Central Okanagan Economic Development Commission

CRA: Benefits and Credits for Newcomers
2025-07-24 14:00 - 15:30 (America/Vancouver) | KCR Office
A representative from the Canada Revenue Agency will join KCR to provide valuable information for work and student permit holders about the benefits available to newcomers. They will explain how to take advantage of various credit programs, and you’ll have the opportunity to ask questions.
Register today!

ConneXpo 2025
2025-07-24 17:00 - 19:00 | KF Centre for Excellence
The Kelowna Chamber is thrilled to present ConneXpo 2025, our premier a one-of-a-kind business trade show, expo, and networking event all in one.
Register on their website.

Job Club
2025-07-30 13:30 - 15:00, 2025-08-06 13:30 - 15:00, 2025-08-13 13:30 - 15:00, 2025-08-20 13:30 - 15:00, 2025-08-27 13:30 - 15:00 | KCR Office
KCR’s Job Club is a networking activity for newcomers who are seeking employment, brushing up on their job search skills, researching on local job market trends, and needing job support from KCR’s best employment specialists.
Register today.

Biz 101: Start Smart – Business Structures & Tax Basics for Entrepreneurs
2025-07-31 09:30 - 11:30 | KCR Office
Join KCR to learn how to name and register my business. Where can I get funding? What kind of licenses do I need? In this workshop, they will uncover how to make your business official: The pros and cons of different types of business structures, they will guide you through the process of naming and registering your business, provide information on taxes, licenses, and permits, guide you in building your online presence, and explore potential funding sources for your business.
Register today!

The Founder & Investor Social: Kelowna Rooftop Networking for Entrepreneurs
2025-08-03 17:00 - 21:00 | kelowna innovation centre
Whether you’re scaling your short-term rentals, raising capital for your next project, or building a business that’s ready to level up, this event is your chance to connect with people who speak your language.
Get your tickets on Eventbrite!

Learn to Use Ready Rating: Emergency preparedness planning for businesses and organizations
2025-08-13 10:00 - 11:00 | Zoom
Introduction to a free online emergency preparedness planning platform for businesses and organizations to improve emergency preparedness and response
Register today!

Young Professional Ice Cream Social
2025-08-19 04:00 - 18:00 | Sandrine French Pastry & Chocolate Lakeshore – Patisserie & Cafe, 3275 Lakeshore Road #101, Kelowna, BC, V1W 3S9, Canada
Instead of our usual coffee social, we’re mixing things up with an Ice Cream Social — a casual and fun way to network with young professionals and enjoy a treat together.
Here’s what to expect:
The first 50 attendees will receive either a gelato cup or a cold/hot Americano — on us — from the amazing Sandrine French Pastry and Chocolate on Lakeshore road!
No Entrance Fee: Joining us is free!
Come When You Can: Drop by anytime between 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm. Stay for a quick chat or linger longer over your gelato — the pace is yours to set.
Event Details:

Date: Tuesday, August 19th, 2025
Time: Drop in anytime from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm.
Location: 3275 Lakeshore Rd #101, Kelowna, BC V1W 3S9
Register: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/young-professional-ice-cream-social-tickets-1538180933579?aff=oddtdtcreator

Whether you’re in the mood for something sweet or a caffeine boost, we’ve got you covered.
Not sure if you should come to our Ice Cream Social? Join us if you are:

New to town
Born and raised in the Okanagan
A fresh face to business
Under forty
Over forty (don’t worry, we don’t i.D.)
Someone who likes ice cream
Someone who doesn’t like ice cream (it’s optional to go buy)
Looking to make new friends, reconnect in the community, or expand your network

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!

Casual Tuesdays Networking at Famoso
2025-08-19 16:00 - 18:00 | Famoso Italian Pizzeria
Break free of your office and join Future of Productivity at Famoso for Casual Tuesdays Networking on August 19, 4-6 PM.

Startup Drinks
2025-08-20 16:00 - 18:30 | The Innovation Centre
Join Accelerate Okanagan for happy hour on Wednesday, August 20th. No presentations, sales pitches, or stress, this event is a fun and casual networking opportunity with good conversations and great people. The best part? You don’t have to worry about the bill! ATB Wealth and Terrasense have you covered with delicious drinks and bites from Kettle River Brewing and Provision Kitchen.
Register on Eventbrite!

Navigating CUSMA: Tariffs, Tax Remission, Origin Rules and How to Strengthen Your Compliance
2025-08-21 08:30 - 12:00 | Coast Capri Hotel, 1171 Harvey Avenue, Kelowna, BC, V1Y 6E8, Canada
Join the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade in Kelowna for a half-day, in-person workshop designed for B.C. exporters. This timely session will help you better understand and apply CUSMA trade rules, including tariffs, tax remission programs, and origin documentation.
Register on their website.

