PROGRAMS FOR THE PRIVATE SECTOR

These programs for the private sector will get small and medium sized enterprises in Yukon growing and working together to improve our economy.
With these programs, the Whitehorse Chamber of Commerce will create a business friendly community and a dynamic private sector. The Chamber has heard its members when they say "Do Something!" so these programs reflect what we are doing to cultivate our business sector. Together we will develop a healthy and expanding private sector.

Click on each program below to learn more!

SME Training and Development - Seminars, Workshops and Courses

SME TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT

Small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) play a vital role in the Canadian economy. According to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, they account for 64% of all private sector employment with more than 82% of total employment in health, construction, forestry, tourism and hospitality sectors. 

The Whitehorse Chamber of Commerce is responding to the expanding population and economic growth in the Yukon by building capacity within the SME community, partnering with local experts to deliver seminars, workshops and courses for employers and employees, that support and encourage business growth and explore economic opportunities.   

Our local business community contributes to the economic, civic and social well being of Whitehorse. Over the past few years, the Chamber and its partners have worked to keep the SME training and development programs current and each year, more than 140 businesses benefit from the program.  

Chamber members take part in the workshops at only a fraction of the cost, thanks to funding from our partners - the Government of Yukon Department of Economic Development and the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor). 

2020 WORKSHOPS SCHEDULE: 

Human Resources 202

Facilitated by: RH HR Consulting
Date: 4 classes – March 3rd, 5th, 9th and 12th 
Time: 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. 
Location: Best Western Gold Rush Inn - General Store

Workshop Overview: 

Businesses contend with constant change. Helping your people navigate through change is important crucial for building trust and effective communication.  

HR 202 is a series of 4 breakfast workshops and a private consultation session with an HR expert. You will learn tools for managing change, enabling performance, improving communications and how to have having difficult conversations in your workplace. Learn how to develop your performance management and learning & development processes for yourself and your organization.  Come learn, network and take advantage of this workshop series.

Cost: WCC members: $150.00+gst I Click here to register or to learn more 

Cost: Non-members: $200+gst I Click here to register or to learn more

Digital Marketing 201

Facilitated by: Aasman Brand Communications

Date: 4 classes– March 26, April 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd

Time: 8:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.

Location: Aasman Offices — 402 Hanson St, Whitehorse

Workshop Overview: 

Aasman Brand Communications put together a course outline for a specialized Digital Marketing course for businesses selling services or products online. 

The course will be 5 x 1.5 hour sessions on strategy principals, additional information and implementation strategies. Each session will have time allocated at the end to work through that week’s worksheet, which can range from a business audit based on the topic of the week, or action plan. 

In order for local businesses to compete in today’s global society, a strong grasp of the tools available can help put Whitehorse companies and organizations on the digital map. 

 

Cost: WCC members: $150.00+gst I Click here to register or to learn more 

Cost: Non-members: $200+gst I Click here to register or to learn more

Advanced Financial Management - Regitration is now closed

Facilitated by: Kim McMynn and BDO Canada LLP

Dates: 5 classes - January 15th, 16th, 23rd, 30th and February 6th

Time: 8:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. 

Location: Northlight Innovation 2180 2nd Ave, Newmont Goldcorp Classroom 

Workshop Overview:

Advanced Financial Management workshop consists of a series of sessions and is geared towards owners and managers involved in the day-to-day operations of their businesses.  Although the emphasis will be on topic areas primarily for business owner, general managers and executive directors of not for profit entities will find useful tips. 

The first two morning workshops will discuss moving your business forward with emphasis on financial information produced by the entity and best practices.  These workshops will be followed by specialist sessions in the area of fraud awareness, taxation, and understanding credit and budgeting.  

Financial, Tax and Accounting Considerations of Starting a New Business - Regitration is now closed

Facilitated by: Partners and staff of Crowe Mackay LLP, Whitehorse. All presenters will be Chartered Accountants 

Date: 4 classes – February 4th, 11th, 18th, 25th (Tuesday mornings for 4 weeks)

Time: 8:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.  (with additional time for questions as required) 

Location: Crowe MacKay offices – Suite 200-303 Strickland St, Whitehorse 

Workshop Overview:

Canada is one of the easiest countries in the world to get a business started (and there are things to consider when doing so) and in the early months and years of establishing a business we tend to get involved in building the business and establishing our niche in the marketplace. What we sometimes forget about, or give to others to look after, are the administrative details. Understanding these details is required not only to meet tax responsibilities (corporate, GST and payroll), but also to assist in making the business sustainable and profitable.
 
This workshop is well suited to individuals thinking about starting a business, individuals who are commercializing their ideas as well as for those who have been operating a business for a few years and are looking to better understand or improve the “back office” functions. A reference binder will be provided. 

