About Us
Empowering Vancouver Island:
Impact Investments for Thriving Communities
At GrowthWorks we are in the business of funding ventures, without conventional restrictions, by empowering communities to go beyond the standard model of business to start, grow or scale Vancouver Island’s economy.
By providing financial investment to ventures with innovative, timely and responsive support, we help make their growth possible, along with overall community wellbeing.
Our Vision & Mission
VISION
We see a difference in our communities based on our investments and their contribution to the Vancouver Island economy.
MISSION
Filling key funding gaps through partnerships and collaboration; and
Building capacity that generates growth through viable investments.
Staff
Jolynn Green
Executive Director with a passion for business development, Jolynn Green believes in the value of relationships built over time. With experience as a chamber manager and later in Community Futures, she brings expertise in change management, strategic planning, and connecting people. Jolynn aims to retire financially secure to explore culinary travel.
Kelly McBride
Business Development & Credit Officer with extensive experience in public service and non-profits. Kelly has managed major events like the 2014 International Festival of Business. She emphasizes continuous learning and boldness in business. Her leadership roles include Director of Operations at the Central Vancouver Island Multicultural Society, where her team won multiple awards. Kelly values curiosity.
Board
Lila Perry
Lila Perry, a Nanaimo-based entrepreneur, and community volunteer, has launched successful ventures like Perkins Coffee Company and Lila's Specialty Bake Shop. As a director with Community Futures Central Island, she supports local businesses and promotes economic development. Lila is deeply involved in community projects, advocating for youth, education, and environmental sustainability. Her dedication to service has earned her numerous accolades.
Ed Poli
With 25 years in federal government management, including as Nanaimo Canada Employment Centre Manager, Ed Poli later transitioned to economic development consulting. He has experience in non-profit leadership, including roles with the Nanaimo Economic Development Group and Community Futures Central Island. Ed is also a long-time treasurer of the Rotary Club of Nanaimo North.
Wendy Smitka
After 18 years running a successful business, Wendy Smitka transitioned to focusing on her passions, serving on various boards, including Literacy Central Island and TheatreOne. With 20 years in the Community Futures Network, she has held leadership roles at local, provincial, and national levels. Wendy lives in Lantzville with her spouse, Brock, and their dog, Willie.
Kim Smythe
Kim Smythe, former CEO & President of the Nanaimo Chamber, now consults at the intersection of government and business. With a career rooted in strategic problem-solving, advocacy, and network building, Kim specializes in strengthening non-profits, social enterprises, and creative entrepreneurship to drive regional economic development.
Greg Latham
Greg has twenty-eight years of experience as a Senior Municipal General Manager in Edmonton and London, Ontario. As the first Executive Vice President of the Rick Hansen Institute and the Rick Hansen Foundation from April 1998 – 2008, over $120 M was raised to support research and services for people with spinal cord injury.
Greg has served on over forty private, public and non-profit Boards. While living on the Sunshine Coast, he served as: Vice Chair, Sechelt Inovations Ltd.; Chair, Community Futures Sunshine Coast: Inaugural Chair, Rhiza Capital; and Vice President, Coast Community Builders Association.
Greg has been a private Strategic Business Consultant to many public, private and non-profit organizations over the last 25 years.
Greg and his wife Gerry relocated to Parksville in August 2022.