Key Industries

Nanaimo is a dynamic and growing economic centre on Vancouver Island, offering businesses a diversified, resilient, and opportunity-rich environment. The city has evolved into a service-oriented and knowledge-driven economy, supported by a strong local workforce, strategic location, and high quality of life.

Today, Nanaimo’s economy is anchored by a diverse mix of industries. Key sectors include Construction (1,059 businesses), Health Care and Social Assistance (877), Accommodation and Food Services (834), Retail Trade (711), and Other Services (690), demonstrating both breadth and depth across the local economy.

Nanaimo’s business community is characterized by entrepreneurial strength, with a high concentration of small and medium-sized enterprises. Nearly 90% of businesses employ fewer than 20 people, creating a flexible, innovative, and locally driven economy.

The city also benefits from a strong and diverse labour market. Leading employment sectors include Health Care and Social Assistance (9,167 jobs), Retail Trade (8,111), Construction (5,289), Accommodation and Food Services (4,476), and Educational Services (4,393), providing stability and growth across the economy.

With access to regional markets, strong infrastructure, and a growing population, Nanaimo continues to position itself as a key economic hub for central and northern Vancouver Island.

June 2026

Like the broader Canadian business landscape, most businesses in Nanaimo are small to medium-sized enterprises. In 2022, the City had 3,610 businesses with employees. Of these, approximately 87% (3,140 businesses) had between 1 and 19 employees; 9% (312 businesses) had between 20 and 49 employees; and 4% (150 businesses) had between 50 and 499 employees. There were also 8 businesses with more than 500 employees. The largest sectors by employment in Nanaimo are Retail Trade, Healthcare and Social Assistance, Accommodation and Food Services, Construction, and Educational Services (Esri 2023).

July 2024