Central Okanagan Economic Development Commission

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.

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

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.

Indigenous Food Sovereignty with Jacob Beaton
2023-03-15 17:00 - 19:00 (America/Vancouver)
Do you want to learn about Indigenous Food Sovereignty? Join for an in-depth conversation with Jacob Beaton, an award-winning Indigenous entrepreneur and leader!

In this conversation we’ll be diving into what Indigenous Food Sovereignty means and how to make it a reality. Jacob Beaton, who operates Tea Creek Farm in Kitwanga, BC, will be leading the discussion and sharing his own work starting a farm that puts land-based Indigenous food sovereignty at its centre.
We’ll discuss concrete steps to fight systemic racism and how to increase our own awareness of Indigenous food sovereignty and advocate for it more broadly. We hope you can join for a rich and engaging conversation!
INDIGENOUS FOOD SOVEREIGNTY WORKSHOP DETAILS
Date: Wednesday, March 15, 2023
Time: 5pm PT, 6pm MT, 7pm CT, 8pm ET, 9pm AT
Location: Online! Link will be sent out after registration. The workshop will be hosted on Treaty 6 territory.
Cost: Tickets are offered on a sliding scale, suggested $1-$30 contribution. No one turned away for lack of funds: use code FREE in the field above to reveal a free ticket option.
Funds raised will go towards programs for new & young farmers in Canada in 2023.
The event is offered on a sliding scale payment, which means that you are able to select how much you pay to participate when you register. If you’d like to learn more, please go to “What is sliding scale payment? Why do we use it?”.

“To address Indigenous food security and sovereignty, the understanding of Indigenous worldviews and foodways is imperative. For many Indigenous communities, land is more than just property; it encompasses culture, identity, relationships, ecosystems, social systems, spirituality, and law. It is a common belief amongst Indigenous communities that their land is part of their origin story. As a result, Indigenous peoples often hold ecological and spiritual relationships with food-providing plants and animals. Knowledge and traditions on agricultural cultivation skills are often passed down through generations and rituals, songs, and ceremonies are often performed in gratitude for the co-creation of non-human beings. Rather than a ‘product’ or ‘resource’ to be exploited, food is seen as a “gift from the Creator”, which has great cultural and spiritual significance.”
(Overcoming Policy Barriers to Indigenous Food Sovereignty in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside: A Feasibility Study, Shawn Fang, Shadow Feng, Desiree Gabriel, 2021)
SPEAKER BIO
Tea Creek is operated by Jacob Beaton, an award-winning Indigenous entrepreneur and leader with previous business successes under his belt. Jacob holds the traditional name Dzap’l Gye’a̱win Skiik, meaning a busy eagle, or an eagle who gets things done.
Jacob Beaton and Jessica Ouellette were nominated and then selected by the United Nations (UN) Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) to represent Canada as Food Hero on World Food Day in 2022.
TEA CREEK FARM
Tea Creek is an award-winning Indigenous-led, culturally-safe, land-based Indigenous food sovereignty and trades training initiative.
Our vision is resilient healthy local Indigenous communities and economies built on land-based programs and abundant local food

Tea Creek transforms people’s lives by building their confidence, skills, and self-esteem. Tea Creek offers a place for Indigenous people to heal and build their skills and self-confidence. Tea Creek catalyzes livelihoods and revitalizes the ability of Indigenous nations to be self-sufficient and economically resilient.
Our Mission is to revitalize the culture of economic interdependence and food production that was a central part of life for Indigenous peoples throughout the Americas.
The Tea Creek Model is a unique, timely, and cutting-edge collection of principles, models, and systems that gets better results and delivers a wide array of valuable outcomes for Indigenous people through Food Sovereignty. The model includes our manifesto and can be adapted to suit the needs of different Nations in different locations. It naturally combines and delivers:

Physical health outcomes
Mental, spiritual, emotional health outcomes
Employment readiness and positive work outcomes
Skills training, mostly in the area of trades and administration
High food and medicine production
Cultural revitalization and strengthening

The model started with the idea that holistic hands-on learning on a farm is more effective than classroom learning for most people. We then layered in many of our learnings and business systems from past businesses where we employed Indigenous people and worked for First Nations.

Start Smart 1: Basics of Starting a Business
2023-03-15 09:00 - 12:30 (America/Vancouver)
From Registration and Licenses to Business Structure
Course Description

Starting a business? It pays to have a plan. Whether you have a winning business idea, or you’re just fascinated with the idea of launching a business, this webinar delivers a beginner-friendly course on how to start your own business. As the first half of the Start Smart two-webinar package, this webinar will help you discover what’s involved in starting your own business.
Join a representative of Small Business BC, and Brian E. Rudy, Synergy Business Lawyers for this informative webinar that will save you time and money.

