"Being a guest speaker at the Vancouver Island Market was an incredibly fun and positive experience! Mei and her team went way above and beyond my expectations to make it an outstanding event to be a part of. Mei and her team made me feel so supported throughout the entire process, starting with the exposure they gave me through their website and social media platforms before the event, at the the event they promoted me incredibly well, after the event they continued to promote me and my business which generated a lot of interest in what I offer. It couldn’t have gone any better! It was also a fabulous learning experience for me because it showed me ways I can improve what I am doing in my business. Even months later, I continue to reap the rewards from being a guest speaker at the Vancouver Island Market. Thank you so much Team VIM!"

Kirstin McKinnon, Motivational Health Coach

"Thank you to Vancouver Island Market for providing a venue, promotion, and support to the local crafting industry. Part of adapting to climate change means rebuilding our local economy around sustainable, locally grown, and handcrafted small businesses. I would encourage all Nanaimo folk to CHOOSE to support the VIM community instead of an impersonal import economy. I look forward to every event they hold because each one has exceeded expectations so far.
I am especially grateful to VIM as they provided me with a bursary to pursue an international practicum to India to teach in a rural community and partake in a two week internship at an internationally renown seed bank. I am empowered as an agricultural activist and educator to support the next generation of farmers in our community. The bursary VIM offered is a concrete way they are giving back to the community. Thank you Vancouver Island Market!"

Farmer Brown, Farmship Growers Cooperative