Businesses in BC - whether non-profit or profit - are facing urgent challenges.  Here in Vancouver, neighbourhoods risk being hollowed out as local businesses struggle to continue to provide key services.  Outside Vancouver and across BC, climate change - specifically unprecedented levels of devastation from forest fires - have literally razed businesses vital to the economic health of their communities. 

On October 16th, we will meet to hear from two leaders who are "on the ground" in Vancouver and in the Okanagan, working on ways to mobilize more capital to support at-risk non-profit businesses and SMEs vital to their communities. Your input into these developments will be critical to shaping and launching new funding innovations.

About our Speakers

During Aaron McRann's tenure, the Foundation’s assets have grown more than twelvefold, and it has granted $15 million to the community. Its community impact work includes two real estate investments, several mortgages, and a private holding company within its endowment pool that owns 12 commercial properties.

Working with the Foundation’s Board of Directors, he helps advance practical community-building initiatives that create lasting, positive impact across the South Okanagan Similkameen.  Aaron is also active nationally, serving on several Community Foundations of Canada committees and planning groups and currently completing his first term as a board member.

With 20 years of experience in working community economic development, Johanna Li is deeply committed to ensuring an inclusive economy for all. She is passionate about creating meaningful employment opportunities, recognizing the profound value of work that extends far beyond income. Johanna began her career in the Downtown Eastside at the Potluck Café Society and further contributed to social enterprise development at the Vancity Community Foundation. Most recently, she served as the Director of EMBERS Eastside Works, a program she founded to champion equitable and inclusive employment services for individuals facing barriers to employment.  She currently continues her work in community economic development as the Director of Exchange Inner City at Community Impact Real Estate Society where she focuses on social enterprise and social finance initiatives.