What Will I Learn?

An overview of the basic requirements to start a business
Resources available to start-ups
Methods to evaluate your business idea and its viability
The differences between proprietorships, partnerships and incorporations

Presented By

Nixon Vu

Brian E. Rudy

This webinar will take place via Zoom. Instructions to join our Zoom meeting will be sent to you two hours in advance.
Please note: all webinar participants will also receive access to a recording for seven days after the live session.

Western Europe Market Insights with the Trade Commissioner Service
2023-03-14 10:00 - 11:00 (America/Vancouver)
Course Description

Thinking of exporting to Western Europe? Export Navigator will be hosting a webinar with the Trade Commissioners from Germany, Belgium, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands to discuss commercial opportunities in their respective markets.
Canadian exporters have a competitive advantage to access these opportunities due to the Canada-EU Free Trade Agreement. Learn more about how the Export Navigator and Trade Commissioner Service teams can help your business enter Western European markets by attending the presentation on Tuesday, March 14.

What Will I Learn?

Insights into trends and market-specific considerations for Germany, Belgium, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands
Learn about the support and services offered by the Trade Commissioner Service (TCS)
Exclusive networking and Q&A opportunities with in-market Trade Commissioners

Strong Bid, Smart Growth: How to Supply Goods and Services to Government
2023-03-14 10:00 - 11:00 (America/Vancouver)
Business Owners: Whether you’re a sole proprietor or corporation, you have one employee or 500 employees, you provide goods or services, you have something to offer!
Join WeBC and Procurement Assistance Canada (PAC) on March 14 for an interactive panel discussion to learn about supplying goods and services to Government.
Hear from real business owners who will share their own experiences with the procurement process and how they’ve achieved success with contracting processes.
Not sure if procurement is for you? Join us to see yourself in another’s success story!
You’ll learn:

How real business owners have successfully bid on government contracts
How to avoid common bidding mistakes
Best practices for bidding on government contracts

Join us to ask your questions and get an insider’s view of the procurement process!
March 14 | 10am to 11am PT | Free Webinar
Closed captioning will be provided for the webinar, and ASL interpretation is available upon request. Please email skillsdevelopment@we-bc.ca to request ASL interpretation.
Facilitator: Cathy Burrell, Entrepreneur in residence, WeBC
Moderator: Alexander Emesh, Policy Analyst, Business Engagement, Procurement Assistance Canada (PAC)
Panelists:

Barbara Mowat, President, GroYourBiz Ltd.
Danny Chase, Founder & CEO, Chase Office
Dawn McCooey, Certified Management Consultant

About the Moderator
Alexander Emesh has over five years of experience working in the federal government. He currently works as a Policy Analyst with Procurement Assistance Canada (PAC), where he has helped potential suppliers navigate the federal procurement process, develop the tools to find new opportunities, and understand more about federal government support.
He has also worked in Information Management, Issues Management, Veterans Affairs Canada, and the Canadian Army Reserves. He has also served as Chair of Avant Garde for over two and a half years and has helped develop Take a Break With a Network, Welcome to the Mentoship, RFP Shark Tank, Detective Disc, and the full day Becoming a Fearless Leader event. During his career, Alexander has received rewards for “Innovative Thinking”, “Award for Excellence in Response to Covid19”, “Best Pitch – Fedstarter” and has been recognized for his dedication to client service.
Alexander holds a BSc in Political Science at Arizona State University and graduated with Cum Laude. He also holds a Masters Degree in Global Security – Cybersecurity at the Center on the Future of War at Arizona State University.
About the Panelists
Barbara Mowat
Barbara is an international leader in the development of SME enterprises, who has helped tens of thousands of businesses over the past 36 years, with a special emphasis on women. She created the Uniquely Programs that assisted over 12,000 entrepreneurs access increased markets, created & owned a national magazine, a retail store, & an e-commerce site supporting small businesses. Her work has assisted entrepreneurs globally and facilitated trade throughout Canada, South-East Asia, USA, South America, Europe, Afghanistan, India and Africa. She continues to be passionate about fostering the economic growth of women all over the world, by providing women practical solutions such as having their own informal Board of Directors, through GroYourBiz™, creating MyBusinessMyBoards™ for women. Barbara also created and produces the EXCELerate conferences, which initiated the WE Empower UN SDG Challenge, where GroYourBiz™ is a lead sponsor.
Danny Chase
Chase Office Interiors was established in 2003 when the founder, Danny Chase, saw an opportunity to reinvent the client experience in the office furniture industry.
Chase entered the industry as an Indigenous owned supplier primarily servicing the federal government. The company has now evolved to become one of the fastest growing furniture companies in British Columbia.
As a member of the Kwanlin Dun First Nation, Danny is proud to lead the only 100% Indigenous owned office furniture company in Canada. Chase built it’s foundation on the promise of being highly Responsive, Easy to work with and Dependable on every client commitment. Our obsession with industry leading service focuses on creating offices people want to be in.
Dawn McCooey
Dawn McCooey is an experienced business owner and also worked with WeBC for over 15 years as a Business Advisor.
A Certified Management Consultant (CMC), Dawn completed a Master of Arts degree in Leadership and Training at Royal Roads University, and has worked with corporations, small businesses and government in organizational development and human resources management. As the owner of a career consulting company for over 18 years, Dawn managed up to 32 employees in three offices in Victoria and was voted “Best Boss in Victoria.” She is the author of the Amazon bestseller, Keeping Good Employees On Board.
Dawn brings a positive energy to her clients and to all of the projects that she undertakes. She is happiest when others succeed and has dedicated many years to supporting and promoting entrepreneurs across BC.

