Central Okanagan Economic Development Commission

Startup Sprint Weekend
2026-03-13 17:00 - 2026-03-15 15:00 (America/Vancouver) | UBC Okanagan
Startup Sprint is an immersive, high-energy weekend experience of learning-by-doing!
The program teaches in an exciting, hands-on environment, teaching you how to go from identifying a problem to building a solution fit to form a new business.
The program is free, open to everyone in the community and meals are provided.
Spots are limited. This is an in-person experience delivered on the UBCO Campus. A waitlist will be created should we reach our maximum capacity.

Greater Westside Board of Trade - March Coffee Social
2026-03-17 08:00 - 09:00 | Bliss Bakery & Bistro, 320-1405 Stevens Road, West Kelowna, BC, Canada

Young Professional Coffee Social
2026-03-19 09:00 - 10:30 | UBC Okanagan Campus
Kickstart your day by making connections with young professionals, alumni and postsecondary students at the Coffee Social on Wednesday, March 19th, from 9:00 am to 10:30 am at UBC Okanagan Engineering, Management, and Education (EME) Building – 1137 Alumni Avenue, Kelowna, BC V1V 1V7. This is your chance to network with talented students, alumni, and professionals from different industries! Join us to connect with various community members in a casual and friendly setting.
Here’s What You Need to Know:
No Entrance Fee: Coffee and snacks will be on us.
Come When You Can: Drop by anytime between 9:00 am to 10:30 am. Stay for a quick chat or linger longer over your coffee — the pace is yours to set.
Date: March 19th, 2025
Location: UBC Okanagan Engineering, Management, and Education (EME) Building -1137 Alumni Avenue, Kelowna, BC V1V 1V7. Building located behind the bus loop.
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.

About OYP Collective
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!

Navigate Shipping and Logistics for Your Agrifood Business
2026-03-19 10:00 - 11:00 | Virtual
Shipping agrifood products to new markets involves more than choosing a carrier. From packaging and labeling requirements to export documentation, duties, and insurance, logistics decisions can have major impacts on cost, compliance, and delivery timelines. Join Export Navigator and guest experts for a 60-minute session on shipping and transportation considerations for agrifood exporters. This webinar will provide an overview of common shipping options, packaging and labeling requirements, and the documentation needed to move products across borders, including export declarations and permits. Whether you’re preparing your first shipment or preparing to scale, this session will help you understand your options and make informed shipping decisions. By the end of this session, participants will be able to: 1. Understand key shipping and transportation options for agrifood exports, including perishable products. 2. Recognize when duties, taxes, and insurance may apply to export shipments. 3. Understand the role of customs brokers and freight forwarders in the agrifood exporting ecosystem. 4. Identify packaging, labeling, and documentation requirements for exporting agrifood products. This session is the last webinar of a five-part series for B.C.’s agrifood businesses looking to grow as they seek new markets.

Peachland Chamber Business Made Hip
2026-03-20 18:00 - 23:00 | The Edgewater Bar & Grill, 5830 Beach Ave, Peachland, BC, Canada
The Peachland Chamber of Commerce is taking Business Made Social to the next level with a special event at The Edgewater Bar & Grill on March 20th, 2026 featuring The Hip Replacements.
Doors open at 6:00 pm with food and drink specials, then see The Hip Replacements starting at 8:00 pm.
This event is expected to sell out so get your tickets early!
Ticket Price includes GST $40 (Tickets can only be purchased on-line.)
Note: Chamber members will receive a free drink coupon at the door and there will be Member-only food specials.

Connect + Collab Mixer - AI for Business (Without the Overwhelm)
2026-03-24 17:30 - 20:00 | Sandhill Wines
Network, exchange ideas, and connect with like-minded entrepreneurs. Expand your circle, spark collaborations & be inspired.

Join Chic Creative Community (Kelowna) for this Connect + Collab Business Mixer, with the topic: AI for Business (Without the Overwhelm).

