November 14, 2019
The first Beaufort Delta Business Trade Show as part of Small Business Week brought entrepreneurs from all realms together, including a clothing boutique, a bed and breakfast, and services for everything from taxes to photography.
The event was held at the Midnight Sun Complex Community Hall in Inuvik on October 23 and stemmed from discussions between the Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment (ITI), the Western Arctic Business Development Corporation, the Town of Inuvik and the Gwich’in Tribal Council.
“The main purpose was to provide small businesses an opportunity to showcase their products and services. It was also designed to help organizations promote their business programs to community members,” says Yvonne Dimaano, Business Development Office in ITI’s Beaufort Delta Office. “We want to motivate the public to support local businesses and encourage aspiring entrepreneurs to start their own businesses.”
There were a total of 23 booths which represented 12 small businesses, 10 business-focused organizations and one that provided food and exit questionnaires. About 250 community members came through the doors to check out the booths.
Tradeshow-goers got to take away canvas totes that were produced entirely within the Beaufort Delta Region – they were fashioned by Fort McPherson Tent and Canvas, while the event logo was printed at the Arts, Crafts, & Technology Micro-manufacturing Centre in Inuvik.
It was a small memento that demonstrated that the region has a thriving network of small businesses that are eager to get to work.