Understanding the fine print of global contracts
2023-03-09 09:00 - 22:00 (America/Vancouver)
Find out how to avoid the risk of international trading and protect your business with clear and concise contracts.

In our webinar, discover the key clauses every contract should include, the importance of training your employees to negotiate with supply chains and how to manage risk by leveraging trade experts.
Join us live Thursday, March 9, 2023 from 1 to 2 p.m. ET to learn:

Why well-written contracts are essential to protect your business when dealing with international buyers, sellers, and service providers
How to best leverage trade lawyers to protect your company as you grow internationally
How to select the right Incoterms to ensure a clear definition of risk, costs and responsibilities for all parties in global transactions
How to provide employees with the knowledge they need to negotiate with supply chains

Our Panel

Moderator

Heather Gray
Global Partnership Director
Export Development Canada

Speaker

Ashlee Froese
Founder
Froese Law

Leroy Lowe
CITP – Senior Consultant, Trade Education, FITT
(CITP & Incoterms 2020 Trainer Certificate)
Forum For International Trade Training

Greg Henderson
Founder & Co-Owner
ExportSPARK Services Inc.

Who should watch
Canadian exporters who want to minimize risk and protect their companies as they grow internationally.

Register for this event

Finding the right opportunities in uncertain times
2023-03-09 09:00 - 10:00 (America/Vancouver)
Planning for your business can be very difficult in today’s economy. How can you make the right decisions in the face of rising inflation, widespread labour shortages and fears of a looming economic slowdown?
Strategic planning is a key part of the answer and a valuable tool to equip you and your team to navigate these challenges. Get hands-on advice to create and execute a strategic plan and find the right opportunities to thrive.
Get expert advice on creating a roadmap for your company
Join Pierre Cléroux, Chief Economist at BDC, for an update on the labour market, inflation and interest rates, as well as the top challenges facing Canadian businesses in 2023.
He’ll be followed by Devesh Dwivedi, Senior Business Advisor, BDC Advisory Services, who will give concrete advice and answer your questions about how to develop and implement your strategic plan to guide your business and unlock opportunities amid the uncertainty.

It’s 100% free.

Register now

Why you should attend

Get the latest insights on key Canadian economic trends that will impact your business in the coming months.
Learn how to develop a strategic plan and turn it into reality with hands-on advice and practical examples to help you strengthen your competitive position.
Ask your questions in real time to get answers about the state of the economy and the right strategies to navigate the current context.

Can’t make it live? Register and we’ll send you the recording and the tools after the event.

Our experts:

Pierre Cléroux
Vice President, Research and Chief Economist, BDC
View full biography

Devesh Dwivedi
Senior Business Advisor, BDC Advisory Services
LinkedIn profile

Maria Zalazar
Director, Business Strategy, BDC Advisory Services
LinkedIn profile

Understanding the fine print of global contracts
2023-03-09 09:00 - 10:00 (America/Vancouver)
Find out how to avoid the risk of international trading and protect your business with clear and concise contracts.
In our webinar, discover the key clauses every contract should include, the importance of training your employees to negotiate with supply chains and how to manage risk by leveraging trade experts.
Join us live Thursday, March 9, 2023 from 1 to 2 p.m. ET to learn:

