The Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) released the top places in the country to start or grow a business.
Kamloops rated 46th out of 121 cities and medium markets across the country. Each place was rated based on three main factors: presence, or the scale and growth of business ownership; perspective, which looks at optimism and growth plans; and policy, which looks at the involvement and support of local government. Kamloops ranked from modest to moderate in all three categories.
Lincoln Smith is the Executive Director of Kamloops Innovation, which focuses on tech business start-ups in Kamloops. He says the information released from the CFIB confirm Kamloops is showing continued growth.
“I think the landscape and the environment for starting a technology start up in Kamloops has been great. Over the last three years, we’ve seen 35 companies work with our programs. We’ve created over 91 jobs and I think over the next five years we’re going to see those number double,” said Smith.
Salmon Arm ranked 12th across the country rating high in presence and perspective. Prince George ranked 25th, earning higher scores when it came to perspective and optimism.
The Calgary periphery took first place, while the City of Calgary took 45th, and the City of Montreal came in last.
