Central Okanagan Economic Development Commission

Connect + Collab Business Mixer [June] - Founders Series
2025-06-18 17:30 - 20:00 (America/Vancouver) | Sandhill Wines
Network, exchange ideas, and connect with like-minded entrepreneurs. Expand your circle, spark collaborations & be inspired.
Register on Eventbrite.

Downtown After 5
2025-06-18 17:00 - 19:00 | Delta Hotels, 1310 Water St,, Kelowna, British Columbia, V1Y 9P4, 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’.
Get your tickets today!

Okanagan Business Women Social Meet
2025-06-12 15:00 - 17:00 | Mission Creek Golf Club
Okanagan Business Women getting together to connect, network and have fun. Casual get togethers with no commitment.
Register on Eventbrite.

The Pink Skirt Project
2025-06-12 07:30 - 19:00 | Metro Hub
The Pink Skirt Project is an immersive gathering designed for ambitious women ready to elevate their impact. Here’s what you’ll experience:
Transformation
Candid conversations with accomplished entrepreneurs who openly share their challenges, breakthroughs, and proven strategies for success.
Connection
An electric atmosphere where authentic relationships bloom, stories transform, and powerful collaborations begin.
Magic
Inspiring keynotes, expert panels, and our signature Pink Skirt celebration, where you’ll experience the undeniable power of women rising together!

Learn more and get your tickets in their website.

Summit on Responsible Investment (SORI)
2025-06-05 01:00 - 18:00 | The Innovation Centre
The Canadian Securities Exchange is excited to host the 3rd Annual Summit on Responsible Investment (SoRI) on June 5, 2025, in Kelowna, BC. This must-attend event brings together industry leaders, investors, and innovators to explore how capital markets drive sustainable change.
Featuring keynote speakers, thought-provoking discussions, and companies leading in cleantech, renewable energy, and life sciences, SoRI 2025 will spotlight the latest in ESG trends and investment opportunities.
Under the theme “Creating Value, Stewarding Change,” the summit will conclude with a rooftop networking reception—an exclusive chance to connect with professionals shaping the future of responsible investing.
They are proud to support the Central Okanagan Food Bank through this event.

FREE Starting a Business Info Session | Part 2: How to Make Your Business Official
2025-06-04 12:00 - 13:00 | Webinar
Join WeBC to get inspired and excited about starting a business in BC!
In SBIS Part 2, you will uncover how to make your business official.
You will learn about:

The pros and cons of different types of business structures
The steps to name and register your business
Where to find information about taxes, licenses and permits
What to consider when developing your online presence
Sources of funding for your business

Register free >>>

Legal Rights & Responsibilities (Personal Safety) workshop
2025-05-29 14:00 - 16:00 | KCR Community Resources
Know Your Rights. Stay Informed. Feel Empowered.
Are you curious about Canadian laws that affect your everyday life? Wondering how the documentation system works? Want to better understand your rights and responsibilities as a newcomer? Join KCR for this informative workshop featuring RCMP Constable Christopher Choy, who will guide you through the essentials of Canadian law, personal safety, and the government system. Whether you attend online or in person, this session is designed to empower you with practical knowledge to navigate life in Canada with confidence.

Young Professional Coffee Social
2025-05-29 08:00 - 09:30 | The Recovery Spa, 2936 Pandosy Street, Unit #3,, Kelowna,, BC, V1Y 1V9, Canada
Are you ready to brew up some new connections? We are excited to collaborate with The Recovery Spa to host a coffee social on May 29th from 8:00 to 9:30 am for a morning of networking and socializing.
Here’s What You Need to Know:
No Entrance Fee: Joining us is free! Coffee and snacks will be provided. Coffee is sponsored by Milk Shed Coffee House.
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: May 29th, 2025
Time: Drop in anytime from 8:00 – 9 :30 a.m.
Location: The Recovery Spa – 2936 Pandosy Street, Unit #3, Kelowna, BC, V1Y 1V9

Register on Eventbrite!
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 Recovery Spa, visit www.therecoveryspa.ca
To learn more about Milk Shed Coffee House, visit www.milkshedcoffeehouse.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!