Why well-written contracts are essential to protect your business when dealing with international buyers, sellers, and service providers
How to best leverage trade lawyers to protect your company as you grow internationally
How to select the right Incoterms to ensure a clear definition of risk, costs and responsibilities for all parties in global transactions
How to provide employees with the knowledge they need to negotiate with supply chains

Our Panel
Moderator

Heather Gray
Global Partnership Directo
rExport Development Canada

Speaker

Ashlee Froese
Founder
Froese Law

Leroy Lowe
CITP – Senior Consultant, Trade Education, FITT
(CITP & Incoterms 2020 Trainer Certificate)
Forum For International Trade Training

Greg Henderson
Founder & Co-Owner
ExportSPARK Services Inc.

Who should watch
Canadian exporters who want to minimize risk and protect their companies as they grow internationally.

Register for this event

Female Founders Funders and Fortifiers Speaker Series
2023-03-08 16:00 - 18:00 (America/Vancouver)
Organizer: Accelerate Okanagan and BDC
Location: Sandhill Wines
Registration Link
Description:
BDC’s Thrive Venture Fund for Women, Accelerate Okanagan, and e@UBCO are thrilled to host the next edition of the Okanagan’s 4F event series. Join us on International Women’s Day at Sandhill Wines in downtown Kelowna for a celebration of gender equity and the advancement of women in technology!
This event features a panel discussion hosted by Krista Mallory of the COEDC. Krista will interview three female entrepreneurs who are at various stages of the entrepreneurial journey. Each panelist provides a diverse perspective and valuable insights from their unique experience building a business. Attendees are encouraged to stay after the panel for additional networking and peer connection.
Come celebrate the achievements of women in technology and be inspired by the entrepreneurial journeys of our panelists.
Agenda
4:00-4:30 Doors Open & Networking
4:30-4:40 Opening Welcome
4:40 – 5:15 Panel Discussion
5:15-6:00 Networking
Meet Our Moderator
Krista Mallory is the manager of the Central Okanagan Economic Development Commission, a service of the Regional District of Central Okanagan based in Kelowna BC. A believer in the power of working together, Krista supports Canada’s fastest growing metro area by developing and nurturing relationships and connecting newcomers, businesses and entrepreneurs to community resources and networks. In addition to acting as a connector, Krista leads a team of six highly skilled professionals and a 45-member Advisory Council in advancing workforce development, business retention and expansion and investment and talent attraction initiatives.
Meet Our Panelists
Vanessa Lo is a fourth-year nursing student at UBCO. She is also a research ambassador, and research assistant for The Health Informatics and Equity lab, and The Create in Immersive Technologies Graduate Training Program. She co-founded VanTech Medical, a research and development startup aimed at developing cost-effective and innovative medical devices and platforms. VanTech Medical is currently part of e@UBCO’s Mentor2Market program and the team is working on their first medical device aimed at solving the issue of difficult intravenous access.
Amanda Holyk is the Founder and CEO of iMaster Health, a MedTech startup focused on digitizing rehabilitative care for chronic health conditions. She is a certified Clinical Exercise Physiologist and has a Bachelor’s of Human Kinetics from the University of British Columbia Okanagan. Amanda’s experience working in academia and healthcare allowed her to recognize a global gap in rehabilitative care, and build a business focused on implementing technology-based solutions to reduce a major strain on the healthcare systems and improve patient’s quality of life.
Ashley Ramsay co-founded the animation studio Yeti Farm Creative in 2007. She had previously spent over a decade honing her production and business skills at leading Vancouver studios in various roles. As CEO and Momma Yeti, Ashley embodies Yeti’s core values leading the studio management team, corporate strategy, partnerships, acquisitions and intellectual properties. Ashley is extremely active with government initiatives and industry boards, serving as a Director for the Canadian Media Producers Association and as a Director on the British Columbia Business Roundtables. She is currently a board member at Accelerate Okanagan and has previously served with the Okanagan Film Commission.
Ticket includes a glass of wine and light appetizers. Please bring ID and drink responsibly.

Virtual FCC Women Entrepreneurs Summit
2023-03-08 13:00 - 15:00 (America/Vancouver)
Join us for the FCC Women Entrepreneurs Summit virtual event. Gain insights to boost your leadership skills, connect and build personal and professional growth.
This year’s speakers will inspire you to think differently about managing your finances and building resiliency in your business and everyday life.
Wednesday, March 8, 2023
10 – a.m. PST
Find the event time for your area.

