Bidding on Government Contracts: Tips for Small Businesses
2023-07-13 10:00 - 11:00 (America/Vancouver) | Virtual
WeBC has partnered with Procurement Assistance Canada (PAC) to help you explore the possibility of selling to a major client—The Government of Canada!
Whether you’re a sole proprietorship, partnership or corporation, have 1 employee or 500 employees, selling a product or service, the federal government is the largest purchaser in all of Canada, and the majority of the goods and services they purchase are from small and medium businesses like yourself.
Understanding the wide variety of products and services that the government purchases, and the step-by-step process, will improve your bidding strategies and help you save time.
Join WeBC and PAC for this interactive series to learn:

How to identify the contracts that best suit your product or service
Step-by-step instructions on the bidding process
How to strategically bid on government contracts so you improve your odds of success
How to avoid common mistakes bidders make
Bidding best practices
How and when to ask questions
How real business owners have successfully bid on government contracts

Sessions are on Thursdays from 10am to 11am PT:

July 13 | Get to Know Procurement: Is It Right for You?
July 27 | Small Business Bidding: Tour the New Website
August 10 | Bidding Best Practices: Strong Strategies for Small Business
August 24 | Strong Bid, Smart Growth: How to Supply Goods and Services to Government

Facilitator: Cathy Burrell, Entrepreneur in Residence, WeBC
Open to everyone!
A recording will be available after each of the live sessions.
Who is this for?
This introductory-level series is for anyone who is curious about the possibility of selling their product or service to the government in the form of a large, ongoing contract. It is suitable for businesses of any size and for those who provide both products and services.
All registrants will be offered a one-on-one meeting to discuss specifics relating to their business.
Closed-captioning will be provided for the webinar. ASL interpretation available by request. Please contact us to request an interpreter.
Included in the series
Session 1: July 13 | Get to Know Procurement: Is It Right for You?
This session will introduce you to the concept of selling to the Government of Canada and the IDEaS (Innovation for Defense Excellence and Security) program. We’ll break down the procurement process and IDEaS program into easy-to-understand nuggets of information. By the end of the session, you should have a clear idea of whether your product or service is, or could be a match for federal procurement.
Session 2: July 27 | Small Business Bidding: Tour the Website
This session will explore the authoritative website for Government of Canada procurement, CanadaBuys.Canada.ca. You will discover opportunities and learn to search for federal government tenders, contract history, and to register in the electronic procurement solution.
Session 3: August 10 | Bidding Best Practices: Strong Strategies for Small Business
Watch the procurement process in real time through the lens of a Government of Canada Contracting Officer/Technical Authority, and evaluate sample bids against criteria from a fictitious tender, or RFP. You’ll see what makes a bid stand out and what common mistakes to avoid so you can improve your bidding strategy and make better use of your time.
Session 4: August 24 | Strong Bid, Smart Growth: How to Supply Goods and Services to Government
Join WeBC and Procurement Assistance Canada (PAC) for an interactive panel discussion to learn about supplying goods and services to Government. Hear from real business owners who will share their own experiences with the procurement process and how they’ve achieved success with contracting processes.

Meet the Facilitator

Cathy Burrell, WeBC Client Service Coordinator
Cathy Burrell is an entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience owning and operating a variety of businesses. She has a Master of Education degree from the University of Calgary, specializing in adult, community and higher education. She has taught digital literacy and communication education to adults and has worked as a consultant for business owners to give them insight into their digital customer base. Cathy believes COVID highlighted the importance of clear communication, both online and offline. She currently works as a Client Services Advisor for WeBC helping clients develop their social, listening and critical thinking skills. In her experience, knowing when to talk and when to listen is key to empathy and understanding, and she works with clients to find that balance in their business.

