In 2024, Kamloops continued to evolve as a vibrant and dynamic business community. The past year, we’ve seen encouraging numbers of entrepreneurs and new businesses become part of our city’s ongoing growth. 801 new business licenses were issued in 2024 – an annual total eclipsed only once in the last decade. This momentum is a testament to the resilience and innovation of Kamloops businesses, as well as the strong partnerships that drive economic success in our region.
At Venture Kamloops, we have remained focused on our mission to support business growth and economic development. Our programs continue to provide essential resources and guidance to businesses at all stages, from startups to expansions. This year, we celebrated new milestones, including the success of our VK Pivot+ program, designed to help businesses adapt to changing market conditions. We have made changes to the eligibility criteria for the VK Pivot+ and VK Accelerate programs to ensure these valuable resources are relevant and available to as many Kamloops businesses as we can reach. The demand for our services remains strong, reinforcing the need for the innovative business solutions and strategic support offered through these and our other programs.
The implementation of the 2024-2028 Strategic Plan has been a key priority for our team. With the guidance of our Board of Directors, we have worked to align our initiatives with the core pillars of economic development. Collaboration with our partners at the municipal, regional, and provincial levels remains essential as we work together to foster a thriving business environment. We’re proud of the work we do with the Kamloops Business Council. This group of business support organizations works together to ensure that all the clients and members we serve have their voices heard at the community level as we help to shape the local economy.
As we look ahead, Kamloops and the rest of the world is bracing for an unsettled time. Our city is well-positioned to sustain economic upheaval, but organizations like Venture Kamloops will have their work cut out for them as facilitators of economic growth. Venture Kamloops will continue to be a catalyst for business success, ensuring that entrepreneurs and business owners have the tools and support they need to thrive. We are proud to play a role in shaping the future of Kamloops and look forward to another year of growth, innovation, and opportunity.
Jim Anderson
Executive Director
Venture Kamloops