NVMS FAQ
Nelson Vendors Market Society (NVMS) – FAQ
What is the Nelson Vendors Market Society (NVMS)?
The NVMS is a vendor-led, not-for-profit organization created to give vendors and farmers a voice in the operation of local markets in Nelson. It's built by vendors, for vendors.
Why was NVMS created?
There’s been a growing call from vendors for a more responsive, inclusive, and community-driven approach to market operations. NVMS was formed to return decision-making to the hands of those most affected: the vendors.
Who runs NVMS?
The board is made up entirely of current and former vendors. The team includes experienced market organizers, NFP leaders, a grant writer, bookkeeper, and marketing and website professionals. A list of board members can be found here. Titles will be given to the board at our first meeting happening shortly.
What’s wrong with the current market model?
While the City of Nelson has done its best, many decisions are slow, vendor voices are often unheard, and vendor fees are rising without added support. Advertising is limited, and grant opportunities are out of reach for a City-run model.
Will NVMS be officially recognized by the BCAFM?
Yes. In January, NVMS will apply to become a member of the BC Association of Farmers’ Markets (BCAFM), which will allow us to operate fully sanctioned farmers markets, apply for specific grants, and strengthen our legitimacy and structure.
Will this affect my ability to vend at future markets?
The goal is to transition to NVMS-led markets in the 2026 season — with vendor support and (ideally) City cooperation for a seamless transition to the 2026 market.
What happens if the City says no?
NVMS will continue to host large vendor events (like the KAF Harvest Market), potentially evolving them into full community festivals. We will secure alternative venues if necessary and remain committed to supporting vendors.
How can I support this movement?
Become a member for just $10. This shows your support and helps give NVMS the legitimacy it needs to lead the 2026 season. Membership means you’ll have a say in the future of your market.
How do I sign up?
Sign up here for a secure checkout through square
Why Square?
Square allows a secure checkout that is fast and convenient.
NFP vs. City-Run Farmers Markets
✅ Not-for-Profit (NFP)-Run Farmers Market
• Vendor-Led Decision Making – Vendors have voting rights and input on key decisions.
• Focused on Vendors & Community – Primary mission is to support local farmers and food security.
• Access to Grants & Funding – Ability to apply for agricultural and community grants.
• Community Accountability – Run by people who live and work in the community.
• Consistent Market Leadership – Dedicated board and coordinator for stability.
• Profits Reinvested – Surplus goes back into the market, not municipal budgets.
• Adaptable & Responsive – Quick decisions to address vendor and customer needs.
⚠️ City-Run Farmers Market
• Limited Vendor Input – Decisions are made with little vendor voting rights.
• Broader City Priorities – Markets compete with other municipal projects.
• No Access to Grants – Cannot apply for many agricultural and community funds.
• Bureaucratic Process – Changes require city approval, slowing response.
• Market Fees Often Higher – Costs are passed to vendors.
• Leadership Turnover – Staff changes create inconsistency.
• Profits to General Budget – Revenue goes to the city’s general fund
Open Letter to Vendors
Vendors Market Society – Vendor Letter
July 13, 2025
Dear Vendors and Farmers,
Over the past few seasons, there’s been a growing call from many of you for leadership and change in the structure and management of The Nelson Farmers Markets. Many participants have expressed interest in transitioning from a City-run market to a not-for-profit model, where vendors would have voting rights, a place to voice input, and a meaningful role in shaping the future of our markets.
Our intent to form a new society has been in motion for nearly two years. The City’s recent decision to move the Wednesday Market to Cottonwood and then back to Baker Street accelerated our decision to move forward.
Introduction:
We’re proud to introduce the Nelson Vendors Market Society, (NVMS), a vendor-led, not-for-profit created by and for our market and community.
Our Mission statement:
Nelson Vendors Market Society is a vendor led initiative to produce markets, promote vendors and farmers and support their small businesses.
Our Board is composed entirely of current and former vendors.
We bring with us:
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Experienced market coordinators/Producers (16 years)
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10 plus years running NFP in the Nelson Area
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Decades of serving on NFPs
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A dedicated bookkeeper
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A professional grant writer
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Strong marketing and social media developer
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Dedicated website developer
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Open door communication policy
Why Now?