2023 Presidents Dinner presented by Rogers
2023-07-19 18:00 - 21:00 | Coast Capri Hotel, 1171 Harvey Avenue, Kelowna, BC, V1Y 6E8, Canada
Join us for a three-course dinner as we pay homage to our dedicated and hard working volunteers made up of our directors, ambassadors and committee members. At this special dinner we will also induct Former President, Jeff Robinson into the esteemed Past Presidents Alumni, and welcome our Incoming President, Dan Price.
We will have a silent auction to offset the costs of the volunteer event. To donate a silent auction please reach out to the Kelowna Chamber at events@kelownachamber.org.
Agenda:
5:45 p.m. – Welcome Reception
7:00 p.m. – Opening Remarks
7:10 – 9:00 p.m. – Volunteer Awards, Dinner, Presentations

Cancellation Policy: Cancellations must be received 5 business days prior to the event to be subject to refund.

Event Item Name
Expires
Pricing

Regular Rate Ticket
Jul 14, 2023

$150.00

Member-Discounted Ticket
Jul 14, 2023

$110.00

Reserved Table of 8
Jul 14, 2023

$1,000.00

Ask Me Anything with Dr. Steve Conway on Mental Health
2023-07-25 11:00 - 12:00 | Virtual
IN THIS ASK ME ANYTHING SESSION, ALLIANCE MENTAL HEALTH AND WELLNESS DIRECTOR DR. STEVE CONWAY ANSWERS YOUR QUESTIONS ON ANYTHING AND EVERYTHING RELATED TO MENTAL HEALTH AT WORK.

How is a worker’s mental health affected by work? How can an employee’s mental health also impact their work? What can supervisors and managers do to ensure that their workers have psychological resilience? In this session, bring the questions you’ve always wondered about mental health in the workplace.
In this Ask Me Anything session, bring your questions to Mental Health and Wellness Director Dr. Steve Conway on anything and everything related to mental health at work.
In his work at the Alliance, Steve provides members with personalized workshops and leadership consulting and coaching on workplace mental health issues. Watch for new mental health resources and courses coming this summer for supervisors and workers.

In this webinar you will learn

Learn more about the intricacies of how psychological wellbeing can affect workers and teams.
Gain strategies to help team members build psychological wellness and resilience.
Better understand how and why the JHSC should pay attention to psychological health and wellbeing

Young Professional Coffee Social
2023-07-26 07:30 - 09:00 | Third Space Coffee, 1708 Dolphin Ave Unit #103, Kelowna, BC, V1Y 9S4, Canada
Connect with new friends and other young professionals in a casual, friendly environment at an in-person Coffee Social held at Third Space Coffee in the Landmark District this month.
Drop in anytime from 7:30 – 9 a.m. to meet great people.
Beverages and snacks are available to purchase through Third Space Coffee.
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 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

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

Hosted by: Okanagan Young Professionals (OYP) Collective

Content Marketing Through Storytelling | Startup Women
2023-07-26 09:00 - 10:00 | Virtual
About Event

​This is the third of five webinars Startup Canada will host, as part of the Startup Women 2023 program. These webinars aim to support the business development of women-identifying entrepreneurs and give them the tools and know-how to navigate the early stages of their entrepreneurial journey.

​​ABOUT
Drive growth for your business through strategic storytelling. Learn how to better understand your customers and create content for them. Then convert your stories into sales! Hone in on your brand story and explore creative ways to communicate it with your customers.
​​EVENT DETAILS
Wednesday, July 26, 2023
9 – 10 AM PT | 12 – 1 PM ET
​​SPEAKERS
TBC
​​WHO IS THIS WEBINAR FOR?
Early stage, women-identifying entrepreneurs looking to learn how they can harness the power of their brand story to drive growth.

​​PARTNERS
The Startup Women program is powered by Startup Canada, co-presented by The Scotiabank Women Initiative and UPS, and in partnership with EDC and Mastercard and a community of ecosystem partners.

