Business licences are up 25% in Castlegar from this time last year.
City councillor Kevin Chernoff was happy to point out to council this week that year-to-date numbers show the city has issued nearly 490 licenses.
Chernoff says many are small businesses.
He adds council has created many incentives for businesses to set up in the community – like tax relief for remodelling and renovations.
Building permits are also up 25% over the same period with 14 issued.