OC Cultivates - Tasting Festival and Innovators in Conversation
2025-05-28 17:30 - 20:00 | KF Centre for Excellence
Embark on a journey that ignites your senses and sparks your curiosity! Hop on board to meet and mingle over delicious pairings and live music in the stunning KF Centre for Excellence. Then sit back and enjoy storytelling from renowned local innovators passionate about the Okanagan.
Starting with our Tasting and Experience Festival at 5:30 p.m., and followed by the Innovators in Conversation at 7 p.m., don’t miss out on an evening showcasing the best food, sips and speakers in the Okanagan.
Included with your ticket purchase:

Food and beverage tastings offered by local producers and restaurants
Opportunity to mingle and network with industry leaders in food, beverage and tourism
Conversations featuring some of the most esteemed leaders in Okanagan food, beverage and tourism
Your own take-home stemless wine glass

Register on Eventbrite.

Job Club
2025-05-28 14:00 - 16:00, 2025-05-14 14:00 - 16:00, 2025-05-07 14:00 - 16:00 | KCR Community Resources
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

FREE Starting a Business Info Session | Part 1: How to Write a Business Plan
2025-05-28 12:00 - 13:00 | Webinar
Join WeBC to get inspired and excited about starting a business in BC!
A business plan can help you test your ideas, make decisions, minimize your risk, get funding and so much more.
In SBIS Part 1, WeBC use the document “How to Write an Effective Business Plan” to break down business planning into 10 steps.
You will learn about:

How to structure your business plan and where you can go for industry-specific samples
What to include in each section and how to think through them
How each part of your business plan works together to create a roadmap for your business.

Register free >>>

Free WeBC Business Loan Info Session
2025-05-27 12:00 - 13:00 | Online
Learn about the financing options available through WeBC!
WeBC has a Business Loan Program, and we are the BC Loan Fund Partner of the WEOC National Loan Program for women and non-binary entrepreneurs.
If you would like to access these programs to start, expand or purchase a business you will need to participate in one of our free phone-in info sessions about the loan programs.
During this session, the facilitator will:

Review our lending criteria for each program
Answer your questions
Advise you on how to apply
Provide you with a resource package

An Advisor will work with you to determine if you are eligible for a loan.
These FREE phone-in sessions are held every Tuesday from 12pm to 1pm PT.

JCI New Members Night at Mercedes-Benz!
2025-05-22 18:00 - 20:00 | Mercedes-Benz Kelowna
Are you a young professional looking to grow your career, expand your network, and make a positive impact in your community? Join JCI Kelowna for an exciting evening of connection, community, and opportunity at the Junior Chambers International (JCI) New Members Night, hosted at the stunning Mercedes-Benz Showroom on Thursday, May 22nd, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM. This is the perfect chance to meet like-minded individuals, learn about JCI’s mission, and discover how you can get involved in a community that’s committed to developing leadership, personal growth, and social impact. Whether you’re looking to advance your professional skills, make new connections, or get inspired by community-driven initiatives, JCI is the place to be.
Register on Eventbrite.

Connect Money Impact 2025 - Kelowna
2025-05-22 08:30 - 18:00 | Metro Hub
Social entrepreneurs, impact investors, and ecosystem builders are invited to join us for a day of inspiration, education, and collaboration to explore the intersection of profit and impact, community wealth building, and impact investing.
In this one-day local summit, you will learn with and connect with a diverse group of change-makers working to solve some of society’s most pressing issues. You can move past just a handshake or hello to a real conversation where you will spark or deepen meaningful relationships with folks actively working on complex social and environmental change.
The day offers sessions within different learning streams. Participants are encouraged to select the categories and streams they identified with most to participate in the most valuable conversations.
Streams and sessions will feature the following content:
Social Entrepreneurs

Social enterprises as sustainable revenue streams
Community wealth building through real estate
Creating predictable income for social enterprises
Social procurement for impact
Pitching social enterprises to investors

Impact Investors

Funding social enterprises: grants, loans, and equity
Blended capital for social and financial returns
Investing in sustainability and resource transitions
Indigenous-led investing for long-term impact
Decolonizing investing and grantmaking

Ecosystem builders

Power-sharing and collaboration for change
Choosing the right platforms for engagement
Mapping innovative funding ideas
Strengthening local networks for impact
Building stability in uncertain times

Please note that these are still forming and might change slightly!
Visit our website to find out more
Early-bird tickets are available until March 31st at 11:59pm PST.
For those who may have questions about ticket pricing, please feel free to reach out to us at melissa@purppl.com. We’re here to help and explore options to make our event more accessible for you.

