Central Okanagan Economic Development Commission

Construction, Trades and Driving Hiring Event
2023-04-20 13:00 - 15:00 (America/Vancouver) | WorkBC Kelowna Centre, 107-1835 Gordon Drive, Kelowna, BC, V1Y 3H4, Canada
Location: WorkBC Capri Centre 107-1835 Gordon Dr, Kelowna
This event is to support the Construction and Trades and Driving sectors. They will be marketing positions such as Transit Operators, Electricians, Plumbers, Warehouse Workers, HVAC Technicians, and Carpenters. More info to come.

Managing cash flow to optimize business operations
2023-04-20 09:00 - 22:00 | Virtual
To navigate the challenges of an ever-changing global economy, Canadian businesses need to manage their cash flow effectively. This is particularly important when doing international business, where currency exchange risks and longer payment cycles can pose challenges. Accurate cash flow forecasting can help businesses make informed decisions about investing, borrowing, and managing expenses, enabling them to mitigate these risks and maintain financial stability.
Join us live April 20, 2023 from 1 to
2 p.m. ET to learn:

Best practices for managing cash flow and preparing for economic uncertainty
Effective strategies for mitigating risks and financial challenges when doing business internationally
Tips from a successful Canadian company on cash flow management strategies

Our panel

Moderator

Supun Fernando
Commercial Accounts Director
Export Development Canada

Speakers

Nicolas Fontaine
Senior business advisor
BDC Advisory Services

Sandra Filopoulos
Co-Founder and Vice President of Sales
Filo Imports Inc.

Who should watch
Decision-makers of Canadian businesses who are looking to improve their financial management skills and optimize their cash flow in a changing economy.

Register for this event

The Okanagan's Economy: Growing or slowing - a deeper dive into the data
2023-04-19 10:00 - 11:00 | Virtual
The central Okanagan is one of the fastest growing regions in the country, but we are not immune from the challenges of an economy that is tittering on the edge of a recession. Join us for a deep dive into the State of the Okanagan’s Economy with one of MNP’s top economic analysts. Susan Mowbray will share insights from data collected in 2022 and provide you a sense of the trend lines that you should be paying attention to as you plan for 2023 and beyond. This is a joint presentation of MNP and the Okanagan Chambers COVID Response Coalition. #OKWeGotYou

Guest Speaker: Susan Mowbray MA, Partner MNP Vancouver
With more than two decades of experience in economic modelling, applying economic analysis and project management, Susan helps clients achieve their business goals and enhance their success. Susan delivers demand forecast, prepares community profiles and economic indicators for economic development agencies, models economic impacts and labour demand, develops cost estimates and prepares business cases. She analyzes information and delivers comprehensive information developing reports for audiences ranging from academics and government to business and community groups.

Cost: Complimentary
No cost to attend for any individual or business in the Kelowna area and the Valley, whether you are a Chamber member or non-member. Advanced registration through the Chamber website is required. Click ‘Register Here’, the link to the Webinar can be found in your confirmation email.

Event Item Name
Expires
Pricing

Webinar Registration
Apr 19, 2023

$0.00

Earth Day WeCafé: Eco-friendly Practices for Small Businesses
2023-04-19 10:00 - 11:00 | Virtual
If you’re inspired to make earth-friendly choices in your life or business, educating yourself can be both inspiring and discouraging. Does one “bad” action counteract all you hard work? Do you have to sacrifice profit to make a difference?
The short answer is, No! As the saying goes, “we don’t need a handful of people doing zero waste perfectly. We need millions of people doing it imperfectly.”
In honour of Earth Day, WeBC is hosting a panel of women business owners who will inspire you to be part of the collective movement towards environmentally-friendly business practices.
In this free, interactive session you will:

Learn small swaps that can make a big difference
Hear positive changes our panelists made that didn’t eat up their profit
Find where you can learn more about eco-friendly choices

