Central Okanagan Economic Development Commission

Cohere + Cowork
2023-04-11 12:00 - 17:00 (America/Vancouver) | Okanagan coLab, 201-1405 St Paul Street, Kelowna, BC, V1Y 2E4, Canada
Join for community conversation at Cohere from 12pm to 1pm, and follow it with a half day of productive coworking. Bring your laptop, charger and any other work you want to do! coLab has a fantastic space with free wifi, coffee and tea, a kitchen and a lounge.
Cohere is a weekly meeting that focusses on 4 key areas:
Building a vibrant network: members are not just ‘connections’, they are your community of supports who are invested in each other’s success and well-being.
Sharing wisdom: every gathering is filled with gifts of learning, challenge, growth and gratitude.
Getting and giving support: present your issues to find clarity and get unstuck with the guidance of mentors, coaches and experts.
Amplifying ideations: pitch your impactful ideas for feedback, guidance, and possible collaboration.
Cohere is open and free to community on the 2nd Tuesday of each month. Members of Okanagan coLab can attend all sessions running every Tuesday.
This event is free but requires advance registration.

About the Organizer Okanagan coLab
coLab is a coworking collective of highly conscious entrepreneurs that is reimagining how community lives, works, and plays. A community built around five core values: Community, Collaboration, Creativity, Purposefulness, and Celebration.
By becoming a coLab Community Member, you’re joining a network of leaders, innovators, and collaborators. Take part in a thriving, local community dedicated to bringing out the best in one another!
Be our guest and meet the community

FREE WeBC Business Loan Info Session
2023-04-11 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Vancouver) | Virtual
Learn about the financing options available through WeBC!
WeBC has a Business Loan Program, and we are the BC Loan Fund Partner of the WEOC National Loan Program for women and non-binary entrepreneurs.
If you would like to access these programs to start, expand or purchase a business you will need to participate in one of our free phone-in info sessions about the loan programs.
During this session, the facilitator will:

Review our lending criteria for each program
Answer your questions
Advise you on how to apply
Provide you with a resource package

An Advisor will work with you to determine if you are eligible for a loan.
These FREE phone-in sessions are held every second Tuesday from 12pm to 1pm PT.
Register free >>>

Advanced Websites: How to Turn Your Web Traffic Into Sales
2023-04-11 10:00 - 11:30 (America/Vancouver)
Optimize Your Website to Maximize Conversions
Course Description

Across Canada, small businesses are embracing a digital transformation. Customers are more comfortable than ever shopping online, and savvy business owners are building the infrastructure needed to meet rising demand. Web traffic is great to have, but are you doing everything you can to turn traffic into sales?
This fast-paced and interactive webinar focuses on key strategies and common mistakes made in website development. You’ll learn how to implement best practices and maximize the effectiveness of your online presence.
Join Kris Trudeau, Founder of HPX Media, and discover how to optimize your website to meet your business goals. Together, you’ll delve into popular websites, assess their strengths and weaknesses, and develop key takeaways to boost your business website.
Recommended Pre-requisites:
– Participant already has a website, or
– Attended “Creating a Website for Your Business” webinar

What Will I Learn?

Common mistakes businesses make that cost them sales or leads
How to set goals, as well as strategies for how to achieve them
Best practices to grow engagement and website conversions
3-5 tips you can implement today to improve overall conversion

Presented By

Kris Trudeau

Small Business BC’s webinars are delivered online via Zoom. All webinar participants will receive access to a recording for seven days after the live session. For instructions on how to optimize your Zoom setup, click here.

HERizons Career Session: Cover Letter Writing
2023-04-06 16:00 - 17:30 (America/Vancouver) | Virtual
About the event
When applying for a job, a strong cover letter expands on your qualifications and showcases your suitability for the role. A compelling cover letter will help you to stand out from other job applicants.
In this workshop, you will learn how to:

structure your cover letter
align your skills, passion and motivation with the job requirements
call for action

About the facilitator: Led by Sepideh Delkhoun, Career Strategist, HELIX HERizons, and Seneca Works, together we will explore how to write an effective cover letter that highlights your suitability for the job you are targeting.

Partner
HERizons is being offered in partnership with College of the Rockies (British Columbia).

Work in Healthcare Workshop
2023-04-06 13:30 - 14:30 (America/Vancouver) | Virtual
Are you a newcomer to Canada and a PR holder within the last 10 years? Do you lack a medical background but have an interest in working in healthcare? If so, don’t miss our upcoming workshop! In just one hour, you’ll discover the many non-medical professions available in the healthcare sector and learn how you can get involved with Interior Health, the largest employer in Okanagan. During the session, you’ll also get valuable insights into the hiring process, including where to find job postings and how to stand out as a candidate. Plus, you’ll have the opportunity to ask questions directly to an IHA HR specialist and gain first-hand tips on how to land the job you want. By the end of the session, you’ll have a clear understanding of the key hiring points that will help you find the right non-medical position in the healthcare sector.
This workshop will be delivered in person & virtually. Register to get a Zoom link.
This event is hosted by the Career Paths for Skilled Immigrant Program at KCR Community Resources.
https://kcr.ca/employment-services/career-paths-for-skilled-immigrants/
REGISTER TODAY!

Speaker Series Post-Federal Budget Review with Hon. Minister Randy Boissonnault
2023-04-06 12:00 - 13:30 (America/Vancouver) | Coast Capri Hotel, 1171 Harvey Avenue, Kelowna, BC, V1Y 6E8, Canada
Thursday, April 6, 2023 12:00 Noon – 1:30 PM PST

Coast Capri Hotel
1171 Harvey Avenue
Kelowna, BC V1Y 6E8

The Kelowna Chamber is excited to welcome MP Randy Boissonnault, Minister of Tourism and Associate Minister of Finance for a luncheon to address the Federal Budget for 2023. The Minister will review the major sections of the budget and highlight the initatives which impact the Okanagan and BC in particular. He will be taking questions from the audience following his presentation.

