Business Retention and Expansion Strategy Update

The Business Retention and Expansion (BR+E) Strategy update is nearing completion, with the draft strategy currently in production. The City has been able to gain additional insights into the current needs and challenges of local businesses and how to best support them through the feedback gathered throughout this project.

Keep updated on the status of the BR+E strategy development on the City's Let's Talk Platform.

Securing Small Business Rebate

The Ministry of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation has launched a $10.5 million Securing Small Business Rebate Program, which provides small businesses with funds for eligible repairs for both property crime and vandalism and to implement eligible preventative measures. The BC Chamber of Commerce administers the rebate program.

The program's application portal remains open until January 31, 2025 or until the program is fully subscribed. To learn more about making a rebate application, join the information session on Thursday, June 6 11:00 am - 12:00 pm.

Register Your Property with Creative BC

Did you know your business or home could have a starring role as a film location in a movie or TV series? Registration is easy and free with Creative BC. Simply register your property/business and create a digital photo file of your location. Creative BC will promote each registered property to the film industry through their online portal.

Visit the Creative BC website for more details.

Go! Abbotsford Events Calendar

Go! Abbotsford is your go-to event calendar for the latest happenings in Abbotsford. Whether you’re into performing arts, agricultural experiences, or the buzz of major festivals, there’s never a dull moment in this vibrant community.

Mayor and Council Updates

Mayor and Council are actively involved in our community and they represent the City at local events, openings, tours, and meetings with senior levels of government and other stakeholders. View some of the important work being done by your City Council by checking out the most recent council briefs and blogs as well as photos of Council in the city!

 Subscribe to receive Council updates to your inbox!

Business Community Events

  1. Abbotsford Farm & Country Market: The 2024 season is underway! Every Saturday until October 26, visit the Farmers Market from 9 am to noon at Jubilee Park.

  2. Go Global! Growing your Business Through Trade: Join Honourable Jagrup Brar, Minister of State for Trade on June 4 and learn how BC's free trade agreements can help your business enter international markets, grow, and connect with potential buyers and partners.

  3. Business After Business - Fraser Valley Child Care Development Centre: Celebrate inclusion, and children and youth with diverse abilities by joining the Fraser Valley Child Care Development Centre for their Business After Business event with the Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce on June 6.

  4. Public Interest Bonding Strategy: The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy is developing a new regulatory framework for decommissioning and closure of industrial projects in BC. The ministry has advised that an intentions paper on the Public Interest Bonding Strategy is posted and engagement on policy intentions is commencing. You can view the virtual session slide deck, read the intentions paper, take the survey and provide written email feedback by June 9.

  5. Agriculture Bus Tour: Be sure to purchase your tickets while there is still time so that you can join the Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce Annual Agriculture Bus Tour on June 14!

  6. South Asian Canadian Women in Business: Check out the Community market on June 15 which will feature local women-led businesses and hear from successful South Asian Canadian business leaders in our community!

  7. Virtual Webinar - Minister Brenda Bailey: On June18 be sure to join the Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce and Minister Brenda Bailey, BC Minister of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation, for a one-hour webinar on obstacles and opportunities faced by the small business community.

  8. Canada Day 2024: Join the City and Tourism Abbotsford for a full day of activities. Parade applications are still open and what better way to visually share your business with the community! If you would like to be involved in another capacity or have questions about the event overall, please reach out to events@tourismabbotsford.ca. For Corporate Sponsorship opportunities at Canada Day please contact econdev@abbotsford.ca.

Table Talk

Table Talk offers a forum to promote and share news focused on economic development and upcoming events for the business community. The mission of Table Talk is to cultivate and grow economic development relationships.

We want to hear from you! Email us at econdev@abbotsford.ca to learn more about the Table or to share your news via Table Talk.