Exporting to Mexico and Latin America with free trade
2023-07-27 10:00 - 11:00 | Virtual
Don’t let a lack of local presence in the market or understanding of tariff and non-tariff barriers hold you back.
Expand your knowledge on how to export products and services to Mexico and Latin America with the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) and Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), how your business can benefit from tariff liberalization, and how to choose the right free trade agreement for your industry.
Join us on Thursday, July 27, 2023, from 1 to 2 p.m. ET as we discuss:

Why it’s important to know the procedures to export goods and services through CUSMA or CPTPP
How to leverage trade benefits such as tariff liberalization from both agreements shared with Mexico and how to select the best FTA for your product or service
What’s a tariff and non-tariff restriction and what should be considered when exporting to Mexico
How EDC and Team Canada can help Canadian companies get better access to Mexico and Latin American markets.

Our panel

Moderator

Jorge Rave
Chief Representative Mexico
Export Development Canada

Speakers

Marilú Cisneros Vargas
Regional Manager in Mexico
Export Development Canada

Guillaume Healy
Trade Commissioner, FTA Promotion, Inclusive
Trade and Trade Missions Division
Global Affairs Canada

Andrés Friedman
Co-Founder & CEO
Solfium Inc.

Who should watch
Canadian businesses interested in exporting to Mexico and Latin America.

Register for this event

Accelerate Okanagan Programs Info Session
2023-07-27 11:30 - 12:30
Join the AO Programs team for a presentation on our new Acceleration Stack and how it can support the growth of your business.
In this presentation, we will introduce you to our accelerator programs designed to empower and support startup founders on their journey. Discover how our programs can provide the necessary resources to fuel your startup’s growth and give you a solid foundation to work from.
During this session, we will showcase our Acceleration Stack, tailored to address different aspects of startup development. Programs such as Venture Validation Market Ready are designed to guide founders through essential stages of the startup journey. If accessing capital is your priority, Fundable, Okanagan Angel Summit, and ThreeSixty, are designed to equip you with the knowledge and strategies to secure funding and connect you with potential investors and funders.
We will outline the minimum requirements, ideal profiles, and key benefits of each program, helping you determine the best fit for your startup’s current stage and objectives. In addition, you’ll gain insights into the overall support we provide as a tech accelerator.
Join us for this informative session and discover how our accelerator programs can propel your startup’s success.
Get Tickets

KF Aerospace Career Fair
2023-07-27 15:30 - 18:30 | KF Aerospace
You’re invited to the KF Aerospace Career Fair!

EVENT DETAILS

DATE: Thursday, July 27

TIME: From 3:30 to 6:30pm

LOCATION: 5650 Aerospace Drive in KF’s West Hangar
*FREE PARKING*

Our hangar doors are open for you!

Don’t miss this exclusive inside look at our world-class aviation services in Kelowna, BC. This open-house career fair event will showcase a variety of career opportunities working on–and off–aircraft, including Aircraft Painting, Hangar Support, Administration, Supply Chain, Logistics, Aerospace Engineering, Flight Operations and more. Meet with KF Ambassadors from across our organization and join us for facility tours, refreshments and a prize giveaway!
Okanagan College will also be participating to introduce prospective students to their Aircraft Maintenance programs, including the Structures program located on-site at KF Aerospace.
Applicants of all backgrounds and experience levels are welcome!

What does Kelowna’s largest private employer have to offer?

Entry-level positions offering competitive starting wages ranging from $18.75 to $20 per hour with set salary increases eligible every 6 months.

A comprehensive benefits package that includes extended medical and dental, a health spending account, a wellness and personal spending account, pension matching plan and an Employee & Family Assistance Program.

Exciting opportunities for career advancement and internal promotions.

Networking tools for newcomers to Canada!
2023-08-08 18:30 - 19:30 | Virtual
Have you ever wondered how it is that some people can easily make connections that help them to find jobs, and yet you have tried and you’ve been unsuccessful? Come to this 1-hour online session to learn what it takes to find jobs in the hidden job market, and determine what networking tools are best for marketing yourself in Canada.
This session will be delivered virtually. Register to get a Zoom link.
This event is hosted by the Career Paths for Skilled Immigrant Program at KCR Community Resources.
https://kcr.ca/employment-services/career-paths-for-skilled-immigrants/
REGISTER TODAY!