Minister of Tourism and Associate Minister of Finance, Hon. Minister Randy Boissonnault
The Honourable Randy Boissonnault was first elected to the House of Commons in 2015 and was re-elected in 2021, representing Edmonton Centre.
Minister Boissonnault is a successful entrepreneur, community leader, and philanthropist with a strong record of leadership in business, public service, and the not-for-profit sector.
Minister Boissonnault served as Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Canadian Heritage from 2015 to 2017, championing Canadian arts and culture. A strong advocate for Edmonton Centre, he worked to address the needs and priorities of his community, including strengthening transit infrastructure, supporting businesses, and creating jobs.
In 2016, Minister Boissonnault became Canada’s Special Advisor to the Prime Minister on LGBTQ2 issues, working with organizations across the country to promote equality for the LGBTQ2 community, protect the rights of its members, and address discrimination against them. He continues to fight for a more inclusive society and tackle discrimination as a co-founder of the Global Equality Caucus.
Minister Boissonnault holds degrees from the University of Alberta’s Campus Saint-Jean and Oxford University, where he studied as a Rhodes Scholar. He spent 15 years helping small and medium-sized businesses through his consulting company. After serving as Chair of the Centre for Family Literacy in Edmonton, he founded Literacy Without Borders to help promote literacy for children and adults in Canada and the developing world. Minister Boissonnault has also served as Vice Chair of TEDx Edmonton and Chair of the Board of Directors of the Conseil de développement économique de l’Alberta, the Francophone Sport Federation of Alberta, and the Canadian Francophone Games. He was one of the 50 founders of Startup Edmonton and was a finisher of the Ironman Canada Triathlon.
Minister Boissonnault lives in Inglewood, Edmonton with his partner, David.

Registration opens at 11:00AM with the event to begin at Noon.
Purchase Deadline: Tickets MUST be purchased before NOON on Wednesday, April 5.
Cancellation Policy: Cancellations must be received 4 business days prior to the event to be subject for a refund.

Event Item Name
Expires
Pricing

Regular Ticket
Apr 06, 2023

$67.00

Member Discounted Rate
Apr 06, 2023

$52.00

Electronic Luncheon Voucher (Membership Benefit)
Apr 06, 2023

$52.00

HERizons Workshop: Effective Communication in a Virtual World
2023-04-04 16:00 - 17:30 (America/Vancouver) | Virtual
The pandemic has resulted in a notable surge in the number of companies providing their employees with the option of working from home. The modern flexible work style has led employees to shift the way they communicate and interact with others. At the office, body language, facial expressions, and hand gestures are part of the face-to-face communication that workers are used to. On the other hand, virtual communication limits employees from expressing their ideas using non-verbal language.

This 90-minute workshop will focus on how to manage day-to-day activities using virtual communication that is purposeful, engaging, and perceived as an effective use of time.

In this session, we will:
• explore different examples of virtual communication, including emails, social media and video calls
• learn how to choose the appropriate virtual communication channel to use depending on the message and the audience
• identify misunderstandings and misconceptions that may occur when communicating with others in the virtual world
The session concludes with a 10-minute Q-and-A period.

A recording of this event will be made available to all registrants.
HERizons is pleased to offer a digital Certificate of Completion to individuals who attend all four virtual workshops in the “Polishing Your Communication Skills” series. Certificates will be distributed after the final workshop of the series.

About the facilitator
Sepideh Delkhoun is a passionate adult educator. For the past 20 years, she has been planning, developing, teaching, and facilitating workshops and training modules for adults. Ms. Delkhoun’s specialty is designing and implementing learning and development materials, including career development eLearning modules, presentations, and guides. In her role as a Career Strategist at Seneca College, Ms. Delkhoun helps her clients develop a strong career plan, explore effective job search strategies, develop tailored resumes and cover letters, prepare for job interviews, learn how to network with purpose, negotiate a job offer, and communicate effectively in the workplace.

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Privacy Law: Navigating Regulations and Avoiding Breaches
2023-04-04 10:30 - 12:00 (America/Vancouver)
How to Protect Your Business and Comply with Privacy Regulations
Course Description

Since the pandemic, many small businesses have moved to remote working, empowering employees to work from home where possible. Unfortunately, this has created an environment where data breaches and unintended privacy leaks have become all too common.
Join Marilyn Sing, IPP Consulting, for this informative and fast-paced webinar and learn the key points of BC’s Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA). You’ll discover what businesses must do to comply with PIPA, the regulator’s role and the consequences relating to non-compliance. The session will conclude with best practices for improving your business’ privacy and how to foster a strong culture of data protection

What Will I Learn?

Overview of privacy law from a BC perspective
Business risks, costs, and benefits associated with privacy decisions
Practical ways you can protect your business and customers
How to create a strong culture of data protection
Training staff to become more privacy savvy
The future of privacy from a global context

Presented By

Marilyn Sing

Small Business BC’s webinars are delivered online via Zoom. All webinar participants will receive access to a recording for seven days after the live session. For instructions on how to optimize your Zoom setup, click here.

Uptown Rutland Business Association After Hours
2023-04-03 08:00 - 17:00 (America/Vancouver)

Financial Navigation for Indigenous Entrepreneurs
2023-03-31 13:00 - 15:00 (America/Vancouver)
Tools for Financial Prosperity From an Indigenous Lens
Course Description

Are you an Indigenous entrepreneur navigating the current economy? Join us for this informative webinar where we will demystify financial topics, including pricing strategies in an environment of uncertainty, and inflation. How do you ensure that you continue to price your product or service for long term financial sustainability? We will share tips to stay on top of your business finances and price your products with confidence.
Presented by a First Nation CPA with small business experience both on and off reserve- Shelley Bevz CPA (Smelqmix from Lower Similkameen Indian Band), attendees will receive key insights and tips on financial resilience in our rapidly changing economy. Shelley will discuss areas like pricing, inflation, and financial decision making for Indigenous entrepreneurs. Along the way, attendees will discover the impacts of a potential recession, economic downturn and inflation on their business, as well as strategies to help prepare.
Attendees will receive insights on record keeping, bookkeeping and accounting, tips on Indigenous tax considerations, and learn if you could be at risk of owing the government money in taxes.

What Will I Learn?

The basics of financial management including bookkeeping checklists and the difference between an accountant and a bookkeeper
Tips on software that can strengthen your business
The potential impacts of a recession, economic downturn and inflation on small businesses
Strategies for record keeping, bookkeeping and accounting
Tips on Indigenous tax exemption
Software tools to make financial management easier
Understanding financial processes that could be implemented in your business

Presented By

Shelley Bevz, CPA

Small Business BC’s webinars are delivered online via Zoom. All webinar participants will receive access to a recording for seven days after the live session. For instructions on how to optimize your Zoom setup, click here.
This webinar is brought to you in partnership with Indigenous Business Development Services.

Kelowna Chamber AGM and Speaker Series
2023-03-31 11:30 - 13:30 (America/Vancouver) | Coast Capri Hotel, 1171 Harvey Avenue, Kelowna, BC, V1Y 6E8, Canada
The Annual General Meeting is open to all, with current Kelowna Chamber members invited to vote. Come hear Board Chair Pamela Pearson review 2022 and meet the newly elected Board directors. The AGM will run from 11:30 AM – Noon.
Immediately following our AGM, join our monthly Okanagan School of Business Speaker Series luncheon. There’s new leadership in Victoria and at Kelowna City Hall. UFOs are being shot down across North America. Where has all the labour gone? Find out what’s hot in the media world , both top story from 2022 and a look ahead at 2023. Three active journalists in local media will enlighten and entertain us with their inside look at these stories and more.

Panel:
Kent Molgat, Journalist with KelownaNow
Starting as researcher at what was then referred to as BCTV in Burnaby in 1985, Kent has worked as a broadcaster and journalist in radio, TV and online in a career that’s spanned 38 years. He spent 22 years at The Okanagan’s Very Own CHBC TV where he won the Jack Webster Award for Best TV News Reporting BC in 2006. Kent spent 9 years as Interor Bureau Chief for CTV British Columbia where his coverage area expanded to the entire interior of the province. While his hard-hitting reporting once took a local politician fro the mayor’s office to a jail cell, he is probably best known for walking into a pole while chasing down a story. Kent is currently working at the local online news outlet, KelownaNow.

Chris Walker,CBC Daybreak South Radio Host
Chris Walker is a journalist and host with CBC based in Kelowna, and covering the Okanagan and Kootenays. A veteran broadcaster, he’s covered the BC Interior for almost 20 years, and has won multiple regional and national journalism awards for his feature reporting. Chris is best known for his engaging interviews on the popular morning radio program Daybreak South.

Cindy White, Reporter with Castanet
Cindy has been a journalist for more than 30 years. She started her radio career in small town BC, before spending more than 20 years in Alberta, including 5 at an all-news station in Calgary. Cindy moved to Kelowna in 2021 to be closer to family. She chose Castanet because of its focus on local news and information.

Registration opens at 11:00AM with the AGM to begin at 11:30 AM.
Purchase Deadline: Tickets MUST be purchased before NOON on Monday, March 27.
Cancellation Policy: Cancellations must be received 5 business days prior to the event.

Event Item Name
Expires
Pricing

Regular Rate
Mar 31, 2023

$67.00

Member Discounted Rate
Mar 31, 2023

$52.00

Electronic Luncheon Voucher (Membership Benefit)
Mar 31, 2023

$52.00

Members AGM Ticket (no lunch provided)
Mar 31, 2023

$0.00

Indigenous Intern Leadership Program Employer Presentations
2023-03-31 10:00 - 11:00, 2023-03-30 13:00 - 14:00 (America/Vancouver) | Virtual
Find out how to hire Indigenous professionals as two-year paid interns in your company/ organization. Join the growing network of employers benefiting from the skills and knowledge of Indigenous graduates in many diverse disciplines and areas. Including Indigenous graduates from trades, certificates, diplomas, degree programs. Participate in training, development, and mentorship with employers across BC. 115 Interns have been hired so far – with more waiting for your opportunities.
See https://indigenous.viu.ca/indigenous-intern-leadership
If you have any questions, please contact Alison Gibson, Director Student Graduate Co-Op Employment, Okanagan College at: agibson@okanagan.bc.ca

Navigating LGBT+ Diversity & Inclusion in the Tourism Industry
2023-03-30 09:00 - 12:00 (America/Vancouver) | Virtual
The global LGBT+ travel market is valued at more than US$200B annually. Canadian destinations are well-positioned to grow their share of this market.
CGLCC’s Navigating LGBT+ Diversity and Inclusion in the Tourism Industry helps businesses learn about LGBT+ inclusion and how to effectively understand, value, and serve LGBT+ customers and employees.
This workshop:

introduces terms and definitions regarding the diversity of LGBT+ people, discusses the impact of homophobia, transphobia, and heterosexism in the workplace, and provides an opportunity to explore the topic in a safe environment
discusses why safe spaces are important, and what they look like and reviews the bottom line, specifically the internal and external benefits of LGBT+ inclusive space

This free workshop is made possible by the generous support of the Government of Canada through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) and the Tourism Relief Fund.