Whether you’re starting your sustainability journey or advancing your strategies, join us to connect with other women who are making a difference!
April 19 | 10am to 11am PT | Free Webinar
Facilitator: Kelly Masson, Business Advisor, WeBC
Panelists:

Lisa Hemingway, Co-owner and Director of Creativity & Opportunities, iilo Creative Alliance inc.
Umeeda Switlo, Naledo
Angela Nagy, Founder, GreenStep Solutions

Our WeCafés are always free and open to everyone!
A recording will be available after the session.
About the Panelists
Lisa Hemingway
Lisa (she/her) is Co-owner, Director of Creativity & Opportunities at iilo (“ee-lo”) as well as a communication designer with nearly two-decades of experience working for changemaker clients amplifying their ambitious missions with compelling design collateral.
iilo Creative Alliance inc. is a full-service creative services agency in Western Canada. We deliver communication design solutions (branding, reports, events, and more) for progressive impact businesses, nonprofits, institutions, social enterprises, marketing & communications departments, and municipalities. Our head office is located on the traditional, ancestral and unceded territory of the Snuneymuxw & Coast Salish, on Vancouver Island.
Umeeda Switlo
Umeeda has enjoyed a varied career that includes working as a marine biologist, entrepreneur, concert promoter and artist manager, non-profit and international development sectors. Umeeda created Truly Turmeric and manages operations in Belize.
Angela Nagy
Angela is a sustainability expert with more than 20 years of experience in project management, business development, marketing and public relations. She has lived and traveled extensively throughout the US and Canada, working with all levels of business, utilities, as well as various levels of governments, on a variety of engineering, energy efficiency, environmental and sustainability related projects.
Angela’s experience also includes politics, and she was elected to Kelowna City Council and appointed as a Regional District Director in 2008, the same year she co-founded GreenStep.
She is certified in Organizational GHG Accounting and as a Sustainability Practitioner through The Natural Step.

Business Made Social
2023-04-18 17:00 - 19:00 | BC
Business Made Social
Presented By: Peachland Chamber of Commerce
Venue: Gasthaus on the Lake
Tuesday, April 18, 5-7 pm,
$30 for members; $38 for future members
Let’s get together & meet each other

you get a Schnitzel burger & beer/wine!
reconnecting to others
networking & prizes

How Grant Funding Can Help Your Business Survive Inflation
2023-04-18 10:00 - 11:30 | BC
Understanding the Grant Funding Available to Your business
Course Description

If it feels like your costs have increased exponentially the last few months, you aren’t alone. Running a business is more expensive than ever, with hiring, operations, marketing and materials all taking a big bite out of small business budgets.
As concerning as that sounds, grants are a great way for your business to deal with increasing prices. According to research carried out by Granted, only 35% of Canadian companies have attempted to get grant funding. In fact, many aren’t even aware of the grants available to them. Stephanie Sang, Granted Consulting, is here to change that.
Join our resident ‘Grant Angel’ and learn about the grants available to your small business. You’ll discover how your business can apply for grant funding, and make inflation woes a thing of the past.

What Will I Learn?

The benefits of grants vs a loan or other type of funding
What activities are covered with a grant
Where you can find grants that fit your business
How much funding is typically available for small businesses

Presented By

Stephanie Sang

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.

Made to Grow - Kelowna Entrepreneur Brunch
2023-04-14 09:30 - 13:00 | BC
The Made to Grow Project and host Laura MacLeod would like to invite you to join us at an upcoming event:
Who: MTG Women’s Networking Brunch
When: Friday, April 14, 2023 | 9:30am – 1pm
Where: Capri Hotel – Okanagan Room
Tickets: $65 (or $50 for members of MTG)
Limited tickets available at: Brunch tickets

Join us while we create space for women to join together in an effort to support one another. For all parts of the entrepreneurial journey. Whether you have a dream, are already running a business, or are making a big change in your business life – come and get the community and support we all need.
Enjoy a lovely brunch spread with us – there will be time for introductions, networking, and a guest speaker. Learn more about the Made to Grow Project.