Connectee Info Session - Get Connected in the Central Okanagan
2025-08-27 12:00 - 13:00 | Online
Are you new to the Central Okanagan and looking to grow your professional network? The Connector Program, powered by the Central Okanagan Economic Development Commission (COEDC), helps newcomers, students, and professionals build connections through warm, one-on-one introductions with established business and community leaders.
This free program is for you if you are:

New to the Central Okanagan (from Canada or abroad)
A recent or soon-to-be post-secondary graduate
Someone who relocated here for a spouse or partner’s career
Returning to the region and eager to re-establish connections

At this short info session, you’ll learn:

How the program works
Who is eligible to apply
What to expect as a Connectee
How networking opens doors to the hidden job market
How to apply

Take the first step toward building your Okanagan network – register today!
This event is just for those new to the Connector Program. If you’ve already applied or participated in the past but would like to attend please contact us at connector@investkelowna.com.
Register on Eventbrite for free – Get Connected in the Central Okanagan Tickets, Wed, Aug 27, 2025 at 12:00 PM | Eventbrite

Connect + Collab Business Mixer - Scaling Business Sustainable Success
2025-09-09 17:30 - 20:00 | Sandhill Wines
Network, exchange ideas, and connect with like-minded entrepreneurs. Expand your circle, spark collaborations & be inspired.
Register on Eventbrite.

Connect + Collab [Scaling Smart: Sustainable Growth] Business Mixer
2025-09-10 17:30 - 20:00 | Downtown Kelowna
Where entrepreneurs and professionals network, share insights, and spark powerful collaborations for growth and success!
Register on Eventbrite.

Okanagan Business Women Social Meet
2025-09-11 15:00 - 17:00 | Mission Creek Golf Club
Okanagan Business Women getting together to connect, network and have fun.
Register on Eventbrite.

Climate Action Training for Kelowna Businesses
2025-09-16 10:00 - 23:00, 2025-09-23 10:00 - 23:00, 2025-09-30 10:00 - 23:00, 2025-10-07 10:00 - 23:00 | Online
GreenStep, in collaboration with The City of Kelowna, has launched the GreenStep Climate Action Program, a free four-part training series built for Kelowna business owners and leaders who want to reduce costs, strengthen their operations, and show real climate leadership. Aligned to the City of Kelowna’s Climate Resilient Strategy and delivered by sustainability experts at GreenStep, this hands-on program gives business leaders the tools and personalized coaching to assess their green practices and identify new steps they can take.
Learn more and register today – https://greenstep.ca/climate-action-training-kelowna

Young Professional Coffee Social
2025-09-17 08:00 - 09:30 | kelowna innovation centre
Fuel your morning with caffeine and conversation. We’re excited to collaborate with the Innovation Centre to host a Coffee Social on their iconic rooftop on Wednesday, Sept 17, from 8:00 to 9:30 AM. Join us for a morning of coffee, conversation, and networking—all with a stunning view.
We’re also excited to feature the Boa Vida Coffee Cart, serving up a delicious selection of handcrafted drinks made to order. Whether you’re a coffee enthusiast or prefer something non-caffeinated, there’s something for everyone to sip and savor.
Here’s What You Need to Know:
No Entrance Fee: Joining us is free! Coffee and snacks will be provided.
Come When You Can: Drop by anytime between 8:00 – 9:30 a.m. Stay for a quick chat or linger longer over your coffee — the pace is yours to set.
Event Details:

Date: Wednesday, Sept 17th, 2025
Time: Drop in anytime from 8:00 – 9 :30 a.m.
Location: The Innovation Centre Rooftop – 460 Doyle Ave, Kelowna, BC V1Y 0C2
Register: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/young-professional-coffee-social-tickets-1632762479529?aff=oddtdtcreator

Who’s welcome?

Just moved to town? Perfect, meet your first friends here!
Grew up in the Okanagan? Be the guide for newcomers.
New to the business world or a seasoned professional? Share stories and insights.
Whether you’re under forty, over forty (and yes, we don’t check IDs), or anywhere in-between, you’re welcome.
Need that morning caffeine fix to kickstart your day? We get it, and we’ve got you covered.
Looking to make new friends, find your community footing again, or broaden your professional network? You’re in the right place
No membership, no sales pitches, just genuine connections. We’re here to celebrate what makes living in the Okanagan great.
The OYP Collective, part of the COEDC, is your gateway to connecting with other dynamic young professionals in our community.