Market Research 2: Surveys and Focus Groups
2023-03-29 13:00 - 16:00 (America/Vancouver)
Primary Market Research to Understand Your Customer
Course Description

Primary market research helps to take the guesswork out of important business decisions. Harnessing tools like surveys and focus groups, it can tell you how much your clients will spend, what motivates them to buy, and a greater understanding of customer needs and pain points.
Join Mark Eversfield, Small Business BC’s Market Research Analyst, as he teaches you effective tools for collecting primary market research.
As a bonus, purchase of this webinar includes a brief review of your survey with Mark Eversfield (appointment required) aimed at creating a more effective research tool.

What Will I Learn?

An understanding of what it takes to create powerful surveys
Key strategies and techniques for developing useful surveys
Uncover successful methods of collecting primary data
Identify the answers your survey should produce
The pros and cons of different methods of primary research

Presented By

Mark Eversfield

Small Business BC’s webinars are delivered online via Zoom. All webinar participants will receive access to a recording for seven days after the live session. For instructions on how to optimize your Zoom setup, click here.

Business Networking Skills for Success
2023-03-28 10:00 - 12:00 (America/Vancouver)
Networking and Connecting Online (and off!)
Course Description

The past three years have changed the way we work, conduct business and network. Our adaptation to online networking events has opened new ways to interact and create the connections we need for our business to success. Now is the perfect time to assess your network, increase your connections and position your business to benefit as our economy reopens.
Join Cathy Kuzel, Business Development Strategist and Advisor, and learn key tips for leveraging your existing networks to build your connections.
In this webinar, you’ll learn how to create stronger relationships, the best ways to interact, and the keys to networking in online (and in person) settings.

What Will I Learn?

Why it’s important to network – especially now
How to engage with strangers during a virtual event
How to effectively leverage your networking opportunities
Tips and techniques for Follow-up

Presented By

Cathy Kuzel

Small Business BC’s webinars are delivered online via Zoom. All webinar participants will receive access to a recording for seven days after the live session. For instructions on how to optimize your Zoom setup, click here.

OBSA Connect 2023
2023-03-27 18:00 - 21:00 (America/Vancouver) | Okanagan College, Centre for Excellence, E Building, 1000 KLO Rd, Kelowna, BC, V1Y 4X8, Canada
Join the OBSA, many of the Okanagan’s most established Businesses, and the OSB student body in a cocktail-hour-inspired networking event!

Purchase of a ticket includes admission, entry into many door prize draws, and free food and drinks all evening, all while getting the fantastic opportunity to hear from our communities most successful business representatives!

Leadership Communication for Women Business Owners
2023-03-24 09:00 - 11:00 (America/Vancouver) | Virtual
Learn to communicate with confidence
Delivered globally to over 500,000 women by the Humphrey Group, Taking the Stage® can support your growth as a strong, confident leader by teaching you to speak with strength on any ‘stage’– from sales calls to social posts, from inspiring your team to pitching your business.

Program features include:

Four, 2-hour group sessions led by a facilitator in your community
Groups of 6 to 10 women
Four video based learning modules
Rich group discussions
Strong networking opportunities
Personal feedback and coaching

This program was originally created to advance women leaders in Fortune 500 companies! We’re pleased to provide this opportunity for current and aspiring women business owners and non-profit leaders at a significantly reduced cost of $150, thanks to generous support from The Humphrey Group. Full bursaries are available.

