Persephone Brewing Company

What will the grant be going towards?

"This grant will go towards setting up a long term multi-farm Community Supported Agriculture program for the Sunshine Coast. This program is in its inaugural year right now, with 30 total shares available, but we would like to see both the number of partner farms (4 currently) and shares grow in the upcoming years."

What do you want Coasters to know about your business? 

"Persephone is committed to providing a clean, open-air spot for people to relax and enjoy a beverage. We have three large picnic areas and an undercover patio so people can be appropriately spaced. We are open seven days a week, and our whole site is car-free during the Gibsons Farmers Market on Sundays from 10-3 pm."

You can follow @persephonebrewing on social and visit online at www.persephonebrewing.com/farm-programs/community-food-box

Kelly Schuster Speech & Language Therapy 

What does this grant mean for you and your business?

"This grant means the world to me. Anyone who works with me knows, my clients are like family to me. Not being able to see my clients in person, and not having the financial means to equip my office with adequate safety measures these past few months has been devastating. This grant will allow me to begin to see my wonderful clients in person once more, and will further enable me to provide ongoing and enhanced teletherapy services to my immunocompromised clients. I am so grateful to the SCCU for all the support they have given me!"

What do you want Coasters to know about your business? 

"I am a Speech-Language Pathologist registered with provincial and federal bodies, offering intervention for individuals of all ages! Although my primary focus is children on the Autism Spectrum, I also offer therapy for early language skills, speech sound disorders, language impairments, social skills, stuttering, literacy and learning challenges, and much more. I plan to resume in-person sessions in the near future, but am also offering ongoing Teletherapy, available to clients across B.C." 

 You can follow @kellyschusterslt on social and visit her online at www.kellyschusterslt.com

Moorestock 

What does this grant mean for you and your business?

"This SCCU grant provides us with the necessary funding to work through the technological hurdles that have been limiting us from opening our e-commerce platform. This will be essential to our future success, especially if we're faced with another pandemic related shut down. We're so grateful our local credit union supports us in advancing our business endeavours, so we can continue to support our community."

What do you want Coasters to know about your business?

"Our Summer hours are Monday through Saturday, from 10:00 - 5:00 and Sundays / Holidays from 12:00 - 4:00. We are limiting the amount of customers in the store to ensure proper space for appropriate social distancing. We have increased cleaning of all high touch surfaces, and our change rooms are sanitized in between each customer use. We offer hand sanitizer and encourage hand cleaning upon entry of the store and at time of payment. We're also open to any means of more contactless shopping, IE ordering through social media, curbside pick up, home delivery or shipping via Canada Post. ​"

 You can follow @moorestockoutfitters on Instagram and /moorestock.outfitters on facebook 

Skylux Homes Limited

What does this grant mean for you and your business?

"This grant means that we are able to expand our business in these new and unprecedented times and really have an opportunity to connect with the parts of our community that we haven’t necessarily been able to connect with before. This will allow us to hire others within the community and continue to give great service. We are so thankful for this grant and want to thank SCCU for such a generous opportunity."

What do you want Coasters to know about your business?

"In an effort to be innovative and branch out into different sectors of construction we have created a custom roofing company that will specialize in:  EuroShield Rubber Roofing, Metal & EPDM.Company name reveal to follow.We hope that by expanding our business with a focus on specialized custom roofing – we will be able to really connect with our community and build our brand. We pride ourselves on the quality of our work and this is another endeavor that will allow our skills to shine."

You can follow Skylux Home Limited at @SkyLuxHomes on social and visit them online at www.skyluxhomeslimited.com

Christopher Norman Chocolates

What does this grant mean for you and your business?

"With this grant we will purchase a new computer and invest further in our web development, including social media. We have been donating 5% of our sales to COVID-19 research from our online sales, generated by our Quarantini Collection. We will follow this with another COVID related confection in the autumn. We also plan on purchasing a new freezer.

What do you want Coasters to know about your business?

"We would like our customers to know that we are providing custom hand-made chocolates that go directly from our company’s atelier to the customer’s table. Our company is a two-man operation, working out of a custom kitchen built into the bottom floor of our home.Due to the COVID situation, we have added to our sanitation practice, using an ozonator weekly. Having worked in NYC during the 9/11 crises gives us a good understanding of what is currently going on. Our facility is solar-assisted, and we incorporate zero waste practices as well as water collection"

You can follow Christopher Norman Chocolates at @christopherNormanChocolates on Facebook or visit www.CNChocolates.com

Nevermore Toys & Games

What does this grant mean for you and your business?

"The SCCU grant means that we can continue to survive through the hardest time of our lives. This grant will allow for a little peace of mind knowing that we will get through tough times ahead and will allow us to make some needed upgrades to our business equipment in order to be successful and safe through this pandemic." 

What do you want Coasters to know about your business?

"Our storefront is open for in store shopping, curbside pickup, local delivery, and online shopping.We are open Tuesday-Friday from 10-5 and Saturday from 11-4."

You can follow Nevermore Toys & Games at @nevermoretoysgibsons for both Facebook and Instagram or visit www.nevermoretoys.ca

Inside Passage School of Fine Cabinetmaking

What does this grant mean for you and your business?