The Okanagan–Hong Kong Innovation Corridor: A Dialogue on Opportunity and Collaboration
2026-03-26 12:30 - 14:00 | University Centre (UNC) – Ballroom, 3272 University Way, Kelowna, BC, V1V 1V7, Canada
Join UBC Okanagan, the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (Toronto), Invest Hong Kong (Canada), and the Central Okanagan Economic Development Corporation for a conversation on:

How cross-Pacific partnerships can fuel regional and global innovation ecosystems
Collaborative research opportunities
Two‑way talent pathways between the Asia Pacific and the Okanagan

Register now
About Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (Toronto)
The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (Toronto) is the official representative of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China in Canada. Since the office’s establishment in October 1991, we have been actively fostering closer economic and trade ties between Hong Kong and Canada.
About Invest Hong Kong (Canada)
Invest Hong Kong (Canada) is the investment promotion agency of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. We support Canadian founders and companies, from multinational corporates to startups, to plan and set up their business in Hong Kong, and to expand their operations and international reach via Hong Kong. We collaborate with investment promotion agencies from around the world to facilitate this two-way investment.

Urban Development & Infrastructure: Networking
2026-03-26 15:30 - 17:00 | UBC Okanagan
Work in real estate, development, finance, construction, or planning?
Connect with students eager to learn how projects move from financing to construction to city-building, through real, industry conversations.

Greater Westside Board of Trade - March Business After Hours
2026-03-26 17:00 - 19:00 | NEXT Clinic, 519-3041 Louie Drive, West Kelowna, BC, Canada
Join us for our March Business After Hours on Thursday, March 26 from 5:00–7:00 p.m. at the newly expanded NEXT Clinic!
Mix, mingle, and connect with fellow Chamber members and local professionals while touring NEXT Clinic’s beautifully expanded space. This is a perfect opportunity to strengthen relationships, grow your network, and learn more about one of our innovative local healthcare providers.
Enjoy light refreshments, engaging conversation, and the welcoming atmosphere that makes Business After Hours a member favourite. Bring your business cards and join us for an evening of connection and community — we can’t wait to see you there!

Commerce ConneX - UBCO
2026-03-26 17:00 - 19:00 | UNBC Ballroom, 3272 University Way, Kelowna, BC, V1V 1V7
We are thrilled to announce our March Commerce ConneX 2026, brought to you by Rogers Business.
Join us at for another Commerce ConneX at UBCO, Thursday March 26th, 2026!
THIS IS A 19+ EVENT

Cancellation Policy: Cancellations must be received 3 business days prior to the event (Monday March 23rd, 2026) to be subject for a refund.
Open to members and non-members. All membership networking vouchers must be redeemed online.
Please note: By registering for this event, you acknowledge that your participation in this event and, if applicable, the participation of your guests, grants the Kelowna Chamber of Commerce use of all photographs taken without payment or compensation from now onward.
Paid Parking is available at venue: The closest parking lot to the building is the “F” lot.
A map of UBCO can be found here.
Parking information can be found on this page.

Event Item Name
Expires
Pricing

Commerce ConneX Admission – Member Discounted Admission
Mar 26, 2026

$15.00

Commerce ConneX Admission – Non-Member Admission
Mar 26, 2026

$25.00

Complimentary E-voucher Redemption (Value $15)
Mar 26, 2026

$15.00

I Speak Hockey Mixer
2026-03-30 15:00 - 17:00 | BC
The Memorial Cup is coming to Kelowna this May — and you’re invited to be part of the action!

Tourism Kelowna, the Downtown Kelowna Association, and the Memorial Cup Host Committee invite you to the I Speak Hockey Information Session & Mixer!
Join us for a fun and informative event designed to help tourism members and local businesses get ready to welcome the 2026 Memorial Cup.
The 106th Memorial Cup, taking place from May 21–31, 2026, will serve as a landmark celebration of junior hockey, commemorating both the Kelowna Rockets’ 30th anniversary season and the Canadian Hockey League’s (CHL) 50th anniversary as the umbrella organization of the Western Hockey League (WHL), Ontario Hockey League (OHL), and Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL).
What to expect:

Mix, mingle, and enjoy a complimentary beverage and delicious bites.
A brief and engaging overview of the 2026 Memorial Cup and the opportunities it brings to our community.
Strike a pose at the Flash & Frame photo booth and take home your own collectible hockey card.

Date: Monday March 30, 2026
Time: 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Location: Prospera Place, Gate 1
Cost: Free! But space is limited — please RSVP by Thursday, March 26, 2026 to secure your spot.

Introduction to Angel Investing
2026-03-31 08:30 - 12:00 | Accelerate Okanagan, 201-460 Doyle Ave,, Kelowna, BC, V1Y 0C1, Canada
New to early-stage Investing? Learn essential strategies & key insights from Valhalla Private Capital.

Are you interested in investing in early-stage startups but unsure where to start? Join us for Introduction to Angel Investing, designed to help aspiring and early-stage investors navigate the world of startup investing.
Facilitated by Valhalla Private Capital, this in-person session provides a comprehensive introduction to both the fundamentals and practical application of angel investing. Participants will gain a clear understanding of portfolio construction and diversification strategies, develop fluency in key venture and early-stage investment terminology, learn to identify common risks and due diligence pitfalls, and focus on de-mystifying the angel investment process, from deal sourcing and screening through structuring and exit.
What You’ll Learn:
Led by Grant Lawrence, Co-founder of Valhalla Private Capital, this session will cover essential topics, including:

The fundamentals of angel investing
The startup funding ecosystem
Structuring startup investment deals
Conducting due diligence
Navigating the next funding round – working with VCs and institutional capital while protecting your investment

You’ll also learn how to develop your own investment thesis and gain insights into how startups progress to their next funding rounds. Whether you’re new to investing or looking to refine your strategy, this session will equip you with the knowledge and tools needed to make informed investment decisions.
This session is ideal for aspiring angel investors and new investors participating in the 2026 Okanagan Angel Summit.

Casual Tuesdays - Mar 31 @ Red Bird
2026-03-31 16:00 - 18:00 | Red Bird Brewing
Join Future of Productivity for their casual Tuesdays networking event on March 31st from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm.

Building the Future - A Conversation with Andrew Bowerbank
2026-04-10 08:00 - 09:15 | The Innovation Centre
Join us for an engaging U40 event featuring Andrew Bowerbank, a leading voice in technology, innovation, sustainability, and housing delivery. This dynamic session is designed for emerging professionals in the development industry who want to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving sector.

Success in today’s development industry is not just about delivering projects. It is about recognizing the trends shaping the market and positioning yourself to lead within them. In this presentation, Andrew will explore how emerging opportunities in innovation, city building, and industry transformation can create powerful career pathways for those willing to think strategically and build strong networks. Drawing from decades of experience working on major projects and industry initiatives in Canada and internationally, Andrew will share perspectives on how professionals can move beyond participation in the market to actively shaping it, with a special focus on the unique opportunities emerging in Kelowna as one of Canada’s fastest growing cities.
This event also offers valuable networking opportunities with fellow U40 professionals working across development, planning, construction, finance, and consulting.
Whether you’re looking to expand your knowledge, connect with peers, or gain inspiration from one of the industry’s forward-thinking leaders, this event will leave you with new ideas and perspectives on the future of housing and development.
Space is limited — reserve your spot today!

Date: Friday, April 10th, 2026
Time: 8:00 – 9:15am
Where: Innovation Centre, 460 Doyle Ave, Kelowna, BC V1Y 0C2

Challenging Career Myths, Beliefs and Mindsets: Turning Limits into Possibilities
2026-04-10 12:00 - 13:00 | Webinar
This free webinar will use a facilitation-based approach to help spark mindset shifts through reflection, curiosity and reframing.

Summit Social: Networking Event
2026-04-10 16:00 - 18:00 | Rotary Centre for the Arts
Friday night Summit Social before the Inspired City Summit conference.
The social will be held at the Rotary Centre for the Arts.

Inspired City Summit 2026
2026-04-11 09:30 - 16:00 | Delta Grand Conference Centre
The Inspired City Summit has quickly become a must-attend event in the non-profit sector, growing bigger and more meaningful every year. With the event selling out year after year, they are excited to share that the 2026 Summit will be moving to the Delta Grand Conference Centre. This inspiring, full-day conference will bring together more than 300 community leaders and changemakers from across the valley for learning, collaboration, and connection.

Inspired connections networking event
2026-04-11 16:00 - 18:00 | The Delta Grand
Inspired connections networking event after the Inspired City Summit 2026.

Business After Hours - Hosted by Folktale Cider & RBC Lake Country
2026-04-15 17:00 - 19:00 | Folktale Cider, 3950 Irvine Rd, Lake Country, BC, V4V 2G4, Canada
Join Lake Country Chamber of Commerce for a vibrant evening of building connections at our April 15th Business After 5 event, collaboratively hosted by Folktale Cider and sponsored by RBC Lake Country Branch.

Job connect for future expansion workshop
2026-04-15 17:30 - 18:30 | zoom event, Canada
Did you know that most job opportunities come from conversations, not job boards? Learning how to start and navigate meaningful conversations can open doors to new opportunities.

Young Professional Coffee Social
2026-04-21 08:00 - 09:30 | Spaces, 460 Doyle Ave #106,, Kelowna, British Columbia, V1Y 0C2, Canada
Connect with new friends, other young professionals and get out of the house to work with us at Spaces in the Innovation Centre.

Kickstart your day by making connections with other young professionals in the community at the Coffee Social on Tuesday, April 21st from 8:00 am to 9:30 am and stay for a productive coworking day at SPACES. This Coffee Social, we have partnered with SPACES at the Innovation Centre to offer you the chance to try a free day of coworking till 5:00 pm!
Only limited spots available for the coworking day. Choose between a morning, afternoon or a full day session. Email us at oyp@investkelowna.com to secure your spot for coworking.
Register – https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/young-professional-coffee-social-coworking-day-tickets-1986550945354?aff=oddtdtcreator
Here’s What You Need to Know:
No Entrance Fee: Coffee Social and the Coworking day are FREE! Coffee and snacks will be on us.
Come When You Can: For the Coffee Social, 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. For the coworking day, pick a morning (10:00 am to 1:00 pm), afternoon (1:00 pm to 5:00 pm) or stay for an entire day till 5:00 pm.
Coffee Social Event Details:

Date: April 21st, 2026
Time: Drop in anytime from 8:00 – 9 :30 a.m.
Location: SPACES, Innovation Centre – #106, 460 Doyle Avenue, Kelowna, BC, V1Y 0C2

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.

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 Spaces
Spaces Innovation is the city’s first foray into flexible workspace, and makes creating an inspiring environment the priority. Based inside the one-of-a-kind Okanagan Centre for Innovation, this dynamic office environment offers more than just four walls and a desk. Instead, professionals and entrepreneurs will find a choice of spaces, from impressive meeting rooms to collaborative desks and laptop charging stations. This highly convenient and incredibly well-equipped modern working hub is sure to become your new go-to place for productivity.
About OYP Collective
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!

Operating Expense Reduction Strategies for Manufacturers
2026-04-22 09:30 - 10:30 | Virtual
The webinar will cover strategies exclusively designed to help manufacturers uncover hidden costs and strengthen their bottom line.

DOWNTOWN AFTER 5 - April
2026-04-22 17:00 - 18:00 | Revelry Food + Music Hub, 1375 Water Street,, Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada
Kelowna’s best business casual mixer, Downtown Kelowna After 5, turns traditional networking into a chance to unwind and get to know your neighbours. These events routinely draw 250+ guests looking to socialize, network, share ideas, and have a great time ‘After 5’.

Commerce ConneX at Central Okanagan Food Bank
2026-04-22 17:00 - 19:00 | Central Okanagan Food Bank
Join Kelowna Chamber of Commerce for their April Commerce ConneX on Wednesday April 22nd, 2026 from 5-7pm at the Central Okanagan Food Bank.

Okanagan Business Women Coffee Meet
2026-04-28 09:00 - 10:30, 2026-05-26 09:00 - 10:30 | Cascade Lounge at Waterscapes
Okanagan Business Women getting together to connect, network and have fun.

May 2026 OC Cultivates - Tasting Festival and Wine Innovators Conversation
2026-05-07 17:30 - 20:00 | Okanagan College – Kelowna Campus, 1000 K.L.O. Rd, Kelowna, BC, V1Y 4X8, Canada
Enjoy a delicious evening celebrating Okanagan food, beverage and tourism. Learn from industry innovators in engaging conversation.

Okanagan Business Women Social Meet
2026-05-14 15:00 - 17:00 | Kelly O’bryans

Connect + Collab Mixer - The Power of Communication
2026-05-20 17:30 - 20:00 | JOEY Kelowna
Network, exchange ideas, and connect with like-minded entrepreneurs. Expand your circle, spark collaborations & be inspired.

Startup Drinks at Minga
2026-05-21 16:00 - 18:00 | Minga Office, 505-460 Doyle Ave,, Kelowna, BC
Join Accelerate Okanagan and the Minga Team for Startup Drinks in the Innovation Centre!