To learn more about the Innovation Centre, visit https://kelownainnovationcentre.com/
To learn more about Boa Vida Coffee Cart, visit https://boavidacoffeecart.ca/
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!

Manufacturing Excellence Forum - Kelowna
2025-09-17 08:00 - 17:00 | Best western plus Kelowna Hotel & Suites
Discover, connect, and innovate at EMC’s Manufacturing Excellence Forum—a gathering of industry leaders, innovators, and decision-makers from across Canada’s manufacturing sector.
Whether you’re seeking solutions to workforce challenges, exploring emerging technologies, or looking to grow your manufacturing network, this event is your opportunity to engage directly with thought leaders and industry peers shaping the future of Canadian manufacturing.
Register now – Manufacturing Excellence Forum – Kelowna – EMC Canada

Women in Skilled Trades BC Symposium 2025
2025-09-22 08:00 - 16:30 | 2041 Harvey Ave
The Women in Skilled Trades (WiST) Project by Skills for Change is a national initiative aimed at empowering newcomer women by providing them with the necessary skills, knowledge, and connections to enter the skilled trades industry.
The Kelowna Symposium 2025, in partnership with SICA (Southern Interior Construction Association) and BCCA (British Columbia Construction Association), funded in part by the Government of Canada, will feature leadership training, networking opportunities, industry insights, and mental health support to help women navigate and thrive in skilled trades careers. It will take place at Kelowna Events Centre on September 22nd from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm.
Register on Eventbrite!

Get Connected in the Central Okanagan
2025-09-24 12:00 - 12:30 | Online
Are you new to the Central Okanagan and looking to grow your professional network? The Connector Program, powered by the Central Okanagan Economic Development Commission (COEDC), helps newcomers, students, and professionals build connections through warm, one-on-one introductions with established business and community leaders.
Register on Eventbrite – Get Connected in the Central Okanagan Tickets, Wed, Sep 24, 2025 at 12:00 PM | Eventbrite
This free program is for you if you are:

New to the Central Okanagan (from Canada or abroad)
A recent or soon-to-be post-secondary graduate
Someone who relocated here for a spouse or partner’s career
Returning to the region and eager to re-establish connections

At this short info session, you’ll learn:

How the program works
Who is eligible to apply
What to expect as a Connectee
How networking opens doors to the hidden job market
How to apply

Take the first step toward building your Okanagan network – register today!
This event is just for those new to the Connector Program. If you’ve already applied or participated in the past but would like to attend please contact us at connector@investkelowna.com.

KF Aerospace Career Fair
2025-09-24 15:00 - 18:30 | KF Aerospace
Date: Wednesday, September 24
Time: 3:00 – 6:30 p.m.
Location: KF Aerospace West Hangar, 5650 Aerospace Drive, Kelowna, BC
Parking: Free on-site parking
Extras: Tours and prize draw
No registration required.

Become a Connector in the Central Okanagan
2025-09-25 11:30 - 12:00 | Online
Want to make a big impact with a small time commitment? The Connector Program, powered by the Central Okanagan Economic Development Commission (COEDC), links newcomers, students, and professionals with established community and business leaders like you.
As a Connector, you simply meet (virtually or in person) with a Connectee for a 45–60 minute conversation about your career, industry, and local insights. Afterward, you introduce them to more people in your network. That’s it—just a few introductions can open doors and help someone build a meaningful professional future here in the Okanagan.
Register on Eventbrite – https://www.eventbrite.com/e/become-a-connector-in-the-central-okanagan-tickets-1612045925759?aff=oddtdtcreator
This free info session is designed for professionals who are:

Well-networked in the Central Okanagan
Interested in giving back to the community
Passionate about helping newcomers and recent post-secondary graduates succeed
Looking for a simple, flexible way to support regional workforce development

At this session, you’ll learn:

What it means to be a Connector
The simple process and time commitment involved
Why your network is a powerful tool for community growth
How to get started as a volunteer Connector

Open doors. Share your network. Strengthen our community.

Fall Job Fair
2025-10-02 10:00 - 14:00 | Kelowna Downtown Library
Your next career opportunity is waiting for you! Join KCR at the Fall Job Fair to meet local employers, explore job opportunities, and take the next step in your career. Don’t miss out on making connections that count!
Register on Eventbrite.

BDC / EMC Economic Outlook for Manufacturers
2025-10-06 13:00 - 14:00 | Online
Join Pierre Cléroux, Vice President, Research, and Chief Economist at BDC – Canada’s development bank – for the latest on the state of the Canadian economy, manufacturing, and highlights from BDC’s recently released Productivity study: Canadian Entrepreneurs on Productivity.
