Central Okanagan Economic Development Commission

November Commerce ConneX
2024-11-21 17:00 - 2025-01-08 19:00 (America/Vancouver) | kelowna mercedes benz, 2580 Enterprise Way, Kelowna, BC, V1X 7X5, Canada
Join Kelowna Chamber of Commerce at Kelowna Mercedes- Benz for their networking event on Thursday November 21, 2024! This is a networking event you’ll want to attend.
Register on their website!

The Lighter Side of Project Management
2024-11-21 16:45 - 19:00 | Community Health Services Centre, Room 103 - 505 Doyle Avenue, Kelowna, BC, V1Y 6V8
Are you interested in Project Management? Discover personal stories and insights on project management from two seasoned project managers. These individuals will share their career journeys, from strengths and lessons learned to funny moments and challenges.

Learn more and register here!

Downtown Kelowna After 5
2024-11-20 17:00 - 19:00 | Downtown Kelowna Association
The November Kelowna Downtown After 5 will be held at Downtown Kelowna on November 20th, 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm.
This is Kelowna’s best business casual mixer that turns traditional networking into a chance to unwind and get to know your neighbours.
Visit Downtown Kelowna’s website for more information!
Email shari@downtownkelowna.com or call 250.862.3515.

Kelowna Product Managers End Of Year Meetup
2024-11-19 19:00 - 21:30 | The Office Brewery
This will be a great event to get to know all the product managers a little better in a welcome and relaxed setting. The event will take place upstairs in loft at The Office Brewery and have the space reserved just for PMs. They have had a few great meetups this year and are capping of the year with one final meetup. Supportive spouse and partners of PMs are welcome to join them as they take a bit of time before the holidays and Q4 check ins to get to know each other and what’s next for them in 2025!
To learn more and register, click here!

Community Coaching: Homelessness Response Workshop For Local Businesses
2024-11-19 17:30 - 19:30 | Rutlnland Thrift
Join this free workshop to equip local businesses with the tools they need to respond to homelessness with empathy, confidence, and compassion. Hosted by the Uptown Rutland Business Association and the Chamber of Commerce, and facilitated by experts from the Kelowna Gospel Mission, this event aims to foster a supportive community while addressing one of our most pressing local challenges.
To learn more and register, click here.

Celebrate and Elevate: Building Resilience on Women’s Entrepreneurship Day
2024-11-19 13:00 - 14:00 | Online
In honour of Women’s Entrepreneurship Day, WeBC is coming together to celebrate the incredible strides women have made in business while equipping you with the resilience to continue forging ahead!
On November 19, join them for an empowering session focused on helping women build resilience and foster a positive mindset in the face of business challenges. This interactive session will provide you with practical strategies to navigate the ups and downs of entrepreneurship with confidence and strength.
To learn more and to register, visit their website.

Business Excellence Awards
2024-11-16 17:00 - 22:00 | Peachland Community Centre, 4450 6th street, Peachland, BC, V0H 1X6, Canada
Join the Peachland Chamber of Commerce for their 2024 Business Excellence Awards. This will take place on November 16th at 5:00 pm at Peachland Community Centre.

Okanagan Business Women Social Meet
2024-11-14 15:00 - 17:00
Okanagan Business Women getting together to connect, network and have fun. Casual get togethers with no commitment or cost.
2nd Thursday Monthly 3:00pm-5:00pm
Register on Eventbrite.

Destination Canada Tourism-Hospitality-Culinary
2024-11-13 15:00 - 2024-11-15 20:00 | Online
The IRCC office at the Canadian Embassy in France is organizing this online recruitment fair on November 13th – 15th, 2024 to connect Canadian employers with qualified French-speaking and bilingual international candidates in the tourism, hospitality and culinary sectors.
Employers with job openings in provinces or territories other than Quebec are invited to apply to participate. Provinces and territories, regions and municipalities, sector councils, economic development organizations and francophone organizations are also welcome to participate as exhibitors.
Participation is free of charge for exhibitors and for candidates. Registration is open until October 27th, 2024.
Register today!

FREE Starting a Business Info Session | Part 1: How to Write a Business Plan
2024-11-13 12:00 - 13:00 | Webinar
Join WeBC to get inspired and excited about starting a business in BC!
You have a business idea—congratulations! Now it’s time to get it down on paper.
A business plan can help you test your ideas, make decisions, minimize your risk, get funding and so much more.
In SBIS Part 1, they 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!

