The Greater Victoria Economic Development Commission, otherwise known as Business Victoria, is a non-profit organization supported, in part, by agreements with Service Canada (formerly HRSDC) for programs such as the WorkSource Wage SubsidyProgram . In a cooperation between Western Economic Diversification (WD), Small Business BC and the Ministry of Small Business and Revenue provides one-stop business assistance to the local community. Business Victoria also has several project partnerships with the private sector, including Coast Capital Savings Credit Union.

Although the Greater Victoria Economic Development Commission's Mission Statement addresses all levels of business and investment, Business Victoria focuses on supporting the small business community within the local region as over 76% of Victoria's business community has 5 or less employees.

Mission Statement
The Commission exists to assist in the growth of employment and skills development, particularly in the private sector of the Greater Victoria Region. 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 and ongoing skills development. Historically funded by government, the Commission underwent a major policy shift in the year 2000 and as a result is the first such agency in Canada to be financially independent with revenues based upon competitive contracts, fee for services and partnerships. As such, the Commission is even more accountable to business and industry.

Assistance to Small Businesses
Over 75% of all businesses in Victoria employ 5 people or less; only 3% employ 25 or more. The Commission operates several programs to assist the growth and professional development of small business. It also assists motivated individuals in the development of financially successful and sustainable self employment through an increased understanding of the structure, challenges, opportunities and psychology of entrepreneurism as well as with support provided by business counsellors and peers.

A Community Information Resource
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.

Crisis Management
By closely watching major issues in the community the Commission anticipates and responds to periodic crises (i.e. Corporate closures) which would result in job losses. Action is taken through governmental, media and private sector cooperation.

Economic Development Studies, Briefs and Policy Papers
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.

Actions
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.