We’re pleased to feature Robyn Cyr, a Forest Impact Recovery (FIR) Advisor hosted by the Armstrong Spallumcheen Chamber of Commerce, with funding from ETSI-BC.

With 25 years of experience in Economic Development and Tourism Development, Robyn has been a steadfast contributor to community and business growth across various regions in British Columbia.

Since early in her professional career when she worked for Community Futures Howe Sound in Squamish, Robyn has taken on a number of roles with organizations such as Community Futures, Regional Districts, and Indigenous communities in Williams Lake, Squamish, and the Shuswap region.

In 2019, Robyn ventured into entrepreneurship, founding Brabyn Business Solutions, where she focuses on community and business development and recovery projects.

“My experience working in small communities and with diverse industry sectors – forestry, tourism, manufacturing, agriculture – have given me the knowledge and experience to provide assistance and resources to new and existing small business owners and non-profit organizations,” Robyn says.

As a FIR Advisor, Robyn is committed to helping communities and businesses diversify their industry sectors, ensuring their economic growth and stability are not reliant on a single sector.

Given her strong background in financial and business planning, marketing, communications, and partnership development with other businesses and the local government, she provides an array of resources tailored to the unique needs of each organization.

“If a business needs to diversify to address challenges or opportunities that I cannot resolve, I also have a list of other resources that I can refer them to, ensuring they are getting the best people to solve their issue,” Robyn explains.

For Robyn, the most fulfilling aspect of her job is witnessing businesses adapt to challenges, transform, and grow.  “With challenges, there are always opportunities too. Working with small businesses and organizations to help them resolve these challenges and then move forward can be the most rewarding part of what I do.”

Looking ahead, Robyn is eager to engage with new businesses and organizations to help them work through their challenges. She is also looking forward to working with local government and the Chamber to provide a long-term plan for business retention and expansion over the next five years.

While attracting new businesses will also be part of the strategy, Robyn emphasizes the importance of retaining current businesses and fostering their growth to improve economic development in rural communities in the long term.

Our thanks to Robyn and all the FIR Advisors for your tireless efforts on behalf of your communities. You are truly making a difference!

Forest Impact Recovery (FIR) Advisors like Robyn are located throughout the Southern Interior of BC. These Advisors are hosted by 18 different business support organizations, with funding from ETSI-BC. Click here to see the list of Host Organizations. ETSI-BC acknowledges financial support from the Province of BC in delivering this program.