The District of Kitimat and the Kitimat Chamber of Commerce are excited to announce the return of the 2026 Kitimat Business Bootcamp and Business Builders Competition, offering entrepreneurs in Kitimat and Kitamaat Village an opportunity to strengthen their skills, expand their network, and compete for funding to support their business goals.
The annual Business Bootcamp is designed to provide practical tools and strategies to help businesses navigate challenges, seize opportunities, and build long-term success. Topics are informed by feedback gathered through the Annual Business Walk and are tailored to meet the evolving needs of Kitimat’s business community.
This year the Bootcamp will feature 3 virtual workshops, 1 in-person lunch and learn, and a series of 6 live webinars led by internationally recognized Destination Business Expert, Jon Schallert. The addition of Destination University to the program this year is focused on helping established and long-serving businesses attract more customers, increase sales and profitability, reduce marketing costs, differentiate their business from competitors and position their business as a destination worth seeking out.
Businesses that meet the participation requirements for the Bootcamp will be eligible to enter the 2026 Kitimat Business Builders Competition, where they can pitch their business growth or expansion ideas to a panel of judges for a chance to win a grant to invest in their operations.
The competition has helped previous participants purchase equipment, invest in employee development, enhance marketing efforts, and expand the services they provide to the community. Whether you are launching a new venture, looking to grow an existing business, or seeking fresh ideas and inspiration, the 2026 Kitimat Business Bootcamp offers something for every stage of the entrepreneurial journey.
Registration for the Bootcamp is free and available on the Kitimat Chamber of Commerce website. Businesses can participate in sessions in-person or on-demand through the online Destination University portal. Local business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs are encouraged to register for access to the learning materials and online portal.
This year’s program is made possible through sponsorship from Cedar LNG (Platinum sponsor), LNG Canada (Gold sponsor), Rio Tinto (Gold sponsor) and TC Energy (Silver sponsor).
For additional information visit: https://kitimatchamber.ca/%20business-bootcamp/