SERVICES

 Every professional service you could need for business is available in the East Kootenay. Cranbrook is the regional hub for government offices and considered the area’s service centre. However, Sparwood, Fernie, Creston, Invermere and Golden all serve as market centres, too.

The region is serviced by a range of major national banks and two community credit unions. There is a bank available in each municipality except the Village of Canal Flats. A credit union is also available in the community of Edgewater, and opening soon in the Village of Radium Hot Springs.

The Business Development Bank of Canada and Community Futures East Kootenay provide business advice, assistance and capital to local entrepreneurs and businesses.  

There are many web-based businesses to help you with design, office supply stores, lawyers, accountants, and every sort of service you’ll need.

Many hotels offer conference room space, perfect for business gatherings. They include the Prestige Rocky Mountain Inn, Heritage Inn, and St. Eugene Mission Resort. They can hold events for up to 500 people. Fairmont Hot Springs Resort also features conference facilities. In addition, many community halls in regional towns can hold sizeable numbers of people.

The province has unveiled ‘bizpal,’ a one-stop service outlining all the licenses and permits you’ll need from various levels of government.  

See ‘links and resources’ for more service related information.