St. Johns (Nfld.) | 2:30 p.m.  NST
Halifax (Atlantic) | 2 p.m. AST
Ottawa (Eastern) | 1 p.m.   EST
Winnipeg (Central) | 12 p.m. CST
Regina (Central) | 12 p.m. CST
Edmonton (Mountain) | 11 a.m. MST
Vancouver (Pacific) | 10 a.m. PST

This event will be recorded and available to registrants only for a limited time.
Register here
Agenda
10:00 am – Welcome – Katelyn Duban
10:05 am – The Power of Purpose – Zahara Al-Harazi
10:35 am – Women in Ag: Our blood, sweat, and tears too– Lauren Van Ewyk
11:15 am – You don’t need to be a millionaire to have millionaire mentality – Pattie Lovett-Reid
11:55 am – Wrap up – Katelyn Duban

Featured speakers:
Zahara Al-Harazi, Entrepreneur, Leadership Expert
The Power of Purpose
Your brand reflects your organization’s culture, and that culture reflects your purpose, daily habits and values. Leadership expert Zahra Al-Harazi will share how the key to building great companies lies in enabling learning, skills, opportunity and connection.
Pattie Lovett-Reid, Finance Expert, CTV News former Chief Financial Commentator
You Don’t Need to be a Millionaire to have Millionaire Mentality
What do the rich do differently than the rest of us? Pattie will share nine strategies affluent individuals follow to build their wealth – and how the average person can begin to incorporate these strategies into their everyday financial plan.
Lauren Van Ewyk, Psychotherapist, Registered Social Worker, Mental Health Advocate, Sheep Farmer
Women in Ag: Our blood, sweat, and tears
How do we identify as women in ag? How can we step into this identity, embrace it, and champion it? Lauren will discuss self-care and some practical strategies to embrace wellness.
Lauren Van Ewyk is an engaging speaker, registered social worker, foster mom and mental health advocate. She has appeared in numerous radio, television and print articles concerning the issues of adoption, foster care, mental wellness and mental health in the agriculture sector.
She and her husband raise sheep in southwestern Ontario. She is a doctorate student, founding member, and CEO of the National Farmer Mental Health Alliance; Lauren seeks to meet the needs of farmers and their families across Canada and the US.
Katelyn Duban, Emcee, Podcaster
Katelyn Duban, born and raised in Southern Alberta, married into agriculture in 2016. At the time, it was not her intention to be an active member of the farm but quickly found a passion for farm life. In 2018, while working in the field found herself searching for a podcast that shared the stories of the importance of women in agriculture and wound up falling short. She began working on her own podcast and in the spring of 2019, she launched The Rural Woman Podcast.
Since then, she has interviewed many incredible women in agriculture doing amazing things in the field. With close to half a million downloads, Katelyn continues to share the importance of Women in Agriculture while sharing her own story through social media under the handle @WildRoseFarmer.

WeGrowTogether: Celebrating 15 Years of Mentorship with WeBC
2023-03-07 13:00 - 15:00 (America/Vancouver) | The Innovation Centre
Over the past 15 years, more than 2,400 women have united in our Mentoring programs to share knowledge, offer support and grow their businesses together!
On the eve of International Women’s Day, join us to reunite in-person at a live event in Kelowna with the women who have supported your entrepreneurial journey. You’ll hear from a panel of local women who will share their mentorship stories and celebrate with a livestream toast with 7 communities around the province.

Meet Your Hosts

Meet the Panelists

Facilitator: Cathy Burrell, WeBC Mentor and Client Service Support
Allisha Heidt, Founder + CEO of Chickpeace Zero Waste Refillery, Kelowna
Meagan Hughes, Owner of Cottage Quilting Ltd., Kelowna
Stephanie Gaudette, Owner/Partner of UMAMI Crave the Fifth

Agenda

1:00 PM – 1:15 PM
Welcome and Reunions

1:15 PM – 1:45 PM
Livestream Celebration with Communities Around the Province

1:45 PM – 2:30 PM
Local Panel of Women Entrepreneurs

2:30 PM – 3:00 PM
Social and Giveaways

Apple Day - Growing Value with Great Apples
2023-03-07 09:00 - 15:00 (America/Vancouver) | Peachland Community Center, 4450 6th Street, Peachland, BC, Canada
When: March 7, 2023 – 9am-3pm (doors open 8:30am)
Where: Peachland Community Center 4450 6th Street, Peachland
Guest Speakers:
Terence Robinson (Cornell) – Crop Load Management
Torey Schmidt (WSU) – Spray Thinning/Evaporative Cooling
Rick Chong (World Fresh Exports) – Ambrosia Export Potential
Registration: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/growing-value-with-great-apples-tickets-536098223217?aff=ebdsoporgprofile
No Cost: Includes lunch & coffee from Bliss Bakery and PAC Points for full day
Sponsors:

BC Wine Industry Insight Conference 2023
2023-03-07 08:45 - 17:00 (America/Vancouver) | Penticton Lakeside Resort, 21 Lakeshore Dr W, Penticton, BC, V2A 7M5, Canada
Wine Growers British Columbia, in partnership with the BC Wine Grape Council, BC Grapegrowers’ Association and the BC Wine Authority, are thrilled to host the annual Insight Conference for the BC wine industry on Tuesday, March 7, 2023. This years’ conference will be hosted in person at the Penticton Lakeside Resort, on the unceded territory of the Okanagan (Syilx) People.
The annual BC wine industry Insight Conference is a forum where industry can gather and learn about important topics and issues that affect their businesses and the industry.
The 2023 BC Wine Industry Insight Conference is planned to be an in-person event, held over one day. The morning program will focus on association updates and keynote sessions relevant to the industry, followed by an afternoon of breakout sessions following three topic tracks: Wine Marketing & Sales, Oneology & Viticulture, and Leadership & Business.
This year’s theme, Forward Momentum in the BC Wine Industry encompasses an exciting and relevant line up of speaker sessions, insight presentations, and workshops designed to fortify and inspire BC wine industry professionals to ignite forward momentum in the BC wine industry. Together, our industry is stronger.

REGISTER NOW

Please note: you will be required to pre-select your afternoon breakout sessions, ensure to review the session descriptions ahead of registering to attend.

Accessing Global Talent Webinar
2023-03-02 13:00 - 14:30 (America/Vancouver)
Are you an employer interested in learning more about immigration pathways to attract and retain foreign workers? This online workshop will share up-to-date and practical information to help employers navigate international immigration programs for workforce.

Speakers:

Darcy Bromley, Outreach Officer, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada / Government of Canada
Aireen Luney, BC Provincial Nominee Program, Immigration Programs Branch

Presented by:
Venture Kamloops, Salmon Arm Economic Development Society and the Central Okanagan Economic Development Commission

The Business of Barcodes: Scanning for Success | Startup Global
2023-03-02 10:00 - 11:00 (America/Vancouver)
​This is the first 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
Barcodes are everywhere – from the food we buy, to the clothes we wear. This webinar will demystify barcodes by explaining why unique product identification is important, when your product should get a barcode, and how to set up and manage your barcodes for business.
​EVENT DETAILS
Thursday, March 2, 2023
1 – 2 PM EST | 2 – 3 PM AST (please verify your time zone)
​​SPEAKERS
Alain Picard – Advisor, Community Engagement, GS1
Kevin Kelly – Sr. Director, Subscriber Engagement & Partnership, GS1
Alexandra McCann – CoFounder, Sun Under the Sea Nutrition Inc.
​​AGENDA
1:00 PM ET | Opening Remarks & Introductions
1:05 PM ET | Presentation by GS1
1:25 PM ET | Panel Discussion
1:40 PM ET | Q&A from Attendees
1:55 PM ET | Closing Remarks
​WHO IS THIS WEBINAR FOR?
Early-stage entrepreneurs who want to better understand the business of barcoding and how it can help them 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, Trade Facilitation Office of Canada and GS1 Canada.

Startup Canada
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Contact the Host

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Uptown Rutland Business Association Annual General Meeting
2023-02-28 17:30 - 18:15 (America/Vancouver)

Greater Westside Board of Trade - 21st Annual Key Business Awards
2023-02-23 17:30 UTC
Venue
The Cove Lakeside Resort

Starts
Thu Feb 23 2023, 05:30pm PST

Register Now!

WorkBC Tourism & Hospitality Hiring Event
2023-02-23 13:00 - 15:00 (America/Vancouver) | WorkBC Kelowna Centre, 107-1835 Gordon Drive, Kelowna, BC, V1Y 3H4, Canada