Peachland Chamber of Commerce - Business Made Social
2023-08-09 05:00 - 19:00 | Davis Cove Resort, 3701 Beach Avenue, Peachland, BC, V0H 1X1, Canada
RSVP

Allied Universal Hiring Event
2023-08-15 10:00 - 15:00 | WorkBC Kelowna Centre, 107-1835 Gordon Drive, Kelowna, BC, V1Y 3H4, Canada
WorkBC Central Okanagan will be hosting a single employer hiring event with Allied Universal Security Services at our Capri Centre on Tuesday August 15th from 10:00 AM to 3 PM.
The event will be to promote their Airport Screening Officer opportunities at the Kelowna International Airport. They are searching for part-time and full-time Screening Officers and Bilingual Screening Officers that speak French and English. Job seekers must be 18 years of age or older and must be a Canadian Citizen or PR. Please see the event flyer attached. Please see the full job description below.
$22.52 – $25.39 / hour
Wages are subject to increases yearly
Allied Universal is seeking a Screening Officer in Kelowna. As a member of the Allied Universal Aviation Team, you will have the distinct opportunity to learn and grow in a fast-paced environment. We understand the importance of this role and are looking for team members who want to safeguard their communities, while learning critical skills, beyond security, that will help them create long-lasting careers.
As a Screening Officer you will report to the Service Delivery Manager and hold responsibility for ensuring that the traveling public, their personal belongings, and the carry-on baggage and items they have with them are screened before they enter the sterile area of the airport. This will be accomplished by using metal detection equipment, X-ray equipment, and explosive detection equipment, as well as physical search techniques to search baggage, items, and personal belongings.
As this is a unionized 24/7 environment, shift assignments are bid by seniority and can be any day of the week (including Saturday, Sunday, and holidays) and shifts can be from early morning, late afternoon, evening, and graveyard.
NOTE: If you are successful in our pre-screening process, you will be required to apply for a Transport Canada Security Clearance and once acquired, you will then need to successfully complete the Screening Officer Foundations (SOF) course during paid training.
RESPONSIBILITIES:

Work as a productive team member; supporting and promoting a positive work environment
Communicate clearly and effectively
Manage conflict

QUALIFICATIONS:

High school diploma or equivalent
Must be able to obtain a Transport Canada Security Clearance
Must be able to successfully complete all CATSA assessments including Screening Officer Foundations (SOF) and On-the-Job (OJT) programs.
Must be able to obtain a valid medical certificate
If previously employed, meaningful and verifiable work history
Licensing requirements are subject to province and/or local laws and regulations and may be required prior to employment

Job Seekers can view the job description and apply online
Working at Allied Universal Canada (ausecurity.ca)

Cash Flow Planning for Small Business
2023-08-15 12:00 - 12:45 | Virtual
Safeguarding the Financial Health of Your Business
Course Description

Have you encountered challenges covering your bills and expenses as a business owner? Even profitable businesses occasionally struggle to meet their obligations, and it usually comes down to one important factor: cash flow. Maintaining a positive cash flow is one of the most common challenges business owners face, but it’s not as difficult as it seems if you know what to look out for.
Join Yvonne Bayer-Cheung, Client Services Manager at SBBC and serial entrepreneur, and learn how to use cash flow projections and sales forecasts to stay ahead of your expenses. This fast-paced, interactive webinar includes a live demonstration on building out projections and sales forecasts.

What Will I Learn?

What a cash flow statement is, and how it is different from other financial statements
Steps to creating a cash flow and sales forecast for your business
Tips and best practices to improve your cash flow

Presented By

Yvonne Bayer-Cheung

Employment Services Info Session for Skilled Immigrants
2023-08-17 10:00 - 11:00 | Virtual
Struggling to find work in your field? Career Paths for Skilled Immigrants provides services to help you find skilled employment in BC that uses the education and experience that you bring to Canada.
You will gain insight about the employment services of KCR, and more specifically about the Career Paths Program for Skilled Immigrants. Attendees will find out about the criteria and eligibility for the program and what it can offer to qualified candidates. An overview of the types of professions that the program supports will be introduced along with the industries in which professionals align with best in each of these streams will be discussed.
All are welcome to join us to attend this session. The Workshop is offered on zoom. Please register to receive the zoom link.
This event is hosted by the Career Paths for Skilled Immigrant Program at KCR Community Resources.
https://kcr.ca/employment-services/career-paths-for-skilled-immigrants/
REGISTER TODAY!

