Twenty-three (23) citizens representing Elkford took part in the Business Vitality Initiative on February 26, 2004. Through a survey and a focus group session, the BVI helps communities assess their capacity to work with and support entrepreneurs, and to foster small business people and citizens about the current business environment. Elkford is the eleventh community that has taken part in the BVI. The second session of the BVI, Focus and Action, involves reporting findings to the community and setting priorities. Following session two, the community sponsors (The District of Elkford, The Elkford Chamber of Commerce, and CFDC of Central Kootenay) will be available to offer assistance to the community in locating resources according to identified priorities / actions. The role of Community Futures Development Corporation of Central Kootenay (CFDCCK), as the deliverer of the BVI, is to help communities identify priorities aimed at improving business-friendliness, and to assist communities in taking action. It is hoped that communities can use the results of the BVI, and related supports, to make a real difference in their business friendliness. The sponsoring organizations booked and coordinated the venue, selected and invited participants, and established communication about the BVI within the community.