Regional Chamber Support Initiative

At the grassroots level, Chambers serve as the Voice of Business to government while offering products and services that facilitate the creation of relationships between businesses, provide discounts to reduce business costs, and offer learning opportunities that support business growth.

Many Chambers of Commerce in small communities across Northwestern Ontario are facing significant challenges in providing services to businesses in their area due to a shortage of financial resources and volunteer resources. As a result, at a time when the business community most needs support to help weather an economic storm such as the COVID-19 pandemic or the layoff of staff at a large employer, the local Chamber is left ill-equipped with fiscal and human capital to assist. Chambers of Commerce in Nipigon, Terrace Bay/Schreiber and Atikokan have recently paused operations due to these issues and the Marathon Chamber has greatly reduced their operations, leaving their business communities with minimal support or assistance.

The Thunder Bay Chamber knows that our region is stronger when all businesses have a supportive Chamber to address their needs. The purpose of this research project is to identify opportunities to assist these small community Chambers in providing support and services to their business community.

Faculty Supervisor:

David Richards

Student:

Partner:

Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce

Discipline:

Business

Sector:

Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services

University:

Lakehead University

Program: