Central Okanagan Economic Development Commission

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.

Mental Health Tools and Resources for Small Business: Part 1
2023-02-09 10:30 - 11:30 UTC
Tips for Tackling Stress and Uncertainty in the Workplace
Course Description

In recent years, the conversation around mental health has changed in a positive manner. Topics like stress, burnout and anxiety have become key issues for companies, with leaders needing to understand the mental health issues their staff are facing.
As a small business owner, you may not have dedicated HR resources to rely upon and you may feel ill-equipped to address these challenges. This is why Amenda Kumar from WorkSafeBC is on hand to provide practical resources and tools you can apply at minimal cost.
Join us for this insightful webinar and gain an understanding of how you can tackle stress and uncertainty in the workplace. You’ll discover the warning signs to look out for in your team, along with constructive ways you can intervene in instances of stress, burnout, or mental illness in the workplace. You’ll leave equipped with the resources and know-how needed to identify and cope with mental health issues in your workplace.

What Will I Learn?

Defining stress, burnout, and mental health / illness in the workplace context
Identify key resources every small business leader needs
Identify signs of stress or burnout in your team
How to intervene, cope, and make work accommodations at little or no cost
Identify strategies for building individual resilience

Presented By

Amenda Kumar

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.

REGISTER

Greater Westside Board of Trade: February Business After Hours
2023-02-09 05:00 - 19:00 (America/Vancouver)
Join us on Thursday, February 9 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 9 2023, 05:00pm PST

Ends
Thu Feb 9 2023, 07:00pm PST

Register Now!

How to Drive More Traffic to Your Website
2023-02-08 10:00 - 12:00 UTC
Search Engine Marketing and Analytics for Your Website
Course Description

93% of online experiences begin with a search engine. Understanding how to improve your visibility in Google and other search engines is crucial for driving traffic to your website. Learn free online tools to find out who your website visitors are, what they’re searching for, and how you can get more visitors and paying customers.
This webinar will provide you with an overview of the digital ecosystem including search engines and analytics. Join our digital marketing expert Warren Thompson, Co-Founder of Ollo Metrics as he helps you learn who your customers are and how they find you online.

What Will I Learn?

The steps to setting up your Google Analytics account (free checklist provided)
Free methods to learn more about your customers with real data
How to find your “rock star” products, services, or staff that are attracting visitors
Ways to figure out your competitors’ marketing strategy and use it to your advantage
Learn what search terms your visitors are using and better target people like them
Improve user experience by removing confusing pages or poor navigation design
Tips on improving your website’s ranking on search engines for search engine optimization (SEO)

Presented By

Warren Thompson

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

Creating a Website for Your Business
2023-02-07 13:00 - 15:00 UTC
Make Your Own Website
Course Description

Thinking of creating a website for your business? WordPress websites make up almost 30% of the internet and it was recently named the world’s fastest growing Content Management System (CMS). Similar to Shopify, Wix and Squarespace, WordPress offers a free-to-install, flexible and simple interface to make the most of your business website.
Join Simon Rai, Raize Digital, and take an interactive step-by-step tour of WordPress and leave with a basic website of your own. Getting started is easier than you think on this user-friendly platform that will empower you to tell the world about your small business. In this webinar, we’ll also briefly examine some of the more popular alternatives to WordPress.
Temporary WordPress sites will be made available to participants who sign up three business days prior to the session. These sites are meant for practice use and we will be pausing briefly for clients to get a sense of where functions are located. A basic proficiency in navigating computers, websites, and browsers is highly recommended.

What Will I Learn?

Know what to look for when selecting a web host
How to install a WordPress theme
How to edit your website content
Getting started on adding media such as images, video and audio to your site
Harnessing the power of widgets, plug-ins and theme settings
A brief introduction to WordPress alternatives

Presented By

Simon Rai

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

Okanagan College 15th Annual Business Expo & Employment Fair
2023-02-01 10:00 - 15:00 UTC
Connecting you to your future employees
Okanagan School of Business and the Student, Graduate and Co-op Employment Centre is excited to be hosting our 15th Annual Business Expo and Employment Fair on Feb. 1, 2023 at our Okanagan College KLO Kelowna Campus. This popular event connects you and your business with the College’s skilled students, both soon-to-be graduates and students with a year or more left of studies. The Business Expo & Employment Fair is also an opportunity for students from all programs to meet you and learn about your business, educating them on future career paths and potentially directing the focus of their academic studies as they finish their program.
For more information and registration info please go to https://www.okanagan.bc.ca/business-expo.