Canada-Mexico Webinar: An Opportunity to Invest and Do Business
2023-03-24 08:00 - 12:00 (America/Vancouver) | Virtual
Friday March 24, 2023
8:00 AM to 12:00 PM (Pacific Standard Time, Vancouver)
Register Now
Are you an entrepreneur or executive in private or public sector looking to promote and develop trade and investment opportunities either in Canada or Mexico?
Join us on March 24th for an exclusive virtual business event where we’ll be discussing the trade and investment opportunities in both countries.
The NAFTA agreement and now the CUSMCA (also referred to as USMCA or T-MEC) have strengthened Canada-Mexico trade relations for more than 25 years, but there remains significant potential for growth in the business sector. So this event aims to provide information and facilitate fruitful dialogues and cooperation on business and investment opportunities in both countries that can be explored for Mexican and Canadian companies.
This four-hour webinar will be divided in two main sections. The first two hours we will talk about the business and investment opportunities in Mexico, and in the second part, presentations will similarly talk about the opportunities in Canada. Nonetheless, we encourage all the attendees to participate in the entire webinar.
FEATURED SPEAKERS AND PANELISTS
Jacqueline Marquez
Minister Representative for Trade and Investment
Office of the Mexican Ministry of Economy in Canada
In July 2019, Márquez began her appointment as Minister Representative for Trade and Investment at the office of the Mexican Ministry of Economy in Canada. Previously, she held senior appointments within the Mexican Ministry of Economy as Director of Legal Affairs for both Foreign Investment and the National Foreign Investment Commission.
She also represented the Mexican government before the Investment Committee of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and functioned as an interlocutor before World Bank Group agencies to attract and retain foreign investment in Mexico. For the CUSMA and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), Ms. Márquez was part of the negotiating team. She was a lead negotiator in various Investment Agreements, with countries in Europe, Asia and America and has participated in multiple negotiations since 2000.
At the Faculty of Law of the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), Ms. Marquez has taught foreign investment classes at various universities in Mexico since 2007. She is a member of the College of Foreign Trade Professors and the Ottawa Advisory Council of Laurier University of Waterloo, Ontario. She has participated in numerous conferences and given seminars in Mexico and abroad on the national and international legal framework for foreign investment.
Ms. Marquez is a lawyer with a Master’s Degree and graduated with honors with a specialty in Foreign Trade Law from the UNAM Faculty of Law.
Enrique Zorilla
President
Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Mexico (CanChamMX)
Enrique Zorrilla served as a seasoned banking executive with over three decades of experience in the financial services industry. Most recently, he served as Executive Vice President and Country Head of Mexico at Scotiabank, he was responsible for overseeing all personal, small business, and commercial banking operations in Mexico.
Zorilla’s extensive career in the banking industry includes having worked at Banco Nacional de México, S.A. (Citi Banamex), where he held a range of leadership roles. During his tenure at Citi Banamex, Zorrilla was a member of the Citigroup Senior Leadership Committee and served on the board of directors of Seguros Banamex, Afore Banamex, and Crédito Familiar. He was also Chairman of the Board of Directors of Buró de Crédito and Soriban Servicios Financieros.
Enrique Zorilla holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Universidad Iberoamericana, a Certified Public Accounting Degree from Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico, and an MBA from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School in Chicago. His professional excellence has been recognized with the “Dr. Agustin Reyes Ponce” Award in 2011
Anita Huberman
President and CEO
Surrey Board of Trade
Anita Huberman is a well-respected and accomplished leader, serving as the President & CEO of the Surrey Board of Trade for 17 years. She has been with the organization for 30 years and leads a team that serves over 6,000 members. Anita’s impressive record of community service includes numerous appointments, including as an Honorary Captain of the Royal Canadian Navy, and she has received several awards and medals for her contributions to the community.
Anita is a highly visible advocate for Canadian businesses and is known for her ability to instigate change at all levels of government. She is responsible for delivering Surrey’s first Labour Market Study and Workforce Strategy till 2029, and her team brings new initiatives to benefit their members, city, and nation.
Anita’s leadership and fiscal strength have helped the Surrey Board of Trade weather the challenges of the pandemic, and they continue to be Surrey’s city-building business organization. The organization has been recognized as one of the top three in Canada for government advocacy, and Anita is a recognized voice of business who speaks for the community at public hearings and to the media.
Jorge A. Rave
Chief Representative in Mexico
Export Development Canada
Jorge A. Rave was appointed Chief Representative (Coun-try Head) for Mexico in 2018, where he lives with his wife and two teenage children. Since joining EDC in 2008, Jorge has consistently taken on positions of increasing scope and responsibility with special focus on Latin America. Jorge has 20 years of professional experience working in international affairs with public and private sector organizations.
His professional background also includes conducting academic research and participating in humanitarian and economic development projects in Latin America, Europe and Canada. Jorge is a regular speaker at international finance and trade conferences and a frequent author of articles on international trade. Jorge holds a degree from Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana (UPB) in Colombia. He also has a master’s degree in International Relations from the Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM), and a Post-Graduate Diploma (PGDip) in Strategy and Innovation from Oxford University.
Having immigrated to Canada in the early 2000s and lived in five different countries, Jorge is passionate about ID&E issues and volunteers as a mentor with the Canadian International Council (CIC), his alma mater UQAM and EDC’s Coaching & Mentoring Community. Jorge is also an active member of EDC’s Black Employee Resource Group as an ally and of the Board of the Latin+ ERG.
Rafael Lugo
Senior Investment Officer
Embassy of Canada in Mexico
Ruben joined the Trade Commissioner Service in August 2019 where he leads the foreign direct investment attraction portfolio in Mexico. Prior to his current role, Ruben was the Mexico Investment Specialist at Select USA, the investment promotion arm of the U.S. Department of Commerce.
Ruben has worked for the Organization of American States, the Presidency of the Republic of Colombia and the Government of the State of Sonora in Mexico. In the private sector, he held positions in private firms in the United States and Mexico. Ruben holds a BA in International Business from Rennes School of Business in France, and a Master’s degree in International Affairs from the School of Global Policy and Strategy at University of California San Diego.
Andres Friedman
Co-Founder & CEO
Solfium
Andres Friedman is the CEO and co-founder of Solfium, a Canadian-Mexican solar startup dedicated to increasing the distribution of solar energy as a source of electricity. With a background in business and an executive master’s degree from the London School of Economics and Political Science, Friedman brings a wealth of experience to the company.