Laura MacLeod
madetogrowkelowna@gmail.com

Work BC Centre - Health Care Hiring Event
2023-04-13 13:00 - 15:00 | WorkBC Kelowna Centre, 107-1835 Gordon Drive, Kelowna, BC, V1Y 3H4, Canada

WorkBC - Health Care Hiring Event
2023-04-13 13:00 - 15:00 | WorkBC Kelowna Centre, 107-1835 Gordon Drive, Kelowna, BC, V1Y 3H4, Canada
This event is to support local private Health Care companies that will be marketing positions such as BC Registered Health Care Aid, Health Care Aid (non-registered), Companion/Home Support Worker, Home Support Worker/Cleaner. The wages range from $18 to $25 per hour. I have attached the poster and graphic for this event.

Building Intellectual Property Skills | Startup Global
2023-04-13 10:00 - 11:00 | Virtual
​​
This is the second of four webinars Startup Canada will host, as part of the Startup Global 2023 program. These webinars will walk you through the tools and resources you need to get your business export ready. Each webinar will provide you with the opportunity to connect with industry leaders and organizations and build foundational relationships for entering new markets!
​​ABOUT
This webinar will explore the importance of intellectual property rights in international trade and exporting. Participants will assess the nature and scope of intellectual property rights and look at the relationship between intellectual property rights and innovation.
​​EVENT DETAILS
Thursday, April 13, 2023
1 – 2 PM EST | 2 – 3 PM AST (please verify your time zone)
​​SPEAKERS
TBC
​​WHO IS THIS WEBINAR FOR?
Early-stage entrepreneurs who want to better understand intellectual property rights and how it can help protect their businesses when they scale their business abroad.
​​PARTNERS
The Startup Global program is powered by Startup Canada, co-presented by UPS, Export Development Canad

Boost Your Business - Digital Transformation Webinar
2023-04-13 10:00 - 11:00 | Virtual
Boost Your Business through Digital Transformation – Help is available to transform your business

Wondering where to start when technology is evolving so rapidly? The Canada Digital Adoption Program (CDAP) allows organizations to access up to $15,000 through the Boost Your Business Technology grant. Join our complimentary webinar with MNP to explore how businesses are using CDAP to leverage technology to standardize, streamline, and automate processes. A digital transformation can help:

Enhance customer and employee experiences
Streamline processes
Increase sales
Improve profit margins

Guest Speaker: Soumya Ghosh, Director MNP Digital

Cost: Complimentary
No cost to attend for any individual or business in the Kelowna area and the Valley, whether you are a Chamber member or non-member. Advanced registration through the Chamber website is required. Click ‘Register Here’, the link to the Webinar can be found in your confirmation email.

Building Intellectual Property Skills | Startup Global
2023-04-13 10:00 - 11:00 | BC
​​This is the second of four webinars Startup Canada will host, as part of the Startup Global 2023 program. These webinars will walk you through the tools and resources you need to get your business export ready. Each webinar will provide you with the opportunity to connect with industry leaders and organizations and build foundational relationships for entering new markets!
​​ABOUT
This webinar will explore the importance of intellectual property rights in international trade and exporting. Participants will assess the nature and scope of intellectual property rights and look at the relationship between intellectual property rights and innovation.
​​EVENT DETAILS
Thursday, April 13, 2023
1 – 2 PM EST | 2 – 3 PM AST (please verify your time zone)
​​SPEAKERS
TBC
​​WHO IS THIS WEBINAR FOR?
Early-stage entrepreneurs who want to better understand intellectual property rights and how it can help protect their businesses when they scale their business abroad.
​​PARTNERS
The Startup Global program is powered by Startup Canada, co-presented by UPS, Export Development Canada and the Trade Commissioner Service, and in partnership with eBay, Scotiabank, Google, North Forge and GS1 Canada.