Stimulating Growth with Supplier Diversity
2023-08-17 13:00 - 14:00 | Virtual
One of the biggest barriers to supplier diversity for all Canadian businesses is a lack of awareness and understanding. Yet diversifying your suppliers can drive economic growth, promote innovation, foster inclusivity, and provide a competitive edge in the market.
Join us on Thursday, Aug. 17, 2023, from 1 to 2 p.m. ET as we discuss:

The strategic benefits for all Canadian companies of establishing a supplier diversity program and how it aligns with your company’s growth objectives
How Canadian businesses owned by equity seeking groups can become a certified diverse supplier and how competing in supplier diversity programs can help you reach your international business goals
How one company benefited from being certified and leveraged supplier diversity programs to grow

Our panel

Moderator

Jennifer Cooke
Director – Inclusive Trade
Export Development Canada

Speakers

Dionne Laslo Baker
Founder & CEO
DeeBee’s Organics

Ann-Marie Anderson
Advisor, Canadian Supplier Diversity
BMO Financial Group

Duane Robson
Consul and Senior Trade Commissioner
Consulate General of Canada in Dallas

Young Professional Night Out @ Live In Lake Country
2023-08-18 17:30 - 21:00 | Swalwell Park, 10050 Bottom Wood Lake Road, Lake Country, BC, V4V 1S7, Canada
Enjoy live music with fellow young professionals at Live in Lake Country!
There’ll be live music by Kandola Bros. and Mazacote.
This is a free, public event put on by the District of Lake Country. Our group is joining in, so come hang out, sit with us and expand your personal and professional network!
Families/children are welcome.
Drop in anytime, we’ll be there from 5:30 p.m. onwards.
Live music begins at 7 p.m.
More information on meeting up with our group will be sent to registrants prior to the event.
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!
REGISTER

Coffee & Connected: Rooftop Networking
2023-08-23 08:00 - 09:30 | The Innovation Centre
Join us for a fantastic morning of networking at the Innovation Centre Roof Top in Kelowna! This event is brought to you in partnership with OYP (Okanagan Young Professionals), Innovation Centre, and SPACES.
🤝 Connect with professionals from diverse backgrounds.
☕ Enjoy coffee with a breathtaking view.
🎁 Participate in exciting giveaways!

Event Details:
Date: August 23rd
Time: 8:00 AM – 9:30 AM
Location: Innovation Centre Roof Top, Kelowna

This event is open to the community and free to attend. However, registration is required to secure your spot and participate. Don’t miss this opportunity to expand your network and start your day with an energizing experience!
We look forward to seeing you there!

RESERVE A SPOT

Business Planning with the Business Model Canvas
2023-08-23 10:00 - 11:30 | Virtual
Whether you’re an entrepreneur looking to test out your idea, or an established business looking for new opportunities, the Business Model Canvas is a brainstorming tool that provides a new way to look at your business.
On August 23, we’re hosting Jessica Wicks from Accelerate Okanagan in our virtual WeCafé for an interactive session to explore this tool and how you can apply it to your business.
Join us for this free session to learn how you can use the Business Model Canvas to:

Simplify and test your ideas,
Validate your assumptions, and
Identify which resources you need to make your business startup or growth a reality.

August 23 | 10am to 11:30am PT | Free Webinar
Open to everyone!

