BCEDA BC Economic Development Association

BCEDA Affiliate Members - Consultants


Alissa Sklar Consulting is the creative brainchild of Alissa Sklar, Ph.D., following 12 years of experience as the Vice President of Content Marketing for GIS Planning and the fDi Intelligence (now FT Locations), a service from the Financial Times.

Dr. Sklar brings this extensive experience and expertise to work for her consulting clients. She has worked through numerous products and iterations to develop marketing plans, build an effective internal hub of digital marketing tools and analytics, author gorgeous marketing collateral, deliver memorable conference presentations, present hundreds of webinars, and provide critical client support materials. Her work wasn’t just focused on the data software and services that define FT Locations, as she also worked directly with client teams on integrating these sophisticated tools into their own digital marketing.

Phone: (514) 560-8559

Website: https://sklar-consulting.com/

We believe the solutions to the challenges facing rural British Columbians are to be found right here — among the valleys and mountains, along the lake and seashores, in the forests and fields and small towns and First Nation reserves we all call home.

We’re motivated by the things rural British Columbians tell us matter — decent jobs, good education and training opportunities, a secure and healthy food system, affordable housing, excellent medical care, access to vibrant cultural and recreational opportunities, and a balanced and sustainable environment.

We are biased toward the positive. There’s plenty of gloom and doom in our world. We’ll let others focus on problems. We prefer to search for solutions. And opportunities. We are results driven and community-first minded.

Our job is to carefully listen, then share what we learn in a timely, effective fashion with rural leaders and residents across our beautiful province. Then help them succeed.

Phone:1-833-787-5911

Website: https://bcruralcentre.org/

Firecircle's entrepreneurship platform builds the human and technological capabilities needed to succeed in a rapidly changing word.

Built for owners and operators to develop the business foundations, systems, and strategic clarity needed to optimize operations, improve marketing, strengthen customer experiences, and grow using AI-powered tools and workflows.

Phone: 

Email: mailto:deneen@thefirecircle.ca

Website:  https://www.thefirecircle.ca/

Firefly Solar serves 8,200+ customers across Alberta, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick with 750+ employees and offices in Calgary, Edmonton, Lethbridge, and Halifax. We hold more five-star Google reviews than any Canadian solar competitor because we never lost what made us successful in the first place: showing up, doing the work right, and standing behind it for decades. 

Unlock the full potential of your community with Goodeve & Associates – a place where excellence meets innovation in economic development. Our team of award-winning professionals offers unparalleled expertise, proven strategies, and a track record of success to help your region thrive. Whether you need to attract investments or foster sustainable growth, we provide tailored solutions to elevate your economic landscape. Choose Goodeve & Associates for a brighter and more prosperous future.

Email: schaun@goodeveconsulting.com

Website: https://www.goodeveconsulting.com/

Groundwork Economics works at the intersection of community planning, municipal finance, and economic development, supporting local prosperity through economic development strategy, sector development, investment attraction, performance measurement, and economic impact analysis. Led by Vancouver-based economist Jamie Vann Struth, the firm brings more than 25 years of experience serving communities across British Columbia and Western Canada, with extensive work in both rural and urban settings. Its services also include employment and industrial land forecasting, population and housing projections, and analysis of infrastructure needs and municipal financial impacts. 

Email: jamie@groundworkeconomics.com 

Phone: 604-762-6901

Website: www.groundworkeconomics.com


The Hilton Vancouver Airport is a 4-star upscale hotel located at 5911 Minorou Boulevard in Richmod, British Columbia, about 5 kilometers from Vancouver International Airport (YVR). We're a five-minute walk from the CF Richmond Centre, with shops, dining, and SkyTrain links to Vancouver. Minoru Park is 2 kilometers away, and Rogers Arena and Cruise Ports are within 30 minutes. Enjoy our year-round heated outdoor pool.

Phone: +1 604-273-6336

Email: info@hiltonvancouverairport.com

Website: https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/yvrahhf-hilton-vancouver-airport/

The owner of two successful, independent retail stores, Kristina has over 25 years of first-hand knowledge and insight into what makes or breaks community-minded businesses at all stages of growth and maturity.