Special Luncheon and Conversation with BC Finance Minister
2023-04-13 08:00 - 17:00 | Royal Anne Hotel, 348 Bernard Avenue, Kelowna, BC, V1Y 6N5, Canada
The Hon. Katrine Conroy, Minister of Finance & MLA Kootenay West will present BC’s Budget 2023 at lunchtime, Thursday April 13 at the Royal Anne Hotel. Minister Conroy will give a presentation immediately following a buffet lunch and will take questions from the audience.
This is your chance to engage with a senior member of government face to face, and get your questions answered.
About the Speaker:

Hon. Katrine Conroy, Minister of Finace & MLA Kootenay West
Katrine Conroy has represented the West Kootenays as MLA since 2005. She is the Minister of Finance and the Minister Responsible for the Columbia Basin Trust, Columbia Power Corporation and the Columbia River Treaty.
She previously served as the Minister of Forests and Minister of Children and Family Development. Katrine had a varied career before becoming a MLA and was one of BC’s first female power engineers, an early childhood educator, Executive Director of a multi service non-profit agency, a college instructor, and a small business person. Together with her late husband Ed, Katrine raised four children and has nine grandchildren and, for 42 years, has lived on their ranch in Pass Creek.

UDI Okanagan Luncheon - Going Urban with Flair - Intensification and Diversification with a Human Touch
2023-04-12 11:30 - 13:30 | Delta Grand Hotel, 1310 Water Street, Kelowna, BC, V1Y 9P3, Canada
Join us April 12, 2023 at the Delta Grand Hotel!
Larry will talk about how economic resilience and environmental sustainability are the cornerstones of a growing city.
He will share the lessons learned from his experience in Urban Planning, with an emphasis on how a city can grow and evolve, without losing the heart of the community.

UDI Okanagan Luncheon: Going Urban with Flair - Intensification and Diversification with a Human Touch
2023-04-12 11:30 - 13:30 | BC
Join us April 12, 2023 at the Delta Grand Hotel!
Larry will talk about how economic resilience and environmental sustainability are the cornerstones to a growing city.
He will share the lessons learned from his experience in Urban Planning, with an emphasis on how a city can grow and evolve, without losing the heart of the community

Federal and Provincial Government Lunch with MP Dan Albas and MLA Ben Stewart
2023-04-12 11:30 - 13:00 | The Cove Lakeside Resort, 4205 Gellatly Rd, West Kelowna, BC, V4T 2K2, Canada

UDI Webinar: Spring Tax & Legal Update
2023-04-12 09:30 - 10:30 | BC
Across BC, developers of new housing navigate taxes, fees, and the policies that drive them, generated by all levels of government. UDI has recently released the Taxing Growth: Analysing the Taxes and Fees on New Housing Development report which examines the taxes and fees associated with building new housing in BC.
Join Mark Lewis, with our Real Estate Legal Issues Committee and Paul Sullivan and Roque Hsieh, of our Property Tax Committee, to explore some of these issues and get the latest updates on the Provincial and Federal Budgets at our upcoming Spring Tax & Legal webinar.
Key topics we will explore:

Review of the Taxing Growth: Analysing the Taxes and Fees on New Housing Development
Provincial and Federal Budget Updates
Underused Housing Tax (UHT)
Empty Homes Tax (EHT)
Foreign Buyers Ban

PANELISTS:
Paul Sullivan – Principal and Regional Leader, Property Tax Complex, Ryan ULC
Roque Hsieh – Partner, Tax, KPMG Canada
Mark Lewis – Partner, Bennett Jones LLP
Anne McMullin (Moderator) – President & CEO, UDI
Enter promo code: UD!1102 to receive member pricing for the online portal.
REGISTER

Cohere + Cowork
2023-04-11 12:00 - 17:00 | 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 | 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 | BC
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 | 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 | 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 | 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 | 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 | BC
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 | BC

Financial Navigation for Indigenous Entrepreneurs
2023-03-31 13:00 - 15:00 | BC
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 | 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 | 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