OYP Coworking Day @coLab
2023-02-22 09:00 - 16:30 (America/Vancouver) | Okanagan coLab, 201-1405 St Paul Street, Kelowna, BC, V1Y 2E4, Canada
Grow your network, meet new people and get out of the house to work with us at Okanagan coLab!
About this event:
Looking to switch up your work-from-home routine? We’re partnering with the Okanagan coLab to offer you the chance to try a free day of coworking!
During the day, you’ll experience a taste of coworking, as well as some of coLab’s events where you can learn, share and network – and we’ll have a few OYP surprises!
What to expect:
You’ll be sitting at a workstation near fellow young professionals, all working independently – so 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.
8 a.m. Doors Open
Come in anytime and get set up (Psst..you don’t have to come this early, you are welcome to get those extra zzz’s and join later in the morning), Or come check out our monthly coffee social from 8-9 a.m. in Affinity Hall!
12 p.m. BYOL
Bring your own lunch, or pick one up from one of the many fantastic local cafes and get to know others from the coworking community.
5 p.m. – Doors Close
Finish your day whenever you choose. coLab doors close at 5 p.m.
The day will also be filled with delicious snacks and a few surprises!
____
Why Coworking?
Coworking is a shared but independent working environment. One of the greatest benefits of coworking is that it provides a wider range of networking opportunities. Other benefits of coworking include:

Increased productivity
Boosts creativity
Provides collaboration opportunities
Offers greater flexibility
Provides a sense of belonging and purpose

About Okanagan coLab
coLab is so much more than just coworking – it’s community and culture! Since 2011, Okanagan coLab has been supporting new entrepreneurs and inspired creative professionals to work in a new way — through coworking. We are a community of people who choose to work together to make our work, our lives, our cities, and our communities better.
The coLab has been home to hundreds of people — helping them find their career paths, start and grow a business, and be a part of an amazing community. Being a coworking space means we live through values of Community, Creativity, Collaboration, Productivity, and Fun.
About OYP Collective
The Okanagan Young Professionals (OYP) Collective is a program of the Central Okanagan Economic Development Commission and a hub of resources to help build community and create opportunities for young people. There’s no membership, and we don’t sell anything (other than why it’s so great to live here). All are welcome to join in (i.e. we don’t I.D.) to connect with other awesome young professionals in our community!
REGISTER

Young Professional Coffee Social
2023-02-22 08:00 - 09:00 (America/Vancouver) | Okanagan coLab, 201-1405 St Paul Street, Kelowna, BC, V1Y 2E4, Canada
Connect with new friends and other young professionals in a casual, friendly environment at an in-person Coffee Social held in Okanagan coLab‘s lounge this month.
Drop in anytime from 8 – 9 a.m. to meet great people.
Beverages and snacks are on us this month!

Not sure if you should come to a Coffee Social? Join us if you are:

New to town
Born and raised in the Okanagan
A fresh face to the business
Under forty
Over forty (don’t worry, we don’t i.D.)
Someone who needs caffeine to start their day
Looking to make new friends, reconnect in the community, or expand your network
Hungry (did we mention the delicious treats?)

The Okanagan Young Professionals (OYP) Collective is a program of the COEDC, and a hub of resources to help attract and retain talent in the region. There’s no membership and we don’t sell anything (other than why it’s so great to live here). All are welcome to come out and join to connect with other awesome young professionals in our community!

REGISTER ON EVENTBRITE

Young Professional Night Out: At The Opera
2023-02-17 18:45 - 21:00 (America/Vancouver) | Rotary Center for the Arts, 421 Cawston Avenue, Kelowna, BC, V1Y 6Z1, Canada
Check out the incredible art form of opera at this modern, original performance – join us for special night out with exclusive perks for those who attend as part of our group!
We’ve partnered with Opera Kelowna to offer a special night out at the The Book of My Shames on Friday, February 17. This performance combines rapid-fire monologues and personal confessions in a cabaret-style performance. It packs a great deal into 90-minutes: the work moves subtly between moments of monologue and music infused with honesty, pain, charm and humour.
Only 20 tickets available!

For OYP Registrants Only:

Hang out with a cool group of other young professionals
Discounted ticket price (5% off tickets)
Guaranteed entry to the post-show cocktail hour hosted by Friends of Dorothy
A free drink at cocktail hour! (must be 19+ and have i.d.)

About the Show
Charismatic Canadian tenor, writer, and composer Isaiah Bell guides the audience through the permutations of a life defined by what it’s missing — or, as he calls it, ‘The Story of a Hole’. Persistent emptiness of heart drives a young man out from the shadow of a restrictive fundamentalist community, into obsessive passions for bad men, and onward to a successful but strangely hollow life on the stage. The story is both intensely personal and a site for asking one of life’s common, aching questions: How can we find meaning in existence when the goals keep shifting?
Isaiah’s original score for voice and piano is complemented by violin, cello, and percussion ensemble.
Please note that this work deals with mature issues.

