDP cares about private sector jobs when they're asleep at the switch on something this basic."