Merritt’s first PNP business opens

In April of 2019, the City of Merritt joined the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), a program designed to help bring foreign entrepreneurs to BC.

COVID-19 has slowed the process, but on Wednesday, the first foreign entrepreneur opened his doors in Merritt.

Merritt Sew Valley, owned by Simon Ho, is open for business along Voght Street selling a variety of products as well as teaching sewing lessons, once COVID restrictions allow.

“We got great support from locals, from government, from the community. Merritt’s people are very very nice. We are very happy to open up the business here,” said Ho.

Merritt’s Economic Development Manager Will George mentioned how Merritt continues to be one of the most popular communities in the PNP pilot.

“We’re still one of the top for inquiries for individuals coming to the community. We’re sitting at around 14 letters of referral. Those letters are split between retail and truck transportation. So now we’re just waiting for the province to approve those to start up like Merritt Sew Valley,” said George.

“We’re really starting to see the success of the program, and we have lots of businesses in the queue,” added George.

The Government is currently deciding whether the pilot program will be extended.