Schedule
6:45 p.m. (optional) Pre-Performance Talk will be presented by Rosemary Thomson, Music Director for Opera Kelowna
7:30 p.m. Performance starts and runs until roughly 9:00 pm
After that… Attendees are welcome to join us for a post-show cocktail hour hosted by the fabulous Friends of Dorothy lounge, in the RCA directly following the performance! (Space is first come first serve, except for OYP registrants – you’re guaranteed a spot!

About OYP Collective
The Okanagan Young Professionals (OYP) Collective is a program of the Central Okanagan Economic Development Commission, and a hub of resources to help build community and create opportunities for young people. There’s no membership and we don’t sell anything (other than why it’s so great to live here). All are welcome to join in (ie. we don’t I.D.) to connect with other awesome young professionals in our community!

How to Register:

Click the link below to go to the ticketing page
Select your tickets
Use code YPNIGHTOUT to register as part of our group, get your discount and other perks!

Please note: by using this promo code you are agreeing to share your name and contact information with Opera Kelowna and Okanagan Young Professionals Collective. We will not use this information to spam you, but to contact you before the event with instructions of how to meet up with the group.
GET TICKETS

Greater Westside Board of Trade - February Business After Hours
2023-02-16 17:00 - 19:00 UTC
Join us on Thursday, February 16 from 5-7pm at Wing’s for a great evening of networking, local food and drink and some great prizes.
Advance registration is recommended.

Venue
Wing’s West Kelowna

Starts
Thu Feb 16 2023, 05:00pm PST

Ends
Thu Feb 16 2023, 07:00pm PST

Register Now!

Running a Business During a Financial Downturn: Tips from Women Who Have Been There
2023-02-14 10:00 - 11:00 (America/Vancouver)
If you’re feeling nervous about the future, then you’re not alone. The past few years haven’t been easy for many businesses and now economists are forecasting that tough financial times will continue.
Even if you know a downturn is coming, how do you plan for it? On February 14, join us to hear from women business owners who experienced past recessions and have made it out the other side.
In this free interactive session, we’ll talk about survival tactics and answer some key questions, including:

Why should you plan for financial hardships?
What can you do when the business slows down?
What does it mean to pivot?
Where can you get support for your business?

By the end of the session, you will feel more confident about taking charge of the factors you can control, and understand where you can turn to for support.
February 14 | 10am to 11am PT | Free Webinar
Our WeCafés are always free and open to everyone!
A recording will be available after the session.
Facilitator: Cathy Burrell, Entrepreneur in Residence, WeBC
Panelists:

Tara Black, WeBC Regional Ambassador and Owner, Origin Gluten-Free Bakery
Sherry Moir, WeBC Mentor and Realtor, RE/MAX LifeStyles Realty
Paula Veenema, Owner/Director, The Spa Magnolia

Blogging to Promote Your Business
2023-02-14 09:00 - 12:00 UTC
Building a Content Strategy with Blogs
Course Description

Blogging allows a business to easily create and share valuable and relevant content with their target audience. Whether it’s blogging, social media or newsletters, content marketing is critical for entrepreneurs looking to promote their business in a budget-conscious manner.
Join Ashley “WriterGal” Doan, Writergal Marketing Services, and learn how to increase visitors to your site organically and keep them there longer by publishing great content. Takeaways from this interactive session include a workbook containing a content calendar, a content recycling planner, blogging tools and more to help you create a content strategy that will be easy execute.

What Will I Learn?

Five keys to writing for the internet and your audience
Time-saving strategies to save time and effort
How to create eye-catching headlines
Ways to incorporate blogging into your content marketing strategy

Presented By

Ashley “WriterGal” Doan

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

Navigating the Loans Process for Indigenous Entrepreneurs
2023-02-09 13:00 - 15:00 UTC
How to create a successful loan application for an Indigenous-owned business
Course Description

According to a recent report, Indigenous business ownership is increasing at five times the rate of non-Indigenous businesses. Despite this explosive growth, many Indigenous entrepreneurs still face challenges in securing the loans they need to start and grow their business. If you’re an Indigenous entrepreneur, knowing where to apply, and what to include in your application, will make all the difference in creating a successful loan application.
Join representatives from Community Futures Network of British Columbia and Indigenous Business Development Services for this informative webinar as we share information on navigating the loans process. You’ll discover where to get support and how to access loans, we’ll review loan applications to gain crucial insights, and we’ll share key tips on what lenders are looking for.

What Will I Learn?

The core elements of a loan application and key inclusions for successful applications
Where you can access loans and best options for your business
Review loan applications and identify successful applicants
Community Futures around BC, what they do and how to connect with them

Presented By

Mike Racz

Rocio Zielinski

Shannon Smith

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.