Facilitator: Cathy Burrell, Entrepreneur in Residence, WeBC
Panelist: Jessica Wicks, Program Strategist, Accelerate Okanagan

Top 40 Over 40 Celebration
2023-08-24 17:00 - 19:30 | Kelowna Yacht Club, 1370 Water St, Kelowna, BC, V1Y 1J1, Canada
Join us for an extraordinary celebration of achievements and excellence as we recognize our 2023 BDO Top 40 Over 40 honourees. Each of these 40 remarkable individuals have contributed to the community in the Okanangan and made a significant impact. Secure your tickets today to be a part of this inspiration event, where inspiring stores and unforgettable moments await. We’re excited to welcome BDO as our Program Sponsor and Rogers as our Community Sponsor.
Each ticket will receive one complimentary drink token and hors d’oeuvres.

Open House Animation Diploma
2023-08-26 13:00 - 17:00 | The Innovation Centre
Interested in a career in animation? Okanagan College’s Animation Studio is opening its doors to the public to learn about the animation diploma at OC. Alums and Second Year students will be providing tours of the studio and classrooms and answering questions. Everyone is welcome to attend this free community event.
Location: Innovation Centre, Unit 202 -460 Doyle Ave

To RSVP, email: Ocanimationprogram@gmail.com

Untapped Markets for Foreign Direct Investment Opportunities
2023-08-30 14:00 - 15:00 | Virtual
Are you looking for new markets to expand your business globally or for new investment opportunities? Join our webinar on Untapped Markets for Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) to discover unexplored territories with high growth potential, including Asia, Africa, and Latin America.
Gain exclusive insights to better navigate the complexities of investing in emerging but often overlooked markets. This webinar will teach you to identify critical high-growth potential industries, mitigate risks, and capitalize on incentives. Join us to unlock new opportunities and leverage your competitive edge to foster growth and profitability. Register now to take advantage of this exclusive webinar and secure your spot today!
Price: Free
REGISTER

Young Professional Ice Cream Social
2023-08-30 17:00 - 19:00 | Kelowna Sails, Abbott Street, Kelowna, BC, V1Y 1H2, Canada
It’s August, so we’re skipping the coffee and socializing over ice cream! Join us Downtown Kelowna as we grab a cone and meet great people!
Connect with new friends and other young professionals at a casual, friendly social in-person, as we explore downtown Kelowna with ice cream in-hand!
What to Expect
We’ll be meeting at The Sails (Abbott St. & Bernard), which is in striking distance of some excellent local ice cream and gelato shops. We’ll go grab our cones and head over to City Park and find a place to sit!
This is a free event, with ice cream is available for purchase from the nearby shop of your choice (or whatever nearby treat or drink you want to grab, it’s your hard-earned money!)
Drop in anytime from 5 – 7 p.m. to meet great people. You’ll need to register in advance, and we will also provide instructions of where to meet/how to connect with the group if you’re coming after 5:15 p.m.!
Not sure if you should come to our Ice Cream Social? Join us if you are:

New to town
Born and raised in the Okanagan
A fresh face to business
Under forty
Over forty (don’t worry, we don’t i.D.)
Someone who needs likes ice cream
Someone who doesn’t like ice cream (it’s optional to go buy)
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!
RESERVE A SPOT

Startup Drinks at Accelerate Okanagan
2023-08-31 16:30 - 18:30 | Accelerate Okanagan Lounge, 201-460 Doyle Ave, Kelowna, BC, V1Y 0C2, Canada
Startup Drinks is back for an end of Summer celebration!
Join Accelerate Okanagan and Startup Grind Kelowna for happy hour on Thursday, August 31st! No presentations, sales pitches, or stress—this event is a fun and casual networking opportunity with good conversations and great people. The best part? You don’t have to worry about the bill! Food and drinks will be complimentary for all guests.
Big shout out to our friends at Franco’s liquor for supporting with beverages.
Who Should Attend?
Entrepreneurs, job seekers, and everyone else passionate about startups, tech, and innovation is encouraged to come out. The event is free and open to all.
Location:
Accelerate Okanagan Lounge – 460 Doyle Ave #201, Kelowna, BC V1Y 0C2
This event is 19+, please bring ID & drink responsibly.

