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Who We Are

Shoreline Business Services Co-operative unites local expertise to deliver collaborative, innovative solutions that help businesses thrive.

Our Mission

To serve Sooke to Port Renfrew Region and its key stakeholders with a trusted environment for doing business that provides investment opportunities, loans, and advice to empower entrepreneurs with excellent client care, and professional, consistent, and reliable business services.

Our History

The Sooke to Port Renfrew region, rich in entrepreneurial spirit and abundant with opportunities, identified the need for an integrated business support ecosystem. In response to this gap, three key strategic alliance partners, the District of Sooke, the Sooke Chamber and WorkLink Employment Society, established the Shoreline Business Services Co-operative in 2023. We aim to promote business growth, nurture innovation, and support enterprises at various stages of their lifecycle. By harnessing the collective strengths of our partners and community, we strive to build a resilient economy that benefits everyone in the Sooke to Port Renfrew region.

Key Strategic Alliance Partners

WorkLink Employment Society

WorkLink Employment Society is a registered charity and non-profit that provides government-sponsored employment services to the Westshore, Sooke, and Port Renfrew communities. As a member of the Port Renfrew Economic Development Task Force, WorkLink is dedicated to economic development throughout the Juan de Fuca Corridor.

Sooke Region Chamber of Commerce

The Sooke Region Chamber of Commerce supports businesses in the Sooke region by fostering a strong local economy and advocating on behalf of its members. As the voice of business in the community, the Chamber works to create conditions where businesses can thrive while contributing to the region’s social well-being and respect for the natural environment.

District of Sooke

The District of Sooke is committed to improving its municipal practices to provide excellent service and meet community needs. It promotes land use and development that protects the natural environment while fostering affordable and accessible housing, allowing families to thrive in the community.

About Board Members

Peter Doukakis

Peter is the Executive Director at WorkLink Employment Society, leading workforce development and community support. He has served as Executive Director at Robson Valley Support Society and managed employment programs at Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council. Additionally, Peter has held leadership roles as President & CEO of Qualicum Beach Chamber of Commerce and Executive Director of Parksville and District Chamber of Commerce.

Deb Schenk

Deb is Executive Director of the Sooke Chamber of Commerce and Vice President of the Shoreline Business Services Co-op. With 20 years of management experience and extensive volunteer leadership, including SAC, SHL, The Shoebox Project for Women and the Rotary Club, she is committed to supporting local businesses and strengthening the Sooke community.

Gail Scott

Gail has extensive experience in community economic development across urban and rural sectors in BC and Alberta. She specializes in tourism marketing, entrepreneurial support, business opportunity identification, investment attraction, and community sustainability. Since 2022, she has served as the Community Economic Development Officer for the District of Sooke.