Invest Kelowna

10/23/2026

A huge thank you to Cody Kinzett from QHR Technologies for hosting two fantastic Ask Me Anything (AMA) sessions for Connectees in the COEDC Connector Program, and to Mike Checkly for making the connection!
These informal 60-minute AMA sessions give newcomers to the region and recent graduates the opportunity to connect with experienced professionals, ask questions about their field, and learn from those who have built successful careers in the Central Okanagan.

As a Connector, Cody sees firsthand the value of these connections:

“Working as a Connector has given me the opportunity to help newcomers, as well as established professionals, build meaningful connections within a fantastic organization and broader professional community. The caliber of the connectees has been genuinely inspiring and as a hiring manager, it's encouraging to meet so many capable and passionate professionals."

The impact is also reflected in the experiences of Connectees. As Oluwafemi Anjorin shared:

"The Connector Program is an incredible resource. As someone building a professional network from scratch, the AMA session with Cody provided clear, actionable insights into how the local industry works. I highly recommend it to anyone looking to get their foot in the door."

Learn more about the program: https://www.investkelowna.com/connector/

10/22/2026

There is a moment in every company when the lift starts to disappear, and comfort takes over.

OFFSITE: The Courage to Go Bigger is about that moment. Okanagan's flagship event for founders and C-suite leaders lands at the Centre for Excellence in Kelowna on Thursday, November 5, home to one of Canada's leading aerospace and aviation collections.

A full day on the personal side of scaling beyond good enough:

✔️ Opening keynote from Barry Lapointe, Founder and Chairman of Aerospace
✔️ A founder panel on inflection points, plus an in-flight conversation with Clark of Corporation
✔️ A two-hour workshop with Warner of Core EQ to find your true north

Breakfast, lunch, and a closing happy hour are included. $275 for AO members, $350 for non-members.

Get your ticket >> https://www.connectoffsite.ca/kf-centre-for-excellence

OFFSITE is made possible by TELUS Business, Hewlett Packard Enterprise, KPMG Canada, Xen Accounting, Core EQ, The Recovery Spa, FH&P Lawyers LLP, and Potentia Human Resources Inc.

10/22/2026

Join the Future of Productivity for networking and connections with local founders and professionals at Famoso Italian Pizzeria on Oct 27 from 4:00 to 6:00 pm.

https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/casual-tuesdays-networking-at-famoso-oct-27-tickets-2002763025121

10/21/2026

Yesterday, our agriculture consultant, Myrna Stark leader, was one of about 100 participants in Region of Plenty: Okanagan Food Summit, organized by Okanagan College. The day-long, no-cost event saw people from across the Okanagan food system gather to connect, learn, share ideas and identify opportunities. A starting point of the day was: How can we build a regional food system where everyone benefits from the abundance around us? One theme that surfaced during the day was greater collaboration between all those who have a stake in the "food" story - producers, suppliers, shippers, non-profits, educational facilities, tech, researchers, Indigenous communities, and more.

10/21/2026

Did you know that Environmental Farm Plans (EFP) need to be renewed every 5 years. Having an EFP is important as it is required to maintain eligibility for Beneficial Management Practices funding. For more info: https://iafbc.ca/environmental-farm-plan/

The Environmental Farm Plan (EFP) Program is a complimentary program that provides eligible agri-food sector producers access to consultants (known as EFP

10/21/2026

Check out Accelerate Okanagan's qualitative report, Nobody Grows Alone. This interactive report was co created with Co.school and brings together stories, quotes, and themes from conversations with farmers and agriculture leaders across the valley during the spring and summer of 2026. Water and weather topped the conversation. Growers called water scarcity the valley’s greatest challenge, with farms and homes competing for supply, decades-old irrigation defaults, and licensing rules that shape access. Weather is the other half of that story. Growers can’t control frost, heat, or fire, and each carries a cost.

Read the report to learn more - https://accelerateokanagan.com/nobody-grows-alone/

Where can innovation make the biggest difference in Okanagan agriculture?

Our new interactive report, Nobody Grows Alone, puts that question to the people closest to it. Grounded in conversations with growers and agriculture leaders across the valley, it names eight areas ready for new ideas:

💧 Water & Weather
🍎 Local Food
👩‍🌾 Labour
📋 Red Tape
🗣️ Engagement
📚 Knowledge & Learning
🌱 Land & Succession
🤝 Working Together

Each area traces the challenges growers face, the opportunities they see and the bright spots already underway. Some ideas are ready to build now, like a multilingual tool for navigating regulations or an app that sends local pest guidance straight to a grower’s phone.

None of them move forward alone. They need growers, builders and partners working on them together.

Explore the report and find where you fit >> https://hubs.la/Q04BlW6B0

Co-created with Kevan Gilbert of https://hubs.la/Q04BlVKT0.

10/20/2026

At the COEDC Advisory Committee meeting last week, members received a demonstration of how the enhanced Okanagan Manufacturing Database can strengthen business matching, supply chain visibility, and investment attraction across the region. The committee also heard from MNP on the impacts of tariffs and trade uncertainty, highlighting the importance of supply chain resilience, risk management, and business preparedness.

Read our latest blog for a recap of the Advisory Committee meeting - https://www.investkelowna.com/blog/october-coedc-advisory-committee-meeting-focused-on-the-enhanced-okanagan-manufacturing-database-and-trade-disruptions

Okanagan manufacturers are encouraged to complete the database intake form to help improve data accuracy and gain access to valuable supply chain insights, sourcing opportunities, and potential business matches when the platform launches in November.

Complete the form today - https://www.investkelowna.com/okanagan-manufacturing-database-intake-form/

10/15/2026

A huge thank you to Reidco Metal Industries Ltd., Trueleaf Petcare Inc., Rise Tape, The Bees Knees Design, PRE Labs Inc., Jupiter Avionics Corporation, Brenda Renewables Ltd., Gambrinus Malting Corporation and Penticton Powder Coat for completing the manufacturing database updated intake form.

We are expanding and enhancing the database to create a more comprehensive resource for manufacturers across the region. The enhanced database supports business-to-business matching by comparing what manufacturers buy against what others make, while also supporting investment attraction and early warning by identifying supply chain risks before disruptions occur.

If you haven't already, be sure to complete the form by the end of October. To complete the form, visit : https://www.investkelowna.com/okanagan-manufacturing-database-intake-form/

10/13/2026

Help shape the future of the Central Okanagan economy!

The COEDC is seeking business and industry leaders to join its 2027 Advisory Committee. Members play an important role in identifying