Human Resources 101 - Regitration is now closed

Facilitated by: RH HR Consulting

Date: 6 classes – February 4th, 6th, 11th, 13th, 18th and 20th (Tuesday & Thursday mornings for 3 weeks)

Time: 8:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.  

Location: NorthLight Innovation, Outpost 31 Makespace classroom

Workshop Overview: 

People are the core component of any business. The right work environments for your people can lead to higher engagement, productivity and a customer focused business.  

Join us for HR 101 workshop series and learn about your responsibilities, and opportunities, as a leader and an employer. We will discuss the key concepts pertaining to organizational culture and HR practices and strategies to help businesses you as leader focus on your culture and build strong workplace practices in recruitment and onboarding.

This breakfast workshop series will help you understand how to build a workplace culture where teamwork prevails, and everyone understands their roles and responsibilities.

Questions? Please contact Andrei Samson at [email protected] or (867) 667-7545

 

BUSINESS AFTER HOURS / Networking

 

Whitehorse Chamber of Commerce signature Business After Hours (BAH) Events provide an opportunity for Chamber members to showcase their businesses and to share their products or services at their place of business, or at a venue of their choice. Creativity can be introduced into BAH events, with smaller or similar types of businesses co-hosting or using a theme, delivering a presentation or a demonstration - limited only by your imagination! 

These events are generally held on a Thursday evening from 5:00 pm to 7:00pm, twice per month, except during the summer months of July and August. A Business After Hours event maximizes networking opportunities and the development of new business contacts by extending an open invitation to the business community to attend.....so be sure to show up with plenty of business cards

We encourage all business people and residents alike of Whitehorse and of the Yukon to support their local business community by attending Business After Hours events. These events conveniently fit into your busy schedule and provide a perfect opportunity to build new business relationships and to strengthen established ones. Plus, as an added bonus, business card draws give guests the chance to win great prizes!

Interested in hosting a Business After Hours?

Please contact Andrei Samson [email protected] or call (867) 667-7545 and we will tell you how!

Yukon Business Development Program

ABOUT US

If your business is facing a challenge that can not be solved in-house or within the Yukon business support services community, the Yukon Business Development Program is for you.

In partnership with the Whitehorse Chamber of Commerce, Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency and the Yukon’s Department of Economic Development, the Yukon Business Development Program offers Yukon businesses access to global expertise for local challenges. At no cost to participants, our program is for businesses of all sizes in all industries. Together, with our consultants at Gunta Business, Yukon business owners work through their unique challenges and barriers to growth in non-traditional workshop style sessions. Our workshops’ feature the experts and skills required to co-create effective strategies and recommendations, guiding businesses through their growth journey. 

Who Are We?

Funded by: Yukon’s Department of Economic Development, the Canadian Northern Economic Development Association. 

In partnership with: the Whitehorse Chamber of Commerce Services

Delivered by: Gunta Business, an indigenous multi-discipline business and community development consulting firm. 

Program Lead: Joshua Callahan, Chief Operating Officer and Business Advisor for Gunta Business.

Click here to learn more about the Yukon Business Development Program

Buy Local Program

The Whitehorse Chamber, working with the business community, and with the financial support of the Government of Yukon's Department of Economic Development created a Buy Local Campaign that we call Look Inside – Your Business Builds Community.

 

Our goal is to create a healthy and competitive Whitehorse economy and a thriving private sector. Part of this initiative is the Yukoner Appreciation Day celebrated the first Friday of November each year. This event, which heralds a huge ‘thank you’ to Whitehorse and Yukon residents attracted over 63 businesses this year and well over 3,000 residents visiting participating businesses.

 

 What are our Buy Local objectives?

  • Increasing Yukon consumer and business awareness of the benefits of local purchases and the contribution of the business community to Whitehorse.
  • Educating Whitehorse businesses – SME Training and Development on the value proposition of service and customer satisfaction, of inventory levels, and of giving back to the community and of purchasing from other local businesses.
  • Increasing the priority of local spending in decision-making criteria of Yukon consumers and businesses.
  • Strengthen co-promotional/partnerships/collaborative efforts between local businesses and organizations.
  • Secure recognition within all levels of government procurement of benefits of spending within Whitehorse.

With the steady growth in retail spending habits it seems we are having an impact on Whitehorse Consumers; but this is not an area where we can let up – we have to keep hitting home with the messaging.

 

Look Inside Campaign

Many cities across Canada are encouraging people in their communities to shop local. The chamber’s Look Inside campaign was created to show Yukoners, business people and government purchasing agents the value of thinking locally and making purchases inside Whitehorse and Yukon. 

There’s value in shopping local, and it goes beyond the immediate gratification of finding the right product and the great feeling you get from service beyond expectations. Shopping is, above all, a social experience. From frequenting your neighbour’s business to seasonal shopping events with visitors, to the relationships developed with the staff while shopping.