Tourism Kelowna AGM & Tourism Industry Forum, Wednesday May 21, 2025
2025-05-21 10:00 - 17:30 | Coast Capri Hotel, 1171 Harvey Avenue, Kelowna, BC, V1Y 6E8, Canada
Tourism Kelowna warmly invites tourism industry professionals and businesses to attend a full-day event at the Coast Capri Hotel on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. This exciting gathering will include a series of informative sessions, our Annual General Meeting (AGM), and a lively Industry Social Mixer.

10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Industry Brand Preview
Presented in collaboration with Partners & Hawes, this session offers a sneak peek at brand updates and initiatives that will shape the future of tourism marketing in Kelowna.
11:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. Tourism Kelowna Leadership Updates
Hear from our leadership team as Lisanne Ballantyne (President & CEO), Nicolle Gomez De Sousa (Director of Business Development), and Chris Shauf (Director of Marketing & Communications) share key organizational updates, strategic initiatives, and forward-looking plans.
1:30 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. Market Trends & Research
Explore current market trends and digital insights. Discover how traveller behaviour is evolving and how it impacts our destination.
2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. Tourism Kelowna Annual General Meeting (AGM)
We invite our Tourism Kelowna members to participate in our AGM to hear official reports, meet our Board of Directors, and stay informed on Tourism Kelowna’s governance and strategic direction.
3:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. Industry Social Mixer
Wrap up the day with networking, refreshments, and casual conversation. Connect with fellow industry members and strengthen community ties.

Manufacturing Excellence Forum - Kelowna
2025-05-12 08:00 - 14:00 | kelowna
The Central Okanagan Economic Development Commission is excited to sponsor the Manufacturing Excellence Forum – Kelowna! Join the Excellence in Manufacturing Consortium on May 12, 2025, for a dynamic day of collaboration, innovation, and real-world insights at EMC’s Manufacturing Excellence Forum in Kelowna. This event brings together manufacturers, industry leaders, and subject matter experts to explore the latest strategies driving operational excellence and business growth.

Gain practical knowledge through expert-led sessions, network with peers facing similar challenges, and discover fresh ideas to strengthen your manufacturing operations in today’s competitive landscape.

Why attend?

Learn actionable best practices tailored for manufacturers
Hear from industry leaders shaping the future of Canadian manufacturing
Expand your network and connect with decision-makers in your region
Bring back innovative ideas to drive productivity and growth in your organization

Secure your spot today and be part of a movement to elevate manufacturing in British Columbia and beyond!

Register today!

Future-Proof Your Kelowna Business: A Pathway to Climate Action
2025-05-08 10:00 - 11:00 | Online
Free Webinar for Kelowna Business Leaders Hosted by GreenStep in Partnership with the City of Kelowna.

Calling all Kelowna-based businesses! Are you ready to take climate action and identify ways to save money and operate more efficiently?

Join GreenStep and the City of Kelowna for a free webinar to learn how your business can support the City of Kelowna’s climate goals, measure and manage carbon emissions, and take practical steps toward a more resilient, successful future.

Register now to secure your spot!

Future-Proof Your Kelowna Business: A Pathway to Climate Action
2025-05-08 10:00 - 11:00 | Online
Free Webinar for Kelowna Business Leaders Hosted by GreenStep in Partnership with the City of Kelowna
Calling all Kelowna-based businesses! Are you ready to take climate action and identify ways to save money and operate more efficiently?
Join GreenStep and the City of Kelowna for a free webinar to learn how your business can support the City of Kelowna’s climate goals, measure and manage carbon emissions, and take practical steps toward a more resilient, successful future.
Register now to secure your spot.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Dust Hazard Analysis 2-Day Certificate Course
2025-04-09 08:00 - 2025-04-10 17:00
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

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.

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!