UDI Okanagan Luncheon - Everything is Going to be Alright!
2023-01-31 11:30 - 13:30 UTC
Join us for Andrew Ramlo’s humorous and data-driven perspective on a range of issues influencing the industry in the Okanagan
By UDI Okanagan
Date and time: Tue, 31 January 2023, 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM PST

Location: Delta Hotels by Marriott Grand Okanagan Resort 1310 Water Street Kelowna, BC V1Y 9P3

One year after his 2021 “Change is Our Only Constant” presentation, UDI is happy to welcome Andrew Ramlo back to Kelowna to hear his thoughts on what seems to have been a year characterized by even faster change.
Join us for Andrew’s humorous and data-driven perspective on a range of issues influencing the industry in the Okanagan from inflation and mortgage rates to a return to historically low unemployment rates, new immigration policy, and even some tidbits from the Census.

Grow your business with mergers and acquisitions
2023-01-26 09:00 - 10:00 UTC
Thu, January 26, 2023
1:00 pm – 2:00 pm ET

Discover the value of mergers and acquisitions and how you can use this strategy to help your business enter international markets—without all the heavy-lifting of building your own overseas networks.
You’ll also discover how an M&A can be used as an attractive exit plan option for businesses and the potential of leveraging your company’s current assets to gain additional profits at the end of its lifecycle, no matter its size.
Join us live on Thursday, Jan. 26, 2023, from 1 to 2 p.m. ET to learn about:

How to plan a merger and acquisition strategy as well as the process your company will need to follow
How to identify a list of companies that are ready to be acquired based on your merger and acquisition strategy
How to manage reputational risks when merging and/or acquiring a foreign company
How to leverage legal counsel to draft the proper purchase agreements and acquisition contracts including assets purchasing agreements for a smooth and comprehensive international deal

Our Panel

Moderator

Mélanie Carter
District Manager | Small Business, Quebec & AtlanticExport Development Canada

Speakers

Michael Reid
Senior Financing ManagerExport Development Canada

Karen Hennessey
PartnerGowling WLG

Who should watch
All Canadian businesses looking to learn how to conduct a merger and acquisition, M&A best practices, and what financial solutions can support them in their journey.

Register for this event

Business Mapping: Developing a Smart Business Model
2023-01-25 13:00 - 15:30 UTC
Mastering the Business Model Canvas
Course Description

Struggling with the complexities of a business plan? Business mapping helps to deconstruct the formal elements of a business plan, simplifying a lot of the information into bite-sized pieces. It covers the same aspects as a more traditional business plan, without going into as much granular detail.
Join John Baxter, Small Business BC as he provides you with a lean start-up canvas for developing a new business that segments your potential enterprise into nine easy to understand chunks.

What Will I Learn?

Learn how to evaluate your business idea
Understand the key areas of a successful business model
Discuss your business viability through practical workshopping
How to map your business out on a worksheet
Clarify types of business structures and requirements
The different financing options available for your new venture

Presented By

John Baxter

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

TAC Talks with executive chef and culinary expert Christine Couvelier
2023-01-19 16:00 - 17:30 UTC
Jan. 12: TAC Talks with executive chef and culinary expert Christine Couvelier. Join Christine Couvelier to discuss the importance of being informed about key market influences and up to date on global food trends.
Join us to hear Christine Couvelier, Culinary Trendologist and President of Trendi, explain how being informed about key market influences, as well as being up to date on global food trends are the cornerstones of any food and beverage business.
Register here.