"We are so grateful to SCCU’s ongoing commitment to our local economy. Their Reinvention Program (including receiving the Rebuild Business Grant) has allowed us to make the necessary pivot to move forward in these challenging times" 

What do you want Coasters to know about your business?

"For the past fifteen years, our small family operated school has accepted students from 41 countries worldwide. We have recently completed renovations at the school, so that way may resume safe operation during the COVID-19 pandemic. While we will continue to offer our impractical Cabinetmaker program at the school, in the coming months we will be launching our distance learning program."

You can follow Inside Passage School of Fine Cabinetmaking at @insidepassageschool on Instagram or visit www.insidepassage.ca 

Shikoku Bonsai Coastal Landscaping

What does this grant mean for you and your business?

"We are grateful to SCCU for the grant they have presented to us. We will be focusing on expanding our local retail presence and promoting people from the Vancouver Area to visit our newly opened Nursery.  We will be rebuilding our website, particularly focusing on online sales across Canada. We look forward to welcoming the Coast to our Nursery during the 2020 Art Crawl, which we are happy and proud to be a part of for the first time this year."

What do you want Coasters to know about your business?

"We have lived and worked on the Sunshine Coast for nearly 30 years now. We produce high quality bonsai, and construct fine gardens. We are currently open by appointment. We ask to avoid visiting with groups at the moment. We practice social distancing, masks currently not required as all areas are out of doors. We are available for our landscape consulting services as well as landscape construction on the Coast."

Visit Shikoku Bonsai Coastal Landscaping at www.shikoku.ca

Geek in the Creek

What does this grant mean for you and your business?

"We're continuing to bring quality service, repair, and education to Sunshine Coast residents for PC, Mac, and business. We have moved to office-free hours, available 7 days a week. One-on-one sessions are available in person, with proper protocols, or via Zoom. We also provide the service of safely disposing of and refurbishing old devices.

What do you want Coasters to know about your business? 

This generous grant from SCCU will enable me to expand my customer base through new marketing and promotional channels.  I hope to reach a wider array of Sunshine Coast residents and ensure that they have the right technology solutions available to them as our world moves ever further into a connected world of online communications."

You can follow Geek in the Creek @GeekintheCreek on Facebook and Instagram or visit their website at www.geekinthecreek.ca

The Brickers Cider Company

What does this grant mean for you and your business?

"This grant will go a long way to providing us with vinyl walls for our outdoor deck. With COVID we lost inside seating and this helps go towards bringing our ‘indoor’ capacity back up which will be incredibly helpful towards our winter income." 

What do you want Coasters to know about your business? 

"Locally made craft cider served at a beautiful, rural location with hot food and other drink options. We are making every effort to ensure COVID safety for customers and staff such as  table distancing, one way movement and flexible purchasing options."

You can follow The Brickers Cider Company @brickerscider on Facebook and Instagram or visit their website at www.brickerscider.com

The Clubhouse Restaurant

What does this grant mean for you and your business?

We had to remove a lot of seats inside in  order to maintain the required distance between tables inside the restaurant due to COVID-19. This grant will allow us to create seating in a heated patio to make up for the loss of those inside seats. Thank you Sunshine Coast Credit Union 

What do you want Coasters to know about your business?

 "We are a locally owned family run restaurant in Pender Harbour offering Great Food and Great Times at a reasonable price, in a beautiful setting. We are open and adhering to all Public Health Orders, seven days a week for Lunch and Supper. We are supporting our local musicians by providing one of the few venues on the Coast that offers Live Music. Check out  the Events page on our website to see who is performing next. We were awarded the Sunshine Coast 2020 Business Excellence Award for Outstanding Service, and we look forward to providing you with a tasty, relaxing break inside or out on the patio."

You can follow The Clubhouse Restaurant @The Clubhouse Restaurant at Pender Harbour on Facebook and @theclubhouseph on Instagram or visit their website at www.the-clubhouse-restaurant.com

Mise En Place Equestrian

What does this grant mean for you and your business?

Our barn is open and welcoming new riders and vaulters. Our environment has social distancing built-in, and because we are outside, masks are optional. We welcome all ages, and skill levels, and want everyone to feel that horses are accessible.

What do you want Coasters to know about your business?

This grant means we can replace equipment damaged by sanitizers with equipment designed to withstand sanitizing. We can upgrade our safety helmets and vaulting pads, and provide training for our learning coaches.  It means a safer, more accessible community, which can welcome new (or older!) Riders. 

You can follow Mise En Place Equestrian on Facebook or visit their website at www.mise-en-place.ca

Strait Up Climbing Ltd.

What does this grant mean for you and your business?

We are overjoyed to have been awarded SCCU's grant.  This grant will allow us to continue to improve the health and safety of the climbing environment by facilitating another autobelayer and associated equipment, and help us reach a goal of expanding to the outdoors this coming spring and summer with our outdoor guiding program. 

What do you want Coasters to know about your business?

When safe to do so, our space functions as a safe haven for the community members of Sechelt no matter their age, gender, or fitness background.  We are hoping to offer an outdoor climbing experience next year.