Along with his co-founders Juan Osuna and Zach Magnan, Friedman was inspired to make solar power more accessible to a wider audience. The team is focused on small-scale projects for residential and commercial applications, starting with Mexico as its launch market due to its low solar penetration.
Friedman believes that the slow adoption of solar power can be attributed to traditional business models, and Solfium aims to accelerate its growth through a user-friendly customer experience. With the goal of making solar energy a more normalized source of electricity, Andres Friedman and his team are making a positive impact on the environment and the planet.
Rahim Bhaloo
Founder & Executive Chairman
JOI Canadian Stores
Mr. Bhaloo is a life-long entrepreneur who started his business career in the specialty coffee space with brands known as Second Cup and Lettieri Espresso Bar and Cafe’s (single largest franchisee by 23 years old).
Developed a portfolio of retirement and nursing homes in Canada, partnering with CDPQ and then selling to a publicly traded company.
Mr. Bhaloo oversees PesoRama’s capital requirements, shareholder communications, and strategic partnerships while he works with management to accelerate the growth of the company.
Andres Abogado
Managing Partner
Abolaw
Andrés is a lawyer in Mexico and Canada and the managing partner of Abolaw, a law firm with offices in Vancouver and Mexico. He holds an LL.B in Mexican Law, a Juris Doctor equivalent issued by the Federation of Law Societies of Canada and a Masters of Law from the University of British Columbia, with a specialization in international law. He also acts in a notarial capacity in Canada.
He practices in the areas of international corporate law, business immigration, trade, and international law with an emphasis on foreign investment, real estate developments and regulatory compliance both in Mexico and Canada and Latin American countries.
Andrés has acted as counsel on a wide variety of matters, such as drafting and settlements of international contracts, business immigration applications, regulatory compliance, and complex agreements between Méxican, Canadian, and Latin American companies. He has also acted as counsel for individuals both in the Provincial Court and the Supreme Court of British Columbia in the application and interpretation of international treaties and legal remedies for Mexican investors.
Javier Barajas
Senior Advisor
Cobalt Strategy Group
Javier Barajas has spent 30 years building international business bridges, particularly with Mexico and Latin America and globally as part of the Mexican Global Network. As Community Leader and Advocate his focused has being in providing empowerment to organizations, non-profit and non-partisan associations, and in a variety of communities representing a wide range of causes.
Javier Barajas commitment to Latino community investment has positioned him on a diversity of executive roles in the community, in the cities where he lives and at International Associations; most of them dedicated to the improvement of the Latino, especially the Mexican community in Canada and USA. Strengthening ties between Latin countries in Canada and the USA, Javier Barajas community involvement, business initiatives and profesional leadership has positioning him as an expert on cultural bridge builder and avid business networker as result to have the experience of living in 3 different countries (Mexico, USA and Canada).
Hector Chaparro
CEO
Canada Latin Channel
Hector Chaparro is a Mexican-Canadian bilingual video-journalist with over 20 years of experience in the television industry, including a recent position as an ENG Photographer at Global News in Calgary, Alberta. With a passion for storytelling, this seasoned professional began their career in Juarez, Mexico as a Camera Man and Cultural-Entertainment Journalist, working for prestigious networks such as Chanel 5, Chanel 44 affiliated to Azteca TV, and Chanel 56 affiliated to Televisa.
Throughout his career, Chaparro has consistently demonstrated his ability to create compelling content that resonates with diverse audiences. As a former Liaison Officer at the Consulate of Mexico in Calgary, Chaparro also brings a unique perspective to cross-cultural communication.
Whether speaking about the art of storytelling or sharing their personal experiences as a bilingual journalist working in different countries, Chaparro is sure to inspire and captivate a diverse audience.
Laura Ochoa
Founder and President
Exportlogic
Mexico-Canada investment and trade promoter. Laura Ochoa has accompanied several Canadian companies in their implementation projects, creating hundreds of jobs in Mexico. Each project has been established within a framework of gender equality, social responsibility and respect for the environment.
Founder of Exportlogic, a consultancy and project management company. Laura Ochoa is passionate about a sustainable economy, community growth and respect for the environment.
For several years she held various functions in non-profit organizations, among others as president of Affaires Internationales au Féminin and of the Global Network of Mexicans in Montreal. She was also a member of the international committee of HEC Montreal. Laura strongly believes that both individuals and not-for-profit organizations can make a difference for the environment and our community.
Juan Navarro
Director & Principal Researcher
CMX Partnerships
Juan Navarro is an accomplished researcher, entrepreneur and strategic leader with over 20 years of combined experience in business, finance, economics and international trade, currently serving as the Director and Principal Researcher at CMX Partnerships. As a researcher, his reports on trade and investment issues in the context of Free Trade Agreements have been published by leading universities, research centers and global organizations such as the Asia-Pacific Foundation of Canada, the APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC), among others.
He has served as a speaker in international business gatherings in Canada, Mexico, Japan, Australia, The United States and Chile, encouraged the construction of collaborative agreements between Canadian companies and counterparts abroad. Navarro has organized and led trade missions and business conferences. Before moving to Canada, Navarro served for 10 years as an economist at the Mexican Central Bank conducting economic analyses and doing external relations.
Navarro has been extensively involved in industry associations, serving as a member of the Advisory Board of the Free Trade Zone initiative with the Vancouver Island Economic Alliance since 2016, contributing to the World Bank Institute, and mentoring young Canadian entrepreneurs with Futurpreneur Canada. He is an active member of the Canadian International Council (CIC), the Forum for International Trade Training (FITT) and different business organizations promoting trade and economic development.
Register Now
The Canada-Mexico webinar is organized by CMX Partnerships with the valuable support of private and public companies from both countries. CMX Partnerships is a company proudly located in British Columbia, which promotes trade and investment opportunities through business initiatives including trade missions and research projects. CMX Partnerships sees this webinar as a space strategically relevant due to the solid relationship between both countries and the recent North American Summit. CMX Partnerships is convinced of the high potential for a mutually beneficial outcome as a result of deepened ties.
We are pleased to offer a live transcription service during our Canada-Mexico Webinar, providing real-time translation between Spanish and English for our attendees. This service ensures that our bilingual audience members can fully participate and engage with our distinguished speakers.
We are proud to announce Tomlinson Translations as the official translator for our March 24th webinar event!

