Building Bonds Beyond Business: Highlights from the Prince George B2B Expo.
On March 31st, 2026, Prince George buzzed with the energy of local innovation as the community gathered for the annual B2B Expo. As the presenting sponsor, we had the wonderful opportunity to witness firsthand the incredible talent and drive that fuels our local economy. The B2B Expo is a vital platform where aspiring entrepreneurs and established business owners can bridge the gap between "having an idea" and "building a legacy." By bringing together diverse industries, the Expo fosters a resilient business ecosystem right here in Northern BC.One of the most inspiring moments occurred during a fireside chat on the second morning. Darren Hanson from Inspire Productions shared the story of his business journey, offering a candid look at the early days of starting out. He spoke warmly about how Community Futures was instrumental in helping his business grow and emphasized a simple yet powerful piece of advice for aspiring business owners: "Just get started!"
Darren also reflected on the importance of human connection in the financial world. He shared that in the past, his business did not always feel seen by larger financial institutions, but his experience with Integris was different. It was a humbling reminder for us of why we prioritize taking the time to listen and understand the unique needs of every person who walks through our doors. Darren noted that while social media is a helpful tool, it was the in person visits and genuine handshakes that made the biggest impact on his early partnerships. He reminded the audience that while business has its "up and down" moments, staying organized with a clear list of priorities is key to navigating the pressure. As he aptly put it, "embrace the pressure, cause without it you don’t shine."
The conversation continued with Neil Godbout, Executive Director of the Prince George Chamber of Commerce. Neil offered beautiful insight into how an expo like this creates a sense of community among entrepreneurs. He explained that these gatherings allow business owners to realize they are not alone in their struggles. By networking as people first, they find opportunities for their businesses to flourish together. Neil shared a perspective that resonated with everyone: your current business challenge might be someone else's chance to showcase a solution.
Learn More About the B2B Expo: https://cfdc.bc.ca/b2bexpo/