You can follow Strait Up Climbing on Facebook or visit their website at www.straitupclimbing.com

Hough Heritage Farm

What does this grant mean for you and your business?

SCCU's generous grant has enabled Hough Heritage Farm to purchase freezers that allow us to sell nutritious and delicious meat by the cut in addition to wholes and halves.  Selling meat in smaller portions means everyone in the community can access ethically raised nutrient dense pastured meat without needing a lot of freezer space in their own home.  

What do you want Coasters to know about your business?

Hough Heritage Farm, raises pastured purebred Berkshire pigs, Dexter cattle, Icelandic sheep, Oberhasli goats, and heritage breed chickens and turkey, free range, on 10 acres of pasture and forest in Gibsons, BC.  We raise our animals ethically and sustainably, and practice regenerative agriculture. Thanks to a generous grant from SCCU, Hough Heritage Farm is pleased to announce our new farm store is open and ready for business.We are open Saturdays and Sundays, from noon to 3 pm or by appointment.  Hough Heritage Farm is Class D licensed.  

You can follow Hough Heritage Farm on Instagram or visit their website at www.houghfarm.ca

Music Makers

What does this grant mean for you and your business?

Thank you so much to Sunshine Coast Credit Union for this amazing grant as it has helped  purchase instrument kits for children, cleaning supplies, and new technology equipment to help us pivot to online experiences if and when needed.

What do you want Coasters to know about your business?

Music Maker programs offer children and adults total participation in music through singing, movement and speech. Research has shown that math, reading, languages and sports are areas that are enhanced by early childhood music. Music Makers is open 5 days a week offering many different smaller classes where each child has there own set of instruments. With COVID-19 protocols in place music class is a safe and enjoyable experience!  

 You can follow Music Makers on Facebook @musicmakerssechel or visit their website at www.music-makers.ca

AW Organics

What does this grant mean for you and your business?

We will be using this grant to set up a new commercially inspected kitchen space within our home. Our current space is small and shared between multiple businesses. This will allow us to better social distance while working and have the space we need to grow and offer new product lines. We want to start producing cold pressed oils but just don't have the space to do so where we are.

What do you want Coasters to know about your business?

We produce organic fair trade raw vegan chocolate and stone ground nut butters in Sechelt operating out of the Hooraw vegan market on Wharf. The store is open 12-5 mon-sat. You can also find us at various markets on the coast especially in the summer and in some local stores.

 You can follow AW Organics on Facebook @arribarawchocolate or visit their website at www.aworganics.com

This Is Jennie Alexis

What does this grant mean for you and your business?

This grant is providing me with much needed financial support to pivot aspects of my business. I am able to hire and support other small businesses on the Coast in the creation and delivery of accessible online courses and programs for small businesses and individuals. Receiving this grant is an incredible gift, and I am beyond excited to have the opportunity to bring these projects into the world.

What do you want Coasters to know about your business?

I support small businesses and individuals in getting clear on how they want to communicate in and with their community. My approach focuses on integrity and values, which are the foundation of great communication for those dedicated to making an impact and harnessing their privilege for change. Ultimately, I believe that we are better together, and sharing our values creates stronger communities, businesses, and organizations. 

Photo Credit: Kim Jay Soul

You can follow This Is Jennie Alexis on Facebook & Instagram @thisisjenniealexis or visit their website at www.thisisjenniealexis.com

Goodacre Market

What does this grant mean for you and your business?

 This grant is so important to us and our community as the funds will allow us to strengthen our operations and continue to purchase from lots of local growers and food producers.  It will be used to expand our online presence and to increase our package-free inventory options.  

What do you want Coasters to know about your business?

 Goodacre Market is a package-free grocery located inside of the Gibsons Public Market.  We offer fresh seasonal produce, bulk foods, grocery items and locally produced goods! Come and re-fill your own containers with your favourite foods, in a stress free shopping environment! 

You can follow Goodacre Market on Facebook & Instagram @goodacremarket 

Coast Massage & Aromatherapy

What does this grant mean for you and your business?

I am so grateful to the Credit Union for providing this financial support exactly when I needed it! This grant will allow me to buy a computer and start website & brand development for my product line "Driftwood Apothecary". This pandemic has limited my in-person sales & marketing opportunities, so this funding is essential for me to transition into online sales, and will keep both of my businesses thriving in these uncertain times. A portion of every online sale will be donated to local charities.

What do you want Coasters to know about your business?

I'm open for business with strict Covid protocols in place. As a Certified Spa Therapist with over 20 years of experience in Aromatherapy & Holistic Health, my passion lies in helping Sunshine Coasters experience effective pain management and enhanced health through the use of Integrative Massage and organic plant-based skincare. I also offer mobile spa services for vacation rentals, on-site employee wellness chair massage, and I drive a zero-emission electric vehicle. I formulate and craft my bath & body products following the guidelines of Good Manufacturing Practices, and I use ethically sourced & fair-trade ingredients and sustainable packaging whenever possible.

You can follow Coast Massage & Aromatherapy on Facebook @secheltmassage and @driftwoodapothecary