Coquitlam has been named a finalist in the province-wide Open for Business Awards, recognizing the successes of the City’s innovative Business LinQ service.
COQUITLAM, B.C., Jan. 22, 2020 – Coquitlam has been named a finalist in the province-wide Open for Business Awards, recognizing the successes of the City’s innovative Business LinQ service.
Small Business BC’s annual Open for Business Awards recognizes communities that have implemented business-friendly policies and initiatives that attract, retain and help small businesses. Coquitlam previously won an Open for Business Award in 2013.
About Business LinQ
Business LinQ was established in 2018 as a resource centre to support local business owners with growing or starting a business in Coquitlam.
In its first year, 385 people accessed Business LinQ services. That number grew by 73% in 2019 to a total of 665. In addition, Coquitlam business licences have experienced steady growth of approximately 2% each year.
Business LinQ provides support to local business owners by:
- providing information on what’s required to start and operate a business in Coquitlam;
- offering one-on-one guidance involving City permitting and regulatory processes – including licencing, zoning, inspections and building, plumbing and sign permits;
- helping to save time, stress and avoiding costly mistakes; and
- sharing resources to help local businesses thrive and grow.
The Business LinQ resource centre is located on the main floor at Coquitlam City Hall at 3000 Guildford Way. Current or prospective business owners can access Business LinQ by appointment or drop-in during regular hours of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Friday.
For more information about Business LinQ, visit coquitlam.ca/businesslinq.
Winners of the 2020 Open for Business Awards will be announced at a gala on Feb. 21.