Building Opportunities with Business (BOB) is a non-profit organization based in Vancouver, BC that champions inclusive revitalization of the inner city. BOB works to strengthen community capacity, identify untapped business opportunities, improve employment and increase investment. Over 5 years, BOB generated $48.75 million in business, trained 418 residents and helped fill 10 vacant storefronts. BOB partners with organizations to support economic development that includes existing inner city residents and businesses.

1. BOB: a partner in socially responsible community buildingShirley Chan,CEO Based in Vancouver, B.C. Building Opportunities with Business (BOB) is a non-profit organization that is championing an inclusive revitalization process for the inner-city that values existing businesses and residents. BOB is a connector, a resource and a facilitator working to: strengthen the inner-city’s community capacity; identify and build on untapped business opportunities; improve employment opportunities and retention; and increase investment in Vancouver’s inner-city.

2. Who is BOB?Non-profit society

3. Based in Vancouver’s inner-city

4. Fosters inclusive revitalization for inner-city

5. Businesses

6. ResidentsA revitalized and diverse inner-city with a healthy and sustainable economyVision

7. To support an economic development model for Vancouver’s inner-city that is inclusive of existing residents and businesses. Mission

8. Key ObjectivesStrengthen the inner-city’s community capacity

9. Identify and capitalize on untapped business opportunities in the inner-city

10. Improve employment opportunities and retention for inner-city residents

11. Increase investment in Vancouver’s inner-citySuccessful 5 Year Pilot ProgramAccomplishments

12. $48.75 million in business generated

13. 418 residents trained / employed

14. 65 businesses in clusters / partnerships

15. Helped to fill over 10 vacant storefronts

16. 185 business / social enterprises received business advice, interventions