Accelerate Okanagan's New Year Kick Off is back (to the future)!
2023-01-12 18:00 - 2023-02-03 23:00 UTC
Accelerate Okanagan’s New Year Kick Off is back (to the future)!
#OKGNtech, it’s been too long! We can’t wait to celebrate the new year with you at this time-travel-inspired event. Our New Year Kick Off (NYKO) is all about creating valuable memories with our growing #OKGNtech community. Join us in raising our glasses to appreciating the past, and celebrating the future.
Who Should Come?
If you’re willing, you’re welcome! Entrepreneurs, technology enthusiasts, investors, and supporters of OKGNtech looking to connect, NYKO is for you.
Event Details:

Thursday, Jan 12, 2023
BNA Brewing Co. & Eatery
6:00pm – Late

Ticket Includes:

Drink Ticket & Standing Dinner
DJ & Dance Floor
Unlimited Bowling & Bocce
Portrait Studio and more!

Attire Suggestion:
We love a guest that dresses for the part! Think acid-washed jeans, puffer vests, and parachute pants… But really, are there any rules when time travel is possible?!
This event is 19+. Please bring ID & drink responsibly.
Location: BNA Brewing Co
1250 Ellis Street, Kelowna, BC
Date & Time: Thursday, January 12th from 6pm – Late
Event tickets: nyko2023.eventbrite.com

Digital Marketing Tips for 2023
2023-01-12 10:30 - 12:00 UTC
Top 10 DIY Lead Generation Tools for Your Business
Course Description

As agile small businesses, we are constantly learning new ways to adapt to an ever-changing world. Some of these include emerging digital marketing and lead generation trends to help us reach more customers.
Join our Digital Marketing Expert, Ted Lau as he shares valuable DIY tips for digital marketing in the new year. Ted is the owner of an award-winning digital marketing agency, Ballistic Arts Media Studios. Ted will cover SEO, e-commerce, social media platforms and more.

What Will I Learn?

How to effectively target top funnel keywords into leads
How to improve online purchase experiences from prospective customers
How to engage with your leads authentically on your social platforms
What it means to be “meta” and what you need to watch out for in 2023

Presented By

Ted Lau

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.

Beginner's Guide to Importing Raw Materials for Your Business
2022-12-08 00:00 UTC
You have an idea for a great product, and you’d like to make it in Canada, but you can’t source all the raw materials you need from within Canada. Have you considered importing them?
If you’re new to importing, the idea can be intimidating: where can you get the materials, what are the regulations, how do you protect your money and how do you get them here?
On December 13, join WeBC Business Advisor Archana Samtani Singhania for a conversation with women business owners who import materials or packaging for their products.
You will learn:

How to identify and source raw materials for importing
The difference between regulated vs. non-regulated imports
Common mistakes to avoid when it comes to contracts, duties and shipping costs
When and where to seek help

Join us for this free session to ask your questions and learn how you can make informed decisions about importing.
December 13 | 10am to 11am PT | Free Webinar
Our WeCafés are always free and open to everyone!
A recording will be available after the live session.
Facilitator: Archana Samtani Singhania , WeBC Business Advisor
Panelist:

Allison Boulton, Founder, Aslin Beer Co.
Toni Desrosiers, Founder & CEO, Abeego

About the Panelist
Alison Boulton
Sustainability Advocate #EnviroAlley, International Trade Advisor, SME Mentor
After living in China and the Middle East for three years, Allison returned to Vancouver to work as an International Trade Advisor with Small Business BC, and started her own firm assisting entrepreneurs grow globally. While abroad, she completed her MBA and worked as the China Director of Marketing and Trade Sales with an importer and distributor of North American beverages. Prior to moving overseas, Allison was the Director of Operations for a boutique Canadian winery with exports to over 20 countries.
Her enthusiasm for travel and for understanding how people live around the world has led her to explore over 30 countries. She uses this experience to help clients understand, not only the regulations of international trade, but also the country’s cultural differences that are so vital for businesses looking to succeed in the global marketplace

Test Event
2022-09-30 08:00 - 17:00 UTC
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Test Event Number Two
2022-09-27 08:00 - 17:00 UTC