Uptown Rutland Business Association After Hours
2023-09-06 17:00 - 19:00 | Black Mountain Veterinary Hospital, 156 Asher Road, Kelowna, BC, V1X 3H6, Canada
Click Here to Register Now

Grow Your Food Business
2023-09-07 09:00 - 15:00 | Virtual
2023 Workshops Are Open!
All workshops are online from 9am – 3pm.
4 dates to join: Wednesday, June 28; Thursday, September 7; Friday, October 20; and Monday, December 4.

REGISTER HERE
If you’re starting a new food and beverage business, the Grow Your Food Business workshop is essential to keeping your business out of the weeds and growing to success.
You have a great idea or product, but before you dig into business, ask yourself these questions:

Can I scale it up?
Are my margins high enough?
Am I certain the market will accept my product?
What are the true costs of starting a successful food business?
Do I understand the labeling rules and regulations?

f you’re feeling overwhelmed and you don’t have all of the answers, don’t let that discourage you. Register for our one-day Grow Your Food Business workshop to understand your product’s true potential and know your metrics for success.
We’ll cover:
Business planning
Financial planning
Market access
Product development
Distribution
Trade, consumer & digital marketing

The 5-Step Blueprint to Improve Your Business Processes
2023-09-07 11:00 - 12:00 | Virtual
Business Process Improvement is an initiative to increase efficiencies in your company. So, if you’re looking to reduce your departmental costs, increase your production / service output, or standardize your business processes, you’ll love the actionable techniques in this webinar.
Key Takeaways:

What is Business Process Improvement

5 Step to Implement Successful Business Processes:

Mapping the current state
Perform gap analysis
Identify improvement opportunities
Map the future state
Plan the implementation roadmap

Register Here >>>

Social Media for Small Business
2023-09-07 13:00 - 15:00 | Virtual
Using Social Media for Success
Course Description

While it’s amazing for catching up with old friends, social media can also be a huge driver of traffic and attention to your small business. And just because you know what social media is, does not mean you necessarily understand how to use social media to grow and develop your business.
Mhairi Petrovic, Out-Smarts Marketing, will help you understand social media for small business, what it is and how it connects people.

What Will I Learn?

The different social media platforms and their suitability for your business
How/if social media should be an important part of your marketing strategy
Understand the opportunities available to you
How to leverage social media for business growth
Using social media for prospecting new clients

Presented By

Mhairi Petrovic

This session is delivered online via Zoom. A few tips to accessing your webinar content:

Registration closes 2 hours before the session start time.
Once registered, you will receive the Zoom link for the webinar twice: 24 hours before the start time and 1 hour before. For support with Zoom setup, click here.
Missed the live session? No problem. All registrants will receive access to the recording for seven days after the live session.

Peachland Chamber of Commerce - Business Made Social
2023-09-07 17:00 - 19:00 | Peche Beach Co., 104-4316 Beach Avenue, Peachland, BC, V0H 1X6, Canada

Workplace Accessibility Grant Info Session
2023-09-11 12:00 - 12:30 | Virtual
Access a Grant of up to $2,500 to Improve Access for Persons with Disabilities
Course Description

Did You Know: Nearly 10 percent of BC’s population identifies as having a disability. Is your business doing enough to create an inclusive space that meets their needs? September is Disability Employment Month in BC. As we celebrate and recognize inclusive employers and the important contributions people with disabilities make in the workplace, we also acknowledge the collective steps we all need to make to improve. Join us for this free info session and learn how you can receive financial assistance towards creating an inclusive work environment for persons with a disability(ies).
This session will cover information about the Workplace Accessibility Grant program, what the grant can be used for, how the program works, program eligibility, and the grant application process.

What Will I Learn?

Details about the Workplace Accessibility Grant
How you can use the $2,500 grant.
Overview of program eligibility and requirements
How to apply – overview of the application process, business requirements and deadlines
Answers to frequently asked questions

Presented By

Nixon Vu

This session is delivered online via Zoom. A few tips to accessing your webinar content:

Registration closes 2 hours before the session start time.
Once registered, you will receive the Zoom link for the webinar twice: 24 hours before the start time and 1 hour before. For support with Zoom setup, click here.
Missed the live session? No problem. All registrants will receive access to the recording for seven days after the live session.

