Ministry Overview

The Ministry of Small Business and Economic Development is the primary provincial agency responsible for initiatives and programs dedicated to creating a strong provincial economy in British Columbia. Activities within the Ministry are focused on building a competitive business environment that gives the private sector the confidence to invest, generate opportunities and create jobs throughout British Columbia.

The Ministry's responsibilities are to:

• Encourage the development of regional economies, infrastructure and services by providing cross government leadership for the implementation of the Heartlands Economic Strategy.
• Assist in creating an environment that encourages investment and job creation.
• Provide strategic leadership that will facilitate economic growth and development throughout British Columbia by "fast-tracking" provincial regulatory approvals for significant economic projects.
• Implement an on-the-ground initiative that will put resources in place in the regions to respond to the needs of Heartlands communities.
• Implement a Provincial tourism development strategy for British Columbia, which maximizes tourism investment throughout the province.
• Promote the enhancement and development of all-season resorts and resort municipalities.
• Establish a welcoming environment for small business by advocating on behalf of small business operators and prospective small businesses.
• Market British Columbia as an investment location, and develop and enhance national and international investment and trading relationships.
• Increase the amount of venture capital available in the province.
• Lead provincial efforts to reduce and eliminate barriers to export markets.

The Ministry is also responsible for the deregulation initiative to achieve the New Era commitment to cut red tape and reduce the regulatory burden on businesses and consumers by one third within three years, beginning in 2001.

The Minister is also responsible for several Crown agencies, including: the British Columbia Pavilion Corporation, British Columbia Securities Commission, Innovation and Science Council, Tourism British Columbia and the Vancouver Convention Centre Expansion Project.

The Ministry has 157 staff positions, including staff in six regions. The Ministry delivers its services and programs through four divisions, the Deregulation Office, and Deputy Minister's Office:

Competitive Economic Policy Division — is responsible for promoting economic growth and diversification of British Columbia's economic base. The division undertakes analyses of economic conditions at the provincial, regional and sector level to identify economic challenges and opportunities. The results of the analyses are used to develop economic policy options that mitigate the challenges and capitalize on the opportunities, thereby increasing economic activity in the province.

In addition, the division ensures that key cross-government projects, which are significant economic drivers, or have potential for significant economic impact on the province, are managed successfully. Also, the division is responsible for international and internal trade policy.

Economic Development Division — through its regional presence, identifies potential projects that support economic growth throughout the province. The division uses expert business case analyses to recommend projects for fast-track designation, and monitors these projects through provincial government review and approval processes to ensure timelines are met.

The division is also the driver for expanding the tourism industry through the implementation of the provincial Tourism Strategy and working to enhance and develop all season resorts and resort municipalities. The division will also work with industry to identify and fast-track tourism projects. The division supports Heartlands communities by providing local economic development agencies and small businesses with information, resources and other tools to assist with small business start-up and growth strategies. Additionally, through the Corporate Initiatives Branch, the Division develops, implements and manages priority projects of significant importance to the economy.

Finally, the division administers the project funding for the Canada-British Columbia Infrastructure Program, and Western Economic Partnership Agreement.

BC Olympic Games Secretariat — represents the Government of British Columbia as a member partner in the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Games. Also, the division supports culture and sports through policy and program activities, administration of the Physical Fitness and Amateur Sports Fund and the Olympics Fund Special Account, and policy and program support to the British Columbia Arts Council, an independent, provincially funded agency. The Ministry provides transfers in support of cultural industries, amateur sport groups and sport and recreation projects.

Management Services Division — provides financial, human resources, records management and information systems support to the Ministry.

Deregulation Office — provides policy advice and oversees the government-wide commitment to cut red tape and the regulatory burden by one third within three years.

Deputy Minister's Office — a number of branches report directly to the Deputy Minister, including International Relations, Investment Capital, Corporate Investment and Location Service, and British Columbia Film Commission. Collectively, they position British Columbia as a preferred place for new and expanded investment. International Relations Branch plans and manages trade missions that provide the Premier and ministers with opportunities to increase British Columbia's profile in key markets. Investment Capital Branch manages tax policy programs to assist small and medium-sized businesses throughout the province to gain access to equity capital for business start-up and expansion. Corporate Investment promotes international awareness of British Columbia's investment climate and provides potential investors with business location information and services.

In addition, the British Columbia Film Commission supports regional film commissions and coordinates marketing British Columbia to the film and television industry.