Commerce ConneX - BCSPCA :Speaking for Animals
2023-03-23 17:00 - 19:00 (America/Vancouver) | Kelowna BC SPCA, 3785 Casorso Road, Kelowna, BC, V1W 3M7, Canada
We are thrilled to announce our March Commerce ConneX brought to you by Canadian Western Bank.
You are invited to join us at BCSPCA for our March networking event! Join us to network with new connections and familiar faces, enjoy some refreshments and tour the BCSPCA facilities. Potential appearance from some BCSPCA residents or alumni.
We’d like to encourage you to bring donations to this networking event along with your business cards! Items currently in need include cat toys (crinkle balls, wands and catnip), cat litter, sturdy dog toys (chew toys and Kongs), small animal teeth care wooden toys for hamsters & guinea pigs. Cash donations are also gratefully accepted to help BCSPCA purchase any high priority needs.
Cancellation Policy: Cancellations must be received 3 business days prior to the event — no refunds after that.
Open to members and non-members. Tickets available at the door. All membership networking vouchers must be redeemed online.

WorkBC Centre - Inclusive Hiring Fair
2023-03-23 13:30 - 16:00, 2023-03-16 13:30 - 16:00 (America/Vancouver)

Assistive Technology Services Webinar
2023-03-22 12:30 - 13:00 (America/Vancouver) | Virtual
Find out how the WorkBC Assistive Technology Services program, operated by Neil Squire, can benefit you and your employees. Join Marketing Manager, Nate Toevs, each week for a webinar on the following topics:

Workplace accommodations
Ergonomics
Assistive technology
Available resources
Funding options
Community supports programs
Product demonstrations

When: Wednesday, 12:30pm to 1:00pm.
Where: Online
Register Here

Financial Planning for Your Small Business
2023-03-22 10:00 - 12:00 (America/Vancouver)
Financial Planning for Your Small Business
Bookkeeping and Business Records Explained

Course Description

Starting a business can be a lot like starting a family. Nurture it, put in the time and it can be one of the most rewarding things a person can do. Your first year in business represents the perfect time to nail down your financials and grow strong. Start with our Financial Planning for Small Business webinar.
Establishing your financial records and bookkeeping system early on is a good habit that will continue to help you grow during the life of your business. Join Rinette Lagace, NET Bookkeeping as she helps you understand how to establish the right business strategy for your company.
You’ll learn about setting up a separate business bank account, putting together a filing system, and the most efficient ways to invoice your clients.

What Will I Learn?

The different types of financial statements your company will need
What a balance sheet is
The difference between an income and cash flow statement
How your daily business transactions affect your financial statements
Review CRA’s requirements for record keeping
Different types of bookkeeping systems

Presented By

Rinette Lagace

Small Business BC’s webinars are delivered online via Zoom. All webinar participants will receive access to a recording for seven days after the live session. For instructions on how to optimize your Zoom setup, click here.

Career Development Webinar – “Speed Career Coaching”
2023-03-21 16:30 - 18:00 (America/Vancouver) | Virtual
Please join the WIL Vancouver Chapter and our expert panelists Vida Thomson (Career Coach), Janice Porter (LinkedIn Trainer/Relationship Marketing Specialist) and our very Own Van Chapter Co-Chair Maureen McKinnon (Executive Leadership Coach) to get tips and advice on your career.

Come with a playful spirit and questions, this is intended to be a high energy, low-risk way To get personal career advice in three 20-minute speed coaching sessions. Get advice on Resumes, cover letters, interview prep, LinkedIn profiles, making LinkedIn connections, how to gain career clarity, building career credibility, increasing visibility and much more. Let’s have fun!

Speaker Bios
Vida Thomson; Career Consultant, Flourish Career Consultant
Vida is a Chartered Professional in Human Resources, Career Coach, and Professional Resume Writer. She started her career in Human Resources Management and worked for 10+ years in all facets of HR, including recruitment, training and development, onboarding, compensation, performance management, empolyee relations and conflict resolution. In 2017, Vida started Flourish Career Consulting to focus on career development services for clients, including preparation, career transitions, career planning, outplacements services, and leadership development. Her educational background includes a Bachelor of Arts degree, a Post-Baccalaureate Diploma in Human Resources Management, a Certificate in Social Media & Online Marketing, and Certificate in Psychometric Assessments.

Janice Porter; LinkedIn Trainer/Relationship Marketing Specialist, Janice Porter & Associates
Janice is a master networker and a huge connector. She trains business professionals how to leverage the power of LinkedIn to build relationships and generate qualified leads. She also shows them how to nurture those relationships using an online business tool that sends REAL cards and gifts in the mail. She has a weekly podcast called Relationships Rule – on which she interviews like-minded professionals – those who see the value in relationship marketing. Janice values her relationships and is always looking for ways to be of service to others.

Maureen McKinnon; Executive Leadership Coach, McKinnon Executive Coaching
Maureen’s Mission is to help more women gain leadership roles to balance gender equity in corporate leadership. She helps talented women get promoted and make more money! Her role as Executive Leadership Coach supports managers/executives to maximize their unique leadership capabilities, develop their people management skills, advocate for themselves and get promoted. Maureen has an impressive ability to make women around her feel encouraged, confident and proud of themselves. As a women’s advocate, she has been empowering and championing women leaders volunteering with over twelve different Vancouver women organizations. Maureen holds a Masters of Science in Management and a Masters of Science in Financial Services, is a Certified Business Coach and Certified Executive Coach.
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Founded in 2001, Women In Leadership Foundation (WIL) delivers inspirational programs that bring women together to collaborate in the development of their leadership skills & creates positive change in the future of women’s leadership.
Learn more at womeninleadership.ca.

