Central Okanagan Economic Development Commission

AI Workshops for Economic Developers
2025-01-28 10:00 - 11:00 (America/Vancouver) | zoom event, Canada
Join ETSI-BC for a series of three one-hour online workshops to introduce economic developers to the transformative power of artificial intelligence (AI) and its practical applications in economic development. The goal is to provide participants with the foundational knowledge and action strategies necessary to implement applied AI solutions.
Register here!

Young Professional Coffee Social
2025-01-29 08:00 - 09:30 | Sncewips Heritage Museum and Gift Store, 525 British Columbia 97 #Unit 260, Westbank, British Columbia, V1Z 4C9, Canada
Kick off the new year with our first Coffee Social of the year, combining networking, community connection, and exploring the syilx culture and heritage!
Join us at Sncewips Heritage Museum on Jan 29th from 8:00 to 9:30 am to expand your professional and social network. You will enjoy a guided tour of the museum from 9:00 to 9:30 am to learn about the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territory of the syilx people. As an Indigenous owned and operated business, the museum holds space for syilx voices, connects our community, and maintains a safe space for open, honest conversation.
Register on Eventbrite – https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/young-professional-coffee-social-tickets-1118134262679?aff=erele

LEVEL UP – AI Summit Series
2025-01-30 12:00 - 17:00 | The Laurel Packinghouse, 1304 Ellis Street, Kelowna, BC, V1Y 1Z8, Canada
If you missed the AI Summit or couldn’t attend, now’s your chance to catch up on gaining knowledge and tools to put AI to work in your business so you can leverage more from the people you have and focus on growing your business. Join Csek Creative at the Laurel Packinghouse for a dynamic half-day event featuring a special screening and recap of Peter H. Diamandis.
Register here!

Business Made Social February
2025-02-04 17:00 - 19:00 | Royal Canadian Legion #69, Peachland, 4407 2 St,, Peachland, British Columbia, V0H 1X7, Canada

In the Field: Experiences and Tips from CanadaGAP Experts
2025-02-05 09:00 - 11:00 | Online
Get prepped for CanadaGAP certification with practical insights from certification experts!
In this online session, a panel of experts will help you build on your knowledge of CanadaGAP certification by sharing experiences and peer-to-peer tips for success.
To learn more and register, visit Eventbrite.

Road to Web Summit Vancouver: Kick-Off for B.C. Startups
2025-02-05 12:00 - 13:00 | Zoom
Web Summit — one of the world’s leading tech and innovation conferences — is coming to Vancouver this May, offering an unprecedented opportunity for B.C. startups to connect with a global community of investors, entrepreneurs, media and industry leaders.
​This one-hour virtual kick-off event will provide an exclusive first look at the Road to Web Summit Vancouver, Powered by Innovate BC (R2WSV), an initiative created to help B.C. startups maximize their Web Summit Vancouver experience and capitalize on its potential to support their growth.
Learn more and register one their website.

Assistive Technology Services Webinar
2025-02-05 12:30 - 13:00 | Zoom
Find out how the WorkBC Assistive Technology Services program, operated by Neil Squire, can benefit you and your employees. Join Marketing Manager, Nate Toevs, each week for a webinar on the following topics:

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

When: Wednesday, 12:30pm to 1:00pm.
Register here!

Casual Tuesday Networking at Red Bird in Kelowna
2025-02-11 16:00 - 18:00 | Red Bird Brewing
Back by popular demand, Future of Productivity has reserved several tables at Red Bird Brewing in Kelowna for Tuesday, February 11, from 4pm to 6pm.
Register on Eventbrite!

Okanagan Business Women Social Meet
2025-02-13 15:00 - 17:00 | Kelly O’Bryan’s Neighbourhood Restaurant, 262 Bernard Ave, Kelowna, British Columbia, V1Y 6N4, Canada
Okanagan Business Women getting together to connect and network.

Register on Eventbrite

Business Bootcamp
2025-02-22 09:00 - 16:30 | UBCO | Okanagan Campus
Get ready to ignite your potential at KWIB’s Second Annual Business Bootcamp!
This dynamic event is designed to empower and inspire. It offers 12 powerful sessions covering business strategy, personal growth, marketing, and finance. Whether you want to elevate your skills, expand your network, or gain actionable insights, this Bootcamp has it all. Join them for a day of learning, connection and transformation—you won’t want to miss it!
Register here!

Learn N Go February
2025-02-22 10:00 - 11:30 | Peachland Chamber, 5878 Beach Ave, Peachland, BC, V0H 1X7, Canada

Young Professional Coffee Social
2025-02-27 08:00 - 09:30 | Pulp Fiction Coffee House
Whether you are eager to start your day with a dose of caffeine, hungry for some delectable snacks, or looking to grow your social and professional circles, let’s brew up some new connections!
In February, we are returning to Kelowna’s most unique coffee shop – Pulp Fiction!
Mingle with new friends and fellow young professionals in a casual and friendly setting – this isn’t your traditional networking event.
Register on Eventbrite!
Here’s What You Need to Know:
No Entrance Fee: Joining us is free! You set your budget – beverages and snacks can be purchased from Pulp Fiction Coffee House, allowing you to enjoy their delicious offerings while you network.
Come When You Can: Drop by anytime between 8:00 – 9:30 am. Stay for a quick chat or linger longer over your coffee — the pace is yours to set.
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.
Feeling peckish? Pulp Fiction Coffee House has treats that are hard to resist.

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!

Commerce ConneX - University of British Columbia - Kelowna Campus
2025-02-27 17:00 - 19:00 | UBC Okanagan Campus
Cap off the day with the UBCO Commerce ConneX networking event from 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm, where you’ll discover the potential of local businesses collaborating with UBC Okanagan to advance innovation, workforce development, and entrepreneurial success.
Learn more and register on their website.

Sustainable Success - Adapting and Thriving as a Central Okanagan Business
2025-02-28 09:00 - 12:00 | Central Okanagan Economic Development Commission, 1450 KLO Road, Kelowna, BC, V1W 3P6, Canada
Community Futures is pleased to present the first session of our Sustainable Business Leadership Series with Angela Nagy of GreenStep, and hosted by the Central Okanagan Economic Development Commission. Join them for this dynamic workshop followed by a light lunch.
Learn more and register on Eventbrite!

Business Made Social March 2025
2025-03-06 17:00 - 2025-04-12 19:00 | Peachland Chamber, 5878 Beach Ave, Peachland, BC, V0H 1X7, Canada

Launchpad for Women presents: Entrepreneur Bootcamp
2025-03-07 10:00 - 12:00 | Zoom
Are you interested in the possibility of owning your own business one day?
Do you self-identify as woman or non-binary folk?
Invest NOW in your future!
This free bootcamp offers essential tools and strategies for launching a successful business in a 2.5 hour intensive workshop. Key topics include:
-Using a Minimum Viable Product for efficient testing and growth
-Understanding the nine key components to go from business idea to business model
-Conducting customer discovery and market research
-Setting goals for success
-Tracking metrics for informed decision-making

Register to join here!

Webinar: The Ready Rating Program
2025-03-12 11:00 - 12:00 | Online
Join BCEDA and the Canadian Red Cross to learn about the Ready Rating™ Program, a free service for organizations to make sure they are safe and ready.
Ready Rating™ helps businesses, schools and organizations become better prepared for disasters and other emergencies. All in one place, Ready Rating Members have access to one-of-a-kind tools, resources and information for evaluating and improving their ability to withstand disaster, maintain operations, and protect lives and property. Whether organizations are taking their first steps or have a fully-functioning emergency management program, the Ready Rating program can help them achieve a higher level of preparedness.
Register for this free webinar to help your community’s businesses become better prepared.
Register now!

Business After Hours - Lake Country Chamber of Commerce
2025-03-12 17:30 - 19:00 | Interior Savings Credit Union, 185 Rutland Rd S, Kelowna, British Columbia, V1X 2Z3

Spring Hiring Fair 2025
2025-03-14 10:00 - 14:00 | KCR Community Resources
Join us to meet with employers from the community and have a chance to discuss available positions within different companies.

Raising Capital – Webinar Series
2025-03-20 11:00 - 12:00 | Webinar
Starting in February, Garibaldi Capital Advisors will hold a six-part webinar series led by Geoffrey Hansen, a seasoned expert in capital raising. As a partner at Garibaldi Capital Advisors for over seven years, Geoffrey brings valuable insights and practical strategies, that is backed by over 30 years of experience in the tech industry.
After attending this webinar series, you’ll gain the knowledge to answer key questions such as how to determine the right amount of capital to raise, the most effective ways to connect with investors, where to find investors interested in your venture, and how to maximize your interactions with investors to drive long-term success.
Learn more and register on their website.

AI Workshops for Economic Developers
2025-03-25 10:00 | Zoom
Join us for a series of three one-hour online workshops to introduce economic developers to the transformative power of artificial intelligence (AI) and its practical applications in economic development. The goal is to provide participants with the foundational knowledge and action strategies necessary to implement applied AI solutions.
Workshop 3 is on Starting with Applied AI for your Workday
To learn more and register, click here!

Navigating Trade Challenges
2025-04-03 09:30 - 12:00 | Coast Capri Hotel, 1171 Harvey Avenue, Kelowna, BC, V1Y 6E8, Canada
We are excited to host two insightful events on April 3rd to help businesses navigate trade challenges. The events include an industry roundtable from 8:00 AM to 9:30 AM, followed by an open panel presentation titled “Navigating Trade Challenges” with experts from 9:30 AM to 12:00 PM. This day is an excellent opportunity for entrepreneurs and businesses to learn directly from industry experts and gain valuable insights into the resources and support available to help navigate trade challenges.
The industry round table is your chance to voice the real-world impacts on your industry and operations. We want to hear directly from you, the businesses at the forefront. Your insights will be shared with senior levels of government, ensuring your experiences help to shape future policies and programs. The panel discussion will be a deep dive into the complexities of tariffs with valuable insights from industry experts and your peers. This session promises to equip the business community with the knowledge and strategies to address trade barriers and implement effective solutions.
Panel discussion will kick off with a virtual economic outlook presentation by Pierre Cleroux, Chief Economist at BDC, titled “Economic Outlook 2025: Trends and Insights for Entrepreneurs.” The panel discussion will be moderated by Ryan P. Malcolm, Director of Indigenous Relations at Emil Anderson Construction and will feature a distinguished lineup of experts who will share their insights on navigating trade challenges. The panel will include:
Serena Ko, Deputy Director and Trade Commissioner at Global Affairs Canada
Adam Hutchens,CPA,CA,CIRP, Senior Manager at Export Development Canada
Mark Burleigh, President of Northside Industries Inc.
Alisha McFetridge, CEO of RainStick
The panel discussion aims to equip businesses with the knowledge and tools needed to navigate the complexities of trade, offering practical advice and real-world examples from industry leaders. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with the panelists during a dedicated Q&A session, making this a valuable event for entrepreneurs and businesses looking to thrive in the current trade environment.
To register, visit Eventbrite. Both the events will be held at Coast Capri Hotel, Ballroom B – 1171 Harvey Ave, Kelowna, BC V1Y 6E8.
If your organization or business is interested in participating in the round table, please reach out to the COEDC team for more information at info@investkelowna.com.

Dust Hazard Analysis 2-Day Certificate Course
2025-04-09 08:00 - 2025-04-10 17:00 | BC
In this 2-day certificate session, learn to complete a Dust Hazard Analysis for your organization to meet the requirements of NFPA 652 and to help prepare for the anticipated updates to the OHS Regulation for BC businesses that handle or generate potentially combustible dust. This training in Kelowna is the only location offering DHA certification in BC/Canada at a great rate to help support BC businesses.
https://safetyalliancebc.ca/makeitsafe/session/dust-hazard-analysis-2-day-certificate-course-miso2025/
$499/ Member
$599/ Non-Member

MIS Okanagan - Kelowna
2025-04-10 07:30 - 16:30 | Coast Capri Hotel, 1171 Harvey Avenue, Kelowna, BC, V1Y 6E8, Canada
Join industry members at Make It Safe Okanagan where you can train your JHSC close to home, make new connections and see what’s new in safety. Take back practical skills and ideas you can use and network with industry leaders and peers while creating new contacts with companies that can assist you with your health & safety journey. From Navigating Transitions in Life and Work to Getting Action on Committee Recommendations and The Business Side of Safety, MIS Okanagan offers a variety of sessions which support your JHSC, Safety, HR and Leadership teams.

Young Professional Happy Hour Social
2025-04-22 16:30 - 18:30 | Red Bird Brewing
The OYP Collective is excited to collaborate with JCI Kelowna to bring you a Happy Hour Social. Connect with new friends and other young professionals in a casual, friendly environment at this social at Red Bird Brewing!
If you’ve been to our coffee socials, it’s kind of like them… but at the end of your workday.
There is no cost to attend, but beverages and food will be available for purchase through Red Bird Brewing.
We do have a maximum capacity, so register ASAP to save your seat! Then drop in anytime from 4:30 pm – 6:30 pm to meet new friends!
Not sure if you should come to a Happy Hour Social? Join us if you are:

New to town
Born and raised in the Okanagan
A fresh face to business
Under forty
Over forty (we love everyone!)
Someone who wants to unwind at the end of the day
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!
JCI Kelowna, affiliated with Junior Chamber International (JCI), is one of Kelowna’s premier community service groups, offering opportunities for young people to grow personally and professionally while contributing positively to their community.

Driving Change: Scaling Sustainable Transportation
2025-04-25 12:00 - 17:00 | Orchard Ford Sales, 911 Stremel Road, Kelowna, BC, V1X 5E6, Canada
Join Community Futures for a special Open House edition of the Sustainable Development Leadership Series, hosted at Orchard Ford in Kelowna on April 25th from 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm. Presented in partnership with Community Futures and featuring local sustainability leader Dale Conway, this interactive event showcases what real-world sustainability looks like in action. This gathering is designed to inspire and connect entrepreneurs, business leaders, and curious community members interested in the future of clean transportation, sustainable decision-making, and collaborative leadership.
Each of Dale’s two sessions (1 PM & 3 PM) will highlight key decisions, operational pivots, and lessons learned from over 12 million zero-emission kilometers. The format will blend storytelling, practical frameworks, and audience engagement, aligned with the goals of the Sustainable Development Leadership Series to promote peer mentorship and best practices in the Central Okanagan.

Financial Systems and Banking Workshop
2025-04-28 10:00 - 12:00 | KCR Bertram Space, 1609 Bertram Street, Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada
Whether you are a Permanent Resident, CUAET holder, work permit holder, international student, or protected person, join KCR for an informative workshop on Canada’s financial system. Discover how to open bank accounts, manage your credit, and use financial tools like debit/credit cards. Get valuable tips on budgeting, saving, and confidently navigating Canada’s banking system.

Runway to Web Summit Vancouver Lunch & Learn: Okanagan Edition
2025-04-28 12:00 - 13:00 | Accelerate Okanagan, 201-460 Doyle Ave,, Kelowna, BC, V1Y 0C1, Canada
​The countdown is on to the inaugural Web Summit Vancouver event happening May 27-30.
​Web Summit’s very own Casey Lau will be at the Kelowna Innovation Centre on Monday, April 28th, for a special Runway luncheon. He will chat about the biggest tech startup conference in North America and how YOU can take advantage of it. He will also raffle off two tickets to the event.
​Priority seating will be given to Web Summit Vancouver ticket holders, but the entire Okanagan ecosystem is invited attend this free info. Please register in advance as space is limited.
​Agenda:
12:00-12:15 Settle in & Grab a Slice
12:15-12:45 Presentation & AMA with Casey
12:45-1:00 Lucky Draw + Networking
​Check out the Web Summit Vancouver website for the latest on the conference schedule, speakers, and activities happening.

Job Club
2025-04-28 13:30 - 15:00 | KCR Bertram Space, 1609 Bertram Street, Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada
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.

Hydrogen 101: BC's Emerging Opportunities
2025-04-30 10:00 - 11:30 | Zoom
To scale hydrogen in BC, we have to match supply to demand. Regional hydrogen hubs, as outlined in the BC Hydrogen Strategy, can overcome this challenge by co-locating hydrogen production and end-use applications while accelerating the growth of the local economy.
First Nations, municipalities, community organizations, and interested residents of BC’s Kootenay, Thompson-Okanagan and Vancouver Island regions are invited to Foresight’s Hydrogen 101 webinar.
The webinar is part of a series across the province that seeks to grow awareness of hydrogen and its role in BC’s low-carbon energy future. It will discuss the future of hydrogen in BC, including transportation considerations and potential sources of supply and demand.
The session will also include interactive poll questions and ongoing Q&A.
Register to join, and please don’t hesitate to share the event with other members of your community.
We gratefully acknowledge the financial support of the B.C. Ministry of Energy and Climate Solutions to advance this project.
