BUSINESS
Entrepreneurs, artists and artisans are plentiful in our communities. Small home-based businesses provide services and products ranging from organic vegetables to bookkeeping, mechanics, and massage therapy. Business opportunities are growing along with our population and the Chamber of Commerce is here to assist those business owners.
Area residents also work in construction, tourism, retail, accommodation, food services, agriculture, education, health care, administration, manufacturing, transportation, logging, and mining. There are also many artists in the area. High-speed Internet provides entrepreneurs with an opportunity for home-based businesses where the cost of buying a home is still reasonable compared to some surrounding communities.
EMPLOYMENT
Employment in Salmo reflects its transition from a historic mining and logging hub into a more diversified rural economy. While forestry and related trades remain significant contributors to the local job market, the village increasingly functions as a bedroom community for the larger nearby centers of Nelson, Castlegar, and Trail. Many residents commute to these neighboring cities for employment in healthcare, education, government, retail, and major industrial sectors like Teck Trail Operations. Within Salmo itself, the local economy is sustained by small retail businesses, agriculture, and a service sector that caters to both everyday residents and highway travelers. Additionally, seasonal employment experiences a unique surge each summer, driven by outdoor recreation tourism and the substantial economic impact of the nearby Shambhala Music Festival.
NON-PROFIT
The residents of our communities depend on volunteer and non-profit organizations for many services including fire protection, recreation, arts, entertainment, hospice, and so much more.
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The Columbia Basin Trust is a valuable resource for non-profit organizations as well as businesses and individuals.​