Coquitlam has nearly 7,000 licensed businesses, many of which are small enterprises run by people who live, raise families, support local fundraisers and volunteer in this community. With the prevalence of online shopping, it’s easy to forget that money spent at Coquitlam’s small businesses often stays in the community, providing local residents with a livelihood.
Every October, the City celebrates Small Business Week – an annual celebration of entrepreneurship organized by the Business Development Bank of Canada – to highlight the important role played by local small businesses.
This year, we are putting a face to local businesses by showcasing the people who run them. We asked local businesses why they chose Coquitlam to be the home of their business. Here is what they have to say.
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Ballistic Arts“I’m a Coquitlam boy, born and raised; I was proud to start a business here. I love marketing, sales and creativity, so running a marketing agency makes a lot of sense for me. Being a child of immigrants, we welcome diversity on our team. Our team member’s hail from every part of the globe and through the years, we have supported many local initiatives in the diverse Tri-Cities community. |
We were the creative sponsor for SHARE Family & Community Services’ Just Desserts event, which is now the IMAGINE event. We’ve participated in the Tri-Cities Soroptimist Walk A Mile In Her Shoes event, participated in the Great Canadian Shoreline Clean-up by cleaning up the Como Creek, we’ve sponsored the Coquitlam Firefighters Charitable Society, and put on fundraisers to raise awareness about mental health in the workplace for the Canadian Mental Health Association.”
Learn more about @BallisticArts and how to grow your business by generating quality leads with the Ballistic Arts Lead Generation Digital Marketing program by visiting their website.
C Market Coffee“I chose Coquitlam because it was home for me for a very long time and I only have fond memories of the community. With its robust and diverse community, I wanted to join it again as a business to involve the community even further, just as I benefited from its welcoming nature years ago. My inspiration for starting the business was to promote my philosophy in bringing quality and health back into our food and coffee. At C Market Coffee, our simple mission is to make quality coffee and fresh food to support a healthy lifestyle for the people we cherish the most. |
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We hosted Coquitlam’s very first Tri-City Latte Art Competition with local vendors. With the help of sponsors for the event, we were able to raise $1,100 for the Eagle Ridge Hospital Foundation in the expansion of their Emergency Department. During the start of the pandemic, we offered free drinks for front-line workers and also participated in #ThankfulThursday with the Eagle Ridge Hospital. We also love to help promote small businesses in the community by showcasing their products in our store. We are proud to have participated in various programs offered by the City of Coquitlam and look forward to continuing our contributions!”
You can support @CMarket_Coffee by stopping in for a freshly roasted cup of coffee or specialty beverage, or visit their website to order online.
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Climb Base5 Coquitlam“We opened our business in Coquitlam in 2004 because it is centrally located in Metro Vancouver. Our team is the most incredible and supportive group of people you could ever imagine. It might seem cliché, but I can tell you first hand they will stop at nothing to make anyone feel comfortable in any situation or challenge. We have a passion for climbing and creating opportunities for people to develop themselves as powerful and unstoppable. |
We hold community events and sponsor small and large organizations from local schools to Easter Seals national fundraising efforts. Our business model is derived from providing what is missing in people lives to be empowered. These efforts include financial support – especially during COVID, where we provide access to anyone regardless of their financial situation and both physical and psychological support.”
Try something new and visit @Climb.Base5 for a fun indoor activity, or consider giving the gift of a climbing lesson this upcoming holiday season. Check out their website for more information.
Mariner Brewing“I have a passion for craft beer and wanted to bring that to the City I grew up in. That’s why I created Mariner Brewing: Coquitlam’s first craft brewery. I’m proud that our hangout provides a fantastic environment to catch up with friends over food and drink inside or on one of our outdoor patios. We only opened three years ago but we’ve already accomplished so much. I’m also really proud of how we give back to our community.” “We raised funds for the Coquitlam Animal Shelter through Dog Month, and recently we created a special pilsner in support of Coquitlam Search and Rescue. When you support my business, you are also supporting this great community we all love.” |
 
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You can support @MarinerBeer by stopping in for a pint, ordering delivery online, or finding them in your local liquor stores craft beer section.
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Noura Homes“We moved to Coquitlam in 1989 and did our 1st subdivision and 5 home development on Austin and Schoolhouse in 1992. With our prior knowledge and construction experience in Iran, we wanted to contribute and be a part of the growth and improvement of our community here in Canada.” |
Over the years Noura has been building neighbourhoods and supporting the community through volunteer work and donations to organizations including the Coquitlam Firefighters Charitable Foundation, Coquitlam Foundation, SHARE Family and Community Services, New View Society and the Talitha Koum Society.
In the market for a new home or just want to show your thanks and support for all Noura Homes has done in the community? Visit their website or reach out to them on social media @Noura_Homes.
Volleyball Stuff“We chose Coquitlam for its central location, mix of local businesses and strong sense of community. We have been in Coquitlam for more than 10 years providing quality sports apparel that athletes from different sports as well as schools and associations are proud to wear. |
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But we are not just a volleyball company. Recently, when the pandemic hit, we partnered with Foodbanks Canada for an online sale that saw more than $25,000 given back to foodbanks across Canada. We support local sports teams in partnerships as well as donating prizing for local sports competitions/events whenever possible. We donate unworn clothing or samples to local groups when possible and we are always open to growing our local footprint .”
You can support @Volleyballstuf by shopping for sports apparel in-store or online.
Small Business Week Facts
Did you know?
- The small business sector is a key instrument of job creation and economic growth in Metro Vancouver, representing 53 per cent of private sector employment and almost one third of the provincial payroll.
- In the past years, B.C.’s small business sector generated approximately 34 per cent of provincial GDP.
- Over 61 per cent of small businesses in British Columbia are located in the mainland/southwest region of Metro Vancouver.
- 98 percent of businesses in British Columbia are self-employed or small businesses with fewer than 50 employees.
- There are over 500,000 small businesses (with fewer than 50 employees) in British Columbia.