Cohere - Gather, Imagine and Collaborate
2023-09-12 12:00 - 13:30 | Okanagan coLab, 201-1405 St Paul Street, Kelowna, BC, V1Y 2E4, Canada
Use your creative tension to move ideas into action! Join a group of skilled collaborators, all with an intrepid mission of conscious learning, sustainability, and transformation for a flourishing future.
In 2023, our monthly themes are:

June – Sustainable Development & SDGs
July – Inner Development & IDGs
August – Community Resiliency & Well-being
September – Community Innovation for a Flourishing Future

Cohere Conversations focus on building a vibrant network, sharing wisdom, peer support, and amplifying ideation.
Community Innovation for a Flourishing Future is Cohere’s September Theme
Join us for our September Cohere Community Conversations, where we will continue our journey of exploration into the intersections of sustainable development, inner development, and community resiliency for well-being. This month’s theme is “Community Innovation for a Flourishing Future”, focusing on the visionary community projects. 🌍
Our Presenters

September 5th – Retrospective and Plan Forward
September 12th – Angela Nagy
September 19th – Shane Lapp and Barri Harris
September 26th – Jamie Stevens and Stefan Montalbetti

Stay tuned for announcements of expert presenters who will share their insights and experiences on building community resilience and well-being.
Secure your spot and be part of this transformative conversation on community resilience and well-being. Let’s link everyday actions to greater community goals and work together to create a positive impact on the well-being of our communities.
We look forward to your presence and active participation in these empowering Cohere Community events. Together, let’s shape a sustainable and resilient future for our communities.

Cohere Overview
Generally, Cohere focuses on 4 key areas:
Building a vibrant network: members are not just ‘connections’; they are your community of supports who are invested in each other’s success and well-being.
Sharing wisdom: every gathering is filled with gifts of learning, challenge, growth and gratitude.
Getting and giving support: present your issues to find clarity and get unstuck with the guidance of mentors, coaches and experts.
Amplifying ideations: pitch your impactful ideas for feedback, guidance, and possible collaboration.
Every meeting is facilitated and resources are made available to participants where applicable.
Who’s this for? Cohere will resonate for you if:

You love to meet new people who are living creatively and authentically in an entrepreneurial path
You are a self-disciplined learner always adding new tools to your toolbelt
You align your goals with actions that build your discipline and habits
You seek out community spaces that provide inclusive social environments to build relationships
You favour diversity of thinking and learn from a variety of sources that stimulate learning and creativity
Your business/organizational activities are expressed through purpose, mission, vision, and values

Cohere runs weekly and is open and free to the community.
Questions? Contact the organizer.

About the Organizer Okanagan coLab
coLab is reimagining how community lives, works, and plays. A community built around five core values: Community, Collaboration, Creativity, Purposefulness, and Celebration.
By becoming a coLab Community Member, you’re joining a network of leaders, innovators, and collaborators. Take part in a thriving, local community dedicated to bringing out the best in one another!
Be our guest and meet the community

Newcome Workforce Integration Event
2023-09-12 14:00 - 15:30 | Accelerate Okanagan Technology Association, 201-460 Doyle Avenue, Kelowna, BC, V1Y 0C2, Canada
IGNITE OKANGAN 2023, Attention Employers! Newcomer Workforce Integration Event in Kelowna.
Attention Local Employers! Come join us for our event to connect, share, and learn about how employers are building welcoming and inclusive workplaces for new immigrant workers. This employer and community event includes a panel of guest speakers from the Central Okanagan business community and employment support organizations that will share experiences, resources, and supports related to aspects of immigrant workforce integration. This event is hosted by the Central Okanagan Local Immigration Partnership and Kelowna Community Resources and co-hosted by Kelowna WorkBC Centre, Kelowna Chamber of Commerce, and Accelerate Okanagan.