Participation is FREE but attendance is limited. Register today.

Market Research 1: Finding Business Data and Insights
2023-03-17 13:00 - 16:00 (America/Vancouver)
Secondary Market Research That Works For You
Course Description

As an entrepreneur, it’s vital to conduct market research before making important decisions. Analyzing available data allows you to understand your target market, conduct a competitor analysis, view market trends and enhance your business operations. Join Small Business BC’s Market Research Analyst, Mark Eversfield, as he explains how secondary market research can help you make an informed decision about the viability of your business idea by tapping into already existing market data.
This interactive webinar will leave you ready to analyze your target market, competitors and industry trends.
As a bonus, purchase of this webinar includes a brief consultation with Mark Eversfield (appointment required) aimed at helping you to make sense of your research findings.

What Will I Learn?

Identify key resources of secondary data for your business
Set up automated tools for a continuous feed of customized market research data
Differentiate between quantitative and qualitative data
Know the types of secondary data to look for
How to create effective and productive search strings
Discover how secondary data can inform key business decisions

Presented By

Mark Eversfield

Small Business BC’s webinars are delivered online via Zoom. All webinar participants will receive access to a recording for seven days after the live session. For instructions on how to optimize your Zoom setup, click here.

Market Research 1: Finding Business Data and Insights
2023-03-17 13:00 - 16:00 UTC
Secondary Market Research That Works For You
Course Description

As an entrepreneur, it’s vital to conduct market research before making important decisions. Analyzing available data allows you to understand your target market, conduct a competitor analysis, view market trends and enhance your business operations. Join Small Business BC’s Market Research Analyst, Mark Eversfield, as he explains how secondary market research can help you make an informed decision about the viability of your business idea by tapping into already existing market data.
This interactive webinar will leave you ready to analyze your target market, competitors and industry trends.
Things to bring:

A laptop or tablet
Credentials to access your local library’s online databases
Enthusiasm to get started!

As a bonus, purchase of this webinar includes a brief consultation with Mark Eversfield (appointment required) aimed at helping you to make sense of your research findings.

What Will I Learn?

Identify key resources of secondary data for your business
Set up automated tools for a continuous feed of customized market research data
Differentiate between quantitative and qualitative data
Know the types of secondary data to look for
How to create effective and productive search strings
Discover how secondary data can inform key business decisions

Presented By

Mark Eversfield

Small Business BC’s webinars are delivered online via Zoom. All webinar participants will receive access to a recording for seven days after the live session. For instructions on how to optimize your Zoom setup, click here.
REGISTER

Greater Westside Board of Trade - March Business After Hours
2023-03-16 17:00 - 19:00 UTC
Join us on Thursday, March 16 from 5-7pm at Kelly O’ Bryans for a great evening of networking, local food and drink and some great prizes.
Advance registration is recommended.

Venue
Kelly O’Bryan’s

Starts
Thu Mar 16 2023, 05:00pm PDT

Ends
Thu Mar 16 2023, 07:00pm PDT

Register Now!

OKGN Angel Summit Finale 2023
2023-03-16 16:00 - 20:00 (America/Vancouver)
Location: Kelowna Innovation Centre, 460 Doyle Avenue
Date: March 16, 2023
Time: 4:00pm – 8:00pm
Registration Link: https://okgnangelsummit2023.eventbrite.com
Event Summary: Join us for the 2023 Summit Finale and find out which company will take home the $225,000 investment!
Event Description: The OKGN Angel Summit Finale is the culmination of a 10-week program that seeks to create new angel investors and improve access to capital for early stage businesses.
Join us on Thursday, March 16 as the Top 6 companies deliver their final pitch to our group of 43 angel investors. This is their chance to take home a $225k investment fund! Audience members will also get a chance to hear from the lead investors as they provide an update on the due diligence process for each Top 6 company. Think Dragon’s Den meets American Idol.
After the final pitch, the investors will deliberate to decide which company will receive the investment, during which time audience members will be treated to a fireside chat with some of the Okanagan’s best and brightest founders.
Agenda
4:00 Doors Open & Networking
5:00 Welcome Announcements
5:15 Top 6 Pitches
5:45: Stretch Break
6:00: Top 6 Pitches
6:30: Networking Break
6:45: Fireside Founder Panel
7:45: Winner Announcement
8:00: Doors Close
This year the finale in person at the Kelowna Innovation Centre with two great options for your viewing experience:
VIP Experience Ticket: VIP Guests will have an up close, in-person experience at this year’s finale. Our VIPs will have access to reserved seating in the Innovation Centre Theatre to view the pitches and speakers live. During the breaks, VIP guests will have the opportunity to network with the top 6 companies as they enjoy premium drinks and canapes.
Viewing Party Ticket: Viewing party attendees will be hosted in the Accelerate Okanagan lounge on the second floor of the Innovation Centre. Attendees will watch a live-stream of all the action in the theatre while being able to chat with their friends in this casual environment over networking, canapes, and a private bar.
All tickets include canapes and a drink ticket. Everyone will be able to explore the first and second floor of the venue during the networking breaks.

Young Wine Leaders Collective - Pop Up Event
2023-03-15 18:00 - 21:00 (America/Vancouver)
The Young Wine Leaders Collective is a group for young professionals in the wine industry- whether related to business-sales/ marketing/ tasting room or somms/ chefs. The group is there for people to find like minded go-getters looking to network, collaborate, share thoughts on driving the industry forward.

This is the first event, it is a wine pop-up; Purchase a glass of wine, small and share plates are available to order as well; it is essentially a wine pop-up mingle event. Getting to know your young wine community.
