Through research, publicity and the focusing of community resources, the Commission's daily actions in the community fulfill a strategy which is designed to achieve additional, permanent, quality employment. Historically funded by government, the Commission in 1994 is the first such agency in Canada to be primarily private sector - and as such is even more accountable to business and industry. The Commission operates several programs to assist the growth and professional development of small business. Through collection and dissemination of information, the Commission serves to provide business and political decision makers with a 'one stop' of quality information as the basis for sound decisions. Investment The Commission markets Victoria as an investment destination assisting in bringing investment dollars to the region each year.
Action is taken through governmental, media and private sector cooperation.
Over the years, the Commission has lead and generated several major studies on the regional economy, including the economic development strategies for the City of Victoria, Town of Sidney, and the City of Colwood. By targeting specific opportunities that lead to greater economic diversification, the Commission assists the community in achieving sound economic growth. This includes assisting business and political decision makers in eliminating any impediments and by attracting investment into the community. Some additional small business service programs of the Greater Victoria Economic Development Commission are the Self-Employment Assistance Program , the Mentor Training Program and the Victoria Connects Business Resource Centre .