Mastering TikTok for Business Growth
2024-11-07 10:00 - 11:00 | Online
Are you curious if you can use TikTok to grow your business? Depending on your experience with the platform, you may think TikTok is just for teens, or that you have to dance or sing to be popular. Maybe you’re fed up with creating TikTok content that falls flat.
On November 7, WeBC is excited to host the TikTok Coach, Samantha Vlasceanu, for a fireside chat to cut through the noise and help you build your TikTok game from the ground up with a strategy that actually works.
To learn more and register, visit their website.

Exploring LeaderShift’s Partner Program: Professional Development for Customers, Members, Directors and Staff
2024-11-07 09:00 - 11:00
Join Farm Management Canada for an exclusive webinar on Thursday, November 07, at 12:00 pm EST, where they delve into how partnering with LeaderShift can support your customers, members, directors and staff by providing access to unique personal and professional development programs.
In this webinar, you will:
Learn about the various types of partnerships available and how they align with your goals.
Explore the benefits of becoming a LeaderShift partner, including access to cutting-edge training, and coaching support.
Hear success stories about existing partners and how they have leveraged the program to expand their reach and impact.
Don’t miss this opportunity to learn how you can better support the “people side of agriculture” through purpose-built leadership development programs and coaching.
Learn more and register here.

URBA After Hours
2024-11-06 17:00 - 19:00 | Rutland Thrift, 140 Dougal Road N, Kelowna, British Columbia, V1X3KB, Canada
Mark your calendar! Join URBA on November 6th at Rutland Thrift for an evening of shopping and networking; featuring exclusive sales pricing!
For Member tickets, click here!
For Non-Member tickets, click here!

Property Development Leaders Summit
2024-11-06 16:00 - 20:00 | The Laurel Packinghouse, 1304 Ellis Street, Kelowna, BC, V1Y 1Z8, Canada
Prefab Buildings Initiative (PBI) is excited to invite you to their “Property Development Leaders Summit” for their launch. This will be taking place at the Historic Laurel Packinghouse on November 6th, 2024 at 4:00 pm.
This exclusive event will bring together visionary leaders from across Canada’s construction, real estate, and technology sectors to participate in the future of prefabricated buildings and explore their transformative potential in sustainable development.
This is your opportunity to help shape the future of construction, connect with influential decision-makers, and gain early insights into the PBI’s groundbreaking pilot projects.

Business Insurance 101 with BCAA
2024-11-06 10:00 - 11:00 | Online
Navigating the world of insurance may not be the most exciting part of your business, but it’s an essential part in protecting the growth and potential of the business you’ve worked so hard to build.
On November 6, WeBC is hosting the BCAA Small Business Insurance team for a crash course on what small business insurance is, the different coverages available for your unique business needs and how insurance can protect you.
Join WeBC for this free interactive session to explore:

Questions to ask yourself before purchasing small business insurance
Scenarios where insurance would apply
Tips for submitting a claim

Don’t miss this opportunity to ask your questions and gather valuable information from insurance professionals!
Wednesday, November 6 | 10am to 11am PT | Free Virtual WeCafé
Our WeCafés are always free and open to everyone
Facilitator: Cathy Burrell, Client Services Coordinator, WeBC
Panelists:

Bethanie Pio, Commercial Insurance Advisor, BCAA
Daniel Sera, Senior Field Adjuster, BCAA

Learn more and register here!

Young Professional Coffee Social
2024-11-06 08:00 - 09:30 | Bean Scene Coffee Works, 100-1615 Dickson Avenue, Kelowna, British Columbia, V1Y 7W6, Canada
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, brew up some new connections at Bean Scene Coffee Works on November 6, 2024 from 8:00 am to 9:30 am.
This is a free event! You set your budget – beverages and snacks can be purchased from Bean Scene Coffee Works, allowing you to enjoy their delicious offerings while you network.
Register on Eventbrite!

Make it Safe 2024 Online
2024-10-30 08:45 - 2024-10-31 15:00 | Online
Make It Safe 2024 Online contains more than 20 technical hours for business leaders, safety and HR professionals, and safety committees – and invaluable industry connections. Participate online, and tap into more on demand. Bonus! An all-access pass to Make It Safe Online is included with your 2024 Make It Safe live conference ticket. Not able to join them in person? Register for Make It Safe Online + On Demand separately.
Register now!

Land Linking Workshop
2024-10-27 14:00 - 17:00 | Okanagan Mission Community Hall, 4409 Lakeshore Road, Kelowna, British Columbia, V1W 1W7, Canada
GOT LAND? WANT LAND? Are you a landholder looking for farmers? Are you a farmer looking for land? Join Young Agrarians on Sunday, October 27th, 2024 from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm for a workshop on the nuts and bolts of land access! Young Agrarians Land Linking Workshops bring together land seekers and landholders to network, explore possible land matches and learn how to navigate land sharing and lease agreements.
Register here!

