British Columbia – Small Business BC (SBBC) is pleased to announce the appointment of Tom Conway to the position of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) effective April 8, 2019.
Conway has been selected to take the reins at SBBC, bringing nearly 25 years of senior leadership experience including advocacy, fundraising and governance, as well as personal experience as an entrepreneur. Previous to Conway, SBBC CEO George Hunter served the organization for 10 years before stepping down from the leadership position.
“I’m extremely excited to join Small Business BC and to start helping entrepreneurs; as a former small business owner myself, I know how essential it is to have support,” said Conway. “It can feel like you’re out there all by yourself, and to know that an organization like Small Business BC exists and can help, is life changing.”
Conway ventured into small business when he started a partnership with his husband and launched a food service company in Chicago, Illinois. Later they moved to California where Conway became the president and CEO of Easter Seals Central California. He then served as the Pacific U.S. Regional Director of YPO, part of a global network of over 25,000 CEOs where he managed two Boards, 60+ chapters and a global management team. After moving to Vancouver three years ago, Conway served as the Executive Director for the British Columbia Schizophrenia Society before choosing to join Small Business BC.
“Our government is committed to building a strong economy that is firing on all cylinders,” said the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for Pacific Economic Development Canada (PacifiCan). “Small businesses are a fundamental component of this strength, and their continued prosperity is a key priority.”
“I welcome Tom Conway to his new role with Small Business BC and look forward to continuing our successful partnership in advocating for British Columbia’s small businesses,” said the Honourable Mary Ng, Minister of Small Business and Export Promotion. “I would also like to thank George Hunter for his significant role in supporting a thriving small business ecosystem across the province.”
“I am pleased to welcome Tom Conway to the role of CEO and I look forward to working with him” said Bruce Ralston, Minister of Jobs, Trade and Technology. “Mr. Conway’s leadership will be a tremendous asset for the ongoing success of Small Business BC. With his guidance, the organization will continue to be the premier resource centre for small business owners in BC.”
Small Business BC has been providing entrepreneurs with the information and guidance necessary to build a solid foundation for their business since 2002. After being established as an independent non-profit organization, SBBC has grown to serve almost 250,000 clients a month through their website, in-person and over the phone. SBBC’s core services are provided in partnership with Pacific Economic Development Canada (PacifiCan) and the Ministry of Jobs, Economic Development and Competitiveness.
For more information on SBBC: smallbusinessbc.ca
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About Small Business BC
Small Business BC provides entrepreneurs with the information and guidance necessary to build a solid foundation for their business. Through a wide range of products, services, education and resources there’s a piece that fits with every business. No matter what stage or what skill level, when an entrepreneur finds themselves asking “How do I…?” Small Business BC is the one to call.
About Pacific Economic Development Canada (PacifiCan)
Pacific Economic Development Canada (PacifiCan) is the federal department that promotes economic growth in Western Canada. Its programs and services help businesses, not-for-profits and communities grow stronger. PacifiCan’s vision is to be a leader in creating a more diversified western Canadian economy that has strong, competitive and innovative businesses and communities.
About the Province of British Columbia
The B.C. government recognizes that small businesses are the heart of our communities and the backbone of our economy, creating jobs for people in every corner of the province. The Small Business Branch, through the Ministry of Jobs, Trade and Technology, is committed to supporting a growing small business sector through the development of resources, initiatives and programs designed to help small businesses thrive and succeed.