About DEHCHO BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CENTRE
Vision
"The DBDC is the first point of contact for small businesses"
Mission
"The DBDC assists small business ventures and fosters economic development activities that generate benefits for stakeholders and the region".
Introduction
The DEHCHO BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CENTRE (DBDC) is a non-profit corporation established in late 1998 to provide services to the communities of the Dehcho Region using funding provided by the Department of Industry, Tourism, and Investment.
The organization is governed by a Board of Directors chosen from the communities it serves: Fort Liard, Fort Simpson, Jean Marie River, Nahanni Butte, Sambaa K'e, and Wrigley.
The Board is made up of eight volunteers from the region. From those members, an executive of three is elected: a chairperson, a vice-chairperson, and a secretary/treasurer. The executive works closely with the General Manager to oversee the centre's activities.
In addition to the Board of Directors, an Investment Review Committee (IRC) has been set up. It is comprised of two Board members and three people from the business community of the region. The IRC reviews loan applications to decide if the idea presented in each application has a reasonable chance of success. Factors that are most likely considered can be found here.
The Board is sometimes looking for new Board and Investment Review Committee members so if you are interested, please let us know. Our address, telephone number, and fax number are on the bottom of the page.
Results
From September 1998 to March 31, 2017, the Business Development Centre has provided almost $10 million in direct financing to 136 different businesses, with 359 term loans and operating lines throughout the region. The financing has supported approximately 779 full-time and part-time positions.
Industry, Tourism, and Investment provided the BDC with $892,500 in its early years. It has also borrowed from the NWT Business Development Investment Corporation and from the NWT Community Futures Association to finance loans to businesses in the Deh Cho region. Despite losses, the net value of all funds combined as of March 31, 2017 has grown to $1,236,246; $343,746 more than the funds originally contributed.
See here for our most recent results:
For past results click here.
Going Forward
We continue to strive for increased employment and an improved economy in the region through business development, financing, and support.
If you want to help by joining our Board or Investment Review Committee, let us know. We are sometimes seeking new members who are interested in helping improve their communities.
If you want to become our next client, we are open and ready to assist.
Our current volunteer Board of Directors are:
Vacant
Fort Liard
Director
Renalyn Pascua-Matte
Fort Simpson
Chairperson
Shadab Khan
Fort Liard
Director/Secretary Treasurer
Kathy Tsetso
Fort Simpson
Director
Pauline Campbell
Nahanni Butte
Director
Ruby Jumbo
Sambaa K'e
Vice Chairperson
Vacant
Jean Marie River
Director
Gabe Hardisty
Wrigley
Director
Staff
There are two staff members at the Business Development Centre: a General Manager and a Business Development Officer. The names and contact information are listed below.