Shopping locally develops our economy, creates jobs, and supports many community events.

 

Look Inside Whitehorse is a Facebook page supported by the Whitehorse Chamber of Commerce and dedicated to supporting local business in our community. We post two business profiles each month by interviewing local entrepreneurs and businesses who are Whitehorse Chamber members and have requested to be featured. These profiles are created and written by a local contractor. We encourage all businesses to e-mail: Avery Brohman at: [email protected], or message the Look Inside Facebook page to be featured. Thanks, and we look forward to profiling your business!

Planter Box Program

Planter Box Program

For the past several years the Whitehorse Chamber of Commerce has partnered with Challenge Disability Resource Group and the City of Whitehorse to organize and facilitate the Planter Box Program. The Planter Box Program is a popular program that operates annually from June until the beginning of September (weather permitting).

The Planter Box Program helps beautify the city of Whitehorse by greatly adding to the aesthetic value of our city and are appreciated by residents and visitors alike.  Many people in years past have commented on how the planter boxes make a huge contribution to the beauty of the downtown core.

Businesses pay a one-time fee and are then permitted to place weatherproof signs on the planter boxes in a manner that does not detract from the beauty of the boxes. The planter boxes are distributed throughout the downtown core and businesses can reserve their spot(s) beginning in April of the current year. 

·       The program runs from mid-June until the middle of September (weather permitting).

·       The business chooses  (up to two boxes), what type of box (rectangular or corner) and the location of the planter box(es) they wish to place an advertisement, some restrictions apply.
 If space remains available, businesses may sign up for up to two more boxes.

·       Whitehorse Chamber members will be given first choice, but the program is open to all Whitehorse businesses. Planter boxes will be awarded on a first-come-first-served basis.

·       Signage may be placed on one or all sides of the planter boxes, but sign size is limited to a maximum size of 25"wide and 30"high on corner boxes and 37”L x 15”H on rectangular boxes.  As long as they are in good condition, signs from previous years may be used.

·       The Chamber will notify businesses prior to the delivery of the planter boxes and we ask that the business clearly mark their desired delivery location(s).

·       The City of Whitehorse donates the manpower and equipment to deliver and remove the planter boxes. Putting up and taking down signage on the boxes; however, is the responsibility of the business.

·       The fees to reserve your planter box(es) are payable to the Whitehorse Chamber of Commerce and are due prior to delivery, otherwise you will “lose” your planter box, at which time it will be made available for another business.

·       The cost is $200.00 + GST for a rectangular box and $250.00 + GST for a corner box for the season.

If you have any question about the program, please contact Andrei Samson at [email protected] or call (867) 667-7545.

Partnering for Success

What is Partnering for Success?

Partnering for Success is a Whitehorse Chamber of Commerce initiative created to strengthen economic growth, prosperity and cooperation throughout the territory. This private-sector driven initiative exists to encourage and support our business community, industry associations,governments and First Nations to work together, address common challenges and most importantly, find common solutions for the benefit of all Yukon residents.

It is imperative that as a small jurisdiction,we come together and identify the opportunities that will propel our economy forward – for our generation, for our children and for their children. Vision Partnering for Success is a conduit for cooperation to foster economic prosperity for Yukon.

Vision

Partnering for Success is a conduit for cooperation to foster economic prosperity for Yukon.

Mission

Partnering for Success acts to foster economic prosperity through strengthened collaboration, understanding and awareness between business and all orders of government to affect proactive, timely and solution-oriented action and change.

Urban Visitor Signage Program (UVS)

The Urban Visitor Signage (UVS) is a project spearheaded by the Whitehorse Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the Government of Yukon – Department of Highways and Public Works in 2006 to improve the quality and consistency of information directed to visitors travelling through Whitehorse while continuing to allow for an aesthetically pleasing highway signs system within Whitehorse city limits. 

The Whitehorse Chamber of Commerce travels the stretch of highway in both these directions with regularity to check on the signage for damage and vandalism. The Chamber accepts applications for UVS from the business community and makes sure that proposed signs conform with the policy directives regarding size of sign, lettering and colours. 

The WCC will use the following policies to administer the program:

  • Applicants must provide a $25.00 one-time application fee to the WCC, which is forwarded to YG as per the Sign Regulations.

  • There is an annual $400.00 (WCC members) & $650.00 (non-members) per sign advertising and maintenance fee for all UVS’s payable to the Whitehorse Chamber of Commerce.

  • All installations, removals and maintenance must be performed through the WCC contractor as per WCB and YG regulations. Sign owners are not permitted to install, remove or perform maintenance on their sign(s).

If you have any questions about these basic regulations, or those found in the guidelines on our website please contact the Chamber at (867) 667-7545 or email [email protected].