Downtown After 5
2024-10-23 17:00 - 19:00 | Kelowna Community Theatre, 1375 Water St, Kelowna, BC, V1Y 0B4, 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’.
Learn more and register here.

JCI Kelowna Mayor's Luncheon
2024-10-22 11:00 - 13:00 | Royal Anne Hotel, 348 Bernard Avenue, Kelowna, BC, V1Y 6N5, Canada
Join JCI Kelowna for the JCI Kelowna Mayor’s Luncheon, a must-attend event that brings together the local business leaders, community members and ofcourse our esteemed Mayor, Tom Dyas. The event will be hosted at the Royal Anne Hotel located in Downtown Kelowna. This in-person luncheon is a great opportunity to connect, engage, and grow within your community.
Event Details:
Date: Oct 22nd, 2024
Time: 11:00 am to 1:00 pm
Venue: Royal Anne Hotel – 348 Bernard Avenue, Kelowna, BC V1Y 6N5
Register on Eventbrite.

2024 Small Business Week Summit: Oct 21 - 25
2024-10-21 08:00 - 2024-10-25 09:30 | Online
The BC Chamber of Commerce Small Business Week Summit runs Oct 21 through 25 and celebrates B.C.’s small businesses, the backbone of our provincial economy. Over five days, these free sessions provide the opportunity to listen, learn, and engage directly with subject matter experts and thought leaders on topics that are important to them.
This year’s theme “Cultivating Resilience through Innovation” highlights the importance of empowering businesses to thrive during times of uncertainty and change. As you face unprecedented challenges, businesses need to stay flexible, embrace new realities, adopt innovative, sustainable practices, and harness cutting-edge technologies to secure lasting success.
Join the BC Chamber of Commerce from October 21st to 25th for a thoughtfully curated program of five virtual morning webinars that will address a variety of topics and equip businesses with tools needed to excel in today’s dynamic business landscape. Tickets are complimentary, and each session will be hosted via Zoom webinar.
Learn more and register here.

Connect + Collab [Power of AI for Entrepreneurs]
2024-10-17 17:30 - 19:45 | Okanagan Lifestyle Apparel Inc., 1295 Cannery Lane ##115, Kelowna, British Columbia, V1Y 9V8, Canada
Join the Chic Experience for an exciting evening at Okanagan Lifestyle, to network, mingle, and explore the Power of AI with a valuable informative panel discussion.
Whether you’re a seasoned business owner, entrepreneur, or just starting out, this event is the perfect opportunity to share ideas, and learn how artificial intelligence (AI) can take your business to the next level.
This event is from 5:30pm to 7:45pm
Don’t miss out on this chance to connect with like-minded individuals and collaborate on innovative projects, snack and sip wine or mocktails.
Get yours tickets today!

October Business After Hours
2024-10-17 17:00 - 19:00 | City Furniture
Join the Greater Westside Board of Trade on Thursday, October 17 from 5-7pm at City Furniture for a great evening of networking, local food and drink and some great prizes.
Advance registration is recommended.

Venue: City Furniture
Starts: Thu Oct 17 2024, 05:00pm PST
Ends: Thu Oct 17 2024, 07:00pm PST
Register Now!

Rethinking Rural: Complexity, Innovation, and the Future(s) of Rural British Columbia
2024-10-15 19:00 | Kelowna Community Theatre, 1375 Water St, Kelowna, BC, V1Y 0B4, Canada
The Irving K. Barber Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences invites you to attend the Distinguished Speaker Series On October 15th at 7:00 pm. The upcoming distinguished speaker is Dr. Sarah-Patricia Breen.
Dr. Breen is the BC Regional Innovation Chair (RIC) in Rural Economic Development at Selkirk Innovates, the applied research department of Selkirk College. In addition to her role at Selkirk Innovates, she is an adjunct professor at the School of Environmental Design and Rural Development at the University of Guelph.
Whether you’re passionate about community development, intrigued by socio-economic trends, or simply curious about the future of rural landscapes, this lively discussion promises to provoke thought and inspire action.
Register today!

Living Library Networking for Entrepreneurs
2024-10-10 17:30 - 19:30 | Staples Studio, 2339 HWY-97 N,, Kelowna, BC, V1X 4H9, Canada
Join YMCA for their upcoming Living Library Networking Event. This is a Free event for women and non-binary entrepreneurs (or future entrepreneurs)
Whether you’re a budding entrepreneur with a fledgling idea or a seasoned business owner looking to add a new chapter to your story, all are welcome to join and participate in this event.
Date: Thursday, October 10, 2024
Time: 5:30-7:30 PM, doors open at 5:30, with light snacks provided
Venue: Staples Studio in Kelowna, 2339 British Columbia 97 #430 Kelowna, BC V1X 4H9 — a coworking space inside Staples.
There is no cost to join and attend! Mark your calendars, take your business cards, and enjoy and celebrate the power of sharing knowledge and the magic of creating connections.
Contact Kitty Boda at kitty.boda@ymcasibc.ca for more details or if you have any difficulty.
Click the following Facebook event link for more information.