The current structure, under the City of Nelson management, presents challenges that many of you have experienced first-hand:
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The City of Nelson’s priorities are understandably focused on the broader municipal concerns – not necessarily on vendors individual needs
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Market decisions can’t be made quickly or collaboratively
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Advertising and promotion are limited
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Communication is often delayed
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Grant opportunities are not available to the City, putting full cost on rising vendor fees
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Vendor voices have little to no influence in decision-making
What We’ve Done So Far:
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Formally established the Nelson Vendors Market Society (NVMS)
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Submitted a delegation request to the City (they have not given us a presentation date, and it may be delayed until October or later)
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Sent letters to the Mayor and two City Councilors, and spoke with them informally in public settings
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Planned to speak at the Committee of the Whole on July 22 — that meeting has since been canceled
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Collected professional letters of support from vendors and community venues
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Spoke directly with vendors to better understand your concerns and ideas for the future
What’s Ahead
In the most recent Nelson City Council meeting, it was confirmed that the market will need to relocate either to Cottonwood or multiple locations over the next few years due to downtown construction. We recognize that this situation is complex and that continued access to City property will require mutual cooperation.
We believe that transitioning the Nelson Farmer Market to a NFP is a necessary first step to reclaim the market’s community spirit and long-term sustainability.
What If the City does not support the NVMS assuming responsibility of the Nelson Farmers Market?
We’re preparing to transition the 2026 KAF Harvest Market under the new NVMS banner. This would include applying for grants to expand the event into a community festival — complete with live entertainment, food trucks, and a proper stage.
This may require a date or venue change, but our priority is to remain within city limits, and we will do everything we can to collaborate with the City in that process. If collaboration is not possible, we will secure a space independently.
Call to Action
We are asking vendors to support this movement by becoming members of the Nelson Vendors Market Society, (NVMS).
Your $10 membership will:
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Show the City of Nelson that vendors want the Farmers Market to return to a vendor-led, not-for-profit model
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Support the Society’s readiness to assume responsibility starting in the 2026 season
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Ensure that your voice is heard in the decisions that directly impact your work and livelihood
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Our united voice puts us at the table as a stakeholder
Help us put markets back in the hands of vendors
Let’s bring the markets back into the hands of those who live and work within them — together to support the Community and Food Security.
Warmly,
The Nelson Vendors Market Society Board
2 Week Update
Exciting news
Aug 1, 2025
We are happy to update you all on how our new registered NFP is going. We also want to take a moment to address some concerns and clarify the vision for the Nelson Vendors Market Society.
Here is what happened over these last 2 weeks.
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30 members have joined the society
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Identified our first major project for 2026
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Identified grants and developing timelines
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Survey vendors and concerns
Concern we have heard:
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Hostile take over
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Increase in booth fees
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Not wanting to work with the city/creating conflict
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Membership is only for Nelson vendors
We want to take a moment to address some concerns and clarify the vision for the Nelson Vendors Market Society.
There has been some worry that our effort is “NVMS versus the City.” We want to be clear: it is not. This is about vendors, farmers, and the community coming together to build something sustainable, with the City as a partner. The best way to make this vision a reality is by joining the society. Membership gives you the ability to share your concerns and ideas, and/or benefit from the efforts of those speaking out so you can just enjoy the success of the market. If you want a market built in collaboration, not conflict, this is the step to take. This is not about individuals, it’s about creating a sustainable, vendor-led structure that ensures consistent leadership for years to come. With 16 years of market organizing, and 40 years combined vending experience on the board, our goal is to use that knowledge to create stability and opportunity for all vendors.
As a not-for-profit, every dollar raised will be reinvested back into the market. Unlike a City-run model, we will have access to agricultural and community grants that can help lower vendor fees over time and expand marketing and support. With a grant writer on the board with more than 10 years of successful grant writing experience, we are well prepared to take on this project with confidence. We have already secured a corporate Sponsor with Positive Apparel Thrift Store Inc.
If you want this as well, then the best way to see this come to fruition is to become a member of this society. Your membership gives you the ability to voice your concerns, and get meaningful and timely answers. If you just want a successful market without the drama, this is the best step. When members speak with one voice, they speak the loudest.
You do not have to be a Nelson resident to be a member, any vendor who lives within the Kootenay Boundary and has attended any Nelson Market’s in the last 2 years are eligible to purchase a membership.
Together, we will work with the City to build the strongest possible markets for vendors, farmers, and our entire community.
We will host an open meeting in Oct to answer any questions.
Thank you for your continued support and for trusting in this process. Together, we can make Nelson’s markets stronger and more resilient than ever.
With gratitude, the NVMS Board