She has sat on numerous boards including but not limited to RetailBC, Commercial Drive BIA, Deep Cove Merchants Association and LOCO. A level three facilitator and moderator, Kristina is requested as a Speaker on various topics related to retail, business, commerce and culture.

Above all, she is an advocate and advisor for local businesses, communities and the residents they serve. She can be found amplifying the message that strong, vibrant, and resilient communities are what matter most.

InkFish Collective is Kristina’s conduit for supporting, collaborating and partnering to create an even bigger positive impact.

Phone: (604) 240 6611

Email: kristina@inkfishcollective.ca

Website: https://www.inkfishcollective.ca/

Larlee Rosenberg is a leading Vancouver-based law firm with deep expertise in all areas of Canadian immigration law. Our lawyers provide strategic advice to employers managing cross-border talent and offer compassionate guidance to individuals and families building a future in Canada. With a proven track record of success and a client-centred approach, we support our clients through every stage of their immigration journey.

Phone: +1-604-681-9887

Email:  info@larlee.com

Website: https://larlee.com/


Our team at O'Leary & Associates provides a wide range of business management services to help your business grow and succeed. We offer financial analysis, market research, strategic planning, and more. Our experts have years of experience in the industry and are dedicated to providing personalized solutions that meet your unique needs. We work closely with you to understand your goals and develop a plan that fits your budget and timeline. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help your business thrive.

Website: https://olearyandassociates.ca/

ProjectsByVal was launched in 2023 as a boutique consultancy service offering advisory, consulting, and facilitation services to public sector clients and specializing in Government Relations, Strategic Planning, Economic Development, and Community Engagement.  It’s principal, Val Gafka, is an accomplished professional with 19 years experience working in BC municipal government.  Val led economic initiatives as the Township of Langley’s Senior Manager of Economic Investment & Development from 2016-2023, and served on numerous regional and local boards & committees.

Email: ProjectsByVal@outlook.com; ProjectsByVal@gmail.com

Website: Val Gafka | LinkedIn


Rhizomic is a BC-based strategy and advisory firm helping communities, businesses, and organizations translate ideas and strategies into practical development initiatives. Our work spans regional and local economic development, business and organizational development, community and sustainable development, and policy and governance, with services including strategic planning, research and analysis, stakeholder engagement, value chain and cluster development, facilitation, training, and implementation support.

Email: connect@rhizomic.ca
Website: rhizomic.ca
LinkedIn: Rhizomic on LinkedIn


At Value Driver Consulting we work with you to craft tailored solutions that build value, drive growth, and achieve your business goals. Value Driver delivers tailored strategies and practical solutions to help businesses thrive at every stage—whether you’re growing, scaling, or planning your succession. Our experienced advisors bring expertise across diverse industries, offering structured yet adaptable approaches to navigate challenges and opportunities.

With a focus on strategic planning and seamless implementation, we design impactful outcomes to meet your unique needs. From strategy development to execution, we collaborate with you every step of the way, ensuring your goals are achieved and lasting value is built.

Value Driver is dedicated to your success, helping your business achieve resilience and sustainable growth.

Phone: 778-214-6010

Email: info@valuedriver.ca

Website: https://valuedriver.ca/

Our vision is to create a globally-connected business platform and ecosystem that elevates local companies onto the world stage while attracting foreign investment and international collaboration to the region.â€Â

Strategically located in the heart of British Columbia’s Okanagan region, WTC Okanagan serves as a gateway connecting one of Canada’s most dynamic and rapidly expanding economic regions to the global market.  Known for its thriving technology sector, world-class agriculture and wine industries, recreational amenities and tourism, growing population base and strong entrepreneurial culture, the Okanagan has emerged as a highly sought-after destination for both talent and investment within Western Canada.

Website: https://www.wtcokanagan.com/

Your Wayfinders Management Solutions provides tailored support in three key areas: project management, communications and engagement, and governance and organizational change. The company helps organizations manage complex initiatives, develop strategic communications, engage communities and interest holders, strengthen governance, and navigate organizational change. Its approach emphasizes collaboration, cultural respect, plain-language communication, and solutions that reflect community priorities.

Email: info@yourwayfinders.com

Website: https://yourwayfinders.com/