Strong and Impactful: Leadership Practices for Women Business Owners
2024-10-10 10:00 - 12:00 | Online
Leadership takes many forms – from motivating your team, to making difficult decisions and feeling confident in your vision. It takes strength to start and grow a business, so entrepreneurship and leadership go hand in hand.
WeBC is delighted to bring back their webinar series: “Strong and Impactful: Leadership Practices for Women Business Owners” to bring women together to explore their own strengths and quiet self-doubt in a welcoming and interactive environment.
Facilitated by three experienced women leaders, this series will explore three facets of impactful leadership: negotiation, confidence and inclusive leadership.
Series schedule
October 10, 10am to 12pm | Negotiate Naturally: Tips for Women Entrepreneurs, Facilitated by Carrie Gallant J.D.
October 17, 9am to 12pm | Break Free from Self-Doubt: Own Your Success and Move Forward, Facilitated by Susan Washington
October 24, 10am to 12pm | Uncover Unconscious Bias to Become an Inclusive Leader, Facilitated by Sharon Marshall
Join us to develop the leadership skills that will help you build an impactful business!
A recording will be available for 30 days after the live sessions.
Open to everyone.
Series cost: $75; free for WeBC Loan clients and Unity Women Entrepreneur Program clients

Advocacy in Action
2024-10-10 07:30 - 08:30 | The Chamber Boardroom, 5878 Beach Avenue, Peachland, BC, V0H 1X7, Canada
Voices are stronger together. As a unified voice of the businesses in Peachland, Peachland Chamber of Commerce represents its member’s interests on the issues that matter most to the business community.
The roundtables meet to address advocacy-related issues.
Collaborate, Connect and Communicate on October 10, 2024 from 7:30 to 8:30 am.
RSVP here!

Empowering Youth Newcomers - Networking event
2024-10-09 16:30 - 18:30 | KCR Community Resources
The KCR Youth Employment Skills and Strategy program invites you to an exciting interactive networking event, Empowering Youth Newcomers: Navigating Cultural Differences and Workplace Inclusion in Canada, which is designed specifically to support youth aged 15-30 y.o. in Central Okanagan.
Their guest speaker, Audree McIvor, a BIPOC therapist from Momentous Counselling, will lead discussions on essential topics such as communication skills, cultural identity, diversity, and workplace inclusion. Audree will share key insights and tools that can help you succeed in your career and personal development as a newcomer to Canada.
The event will provide you with valuable knowledge and networking opportunities to help you navigate your future in the workplace and beyond.

Event Details:

Date: October 9th, 2024
Time: 4:30 pm – 6:30 pm
Location: KCR Community Resources, 620 Leon Ave
Registration: https://forms.gle/Fz3cQov4PmE2UXou8
Refreshments will be provided.

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to build the skills and your networking for a brighter future!

You will find more information in the poster attached.

Please contact Yana and Shalini at yess@kcr.ca to find out event details.

China Export Opportunities Seminar: Unlocking Business Potential
2024-10-09 12:45 - 15:00 | Kelowna donwtown library, 1380 Ellis Street, Kelowna, BC, V1Y 2A2, Canada
Join CCBC in Kelowna on October 9 for an insightful seminar on navigating business opportunities with China. This event will provide companies with essential knowledge and strategies to prepare for exporting to the Chinese market. Presenters include speakers from Jealous Fruits, Export Navigator, the University of Alberta, WPIC Marketing + Technologies, and CCBC. The seminar will cover a range of topics designed to help your company expand and grow in an international market:
Register on Eventbrite. For any questions, please contact Lotta Ygartua, Regional Director, Western Canada at lotta@ccbc.com.

Young Professional Coffee Social
2024-10-09 10:30 - 12:30 | Okangan College, 1000 K.L.O Road, Kelowna, BC, V1Y 4X8, Canada
The OYP Collective is very excited to collaborate with Okanagan College to host a Coffee Social at the Centre for Learning building on Wednesday, October 9th, from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm.
Kickstart your day by making connections with young professionals and postsecondary students at the Coffee Social. This is your chance to network with talented students and professionals from different industries! Join us to connect with various community members in a casual and friendly setting.
This casual and friendly networking event is free to attend and coffee and snacks are on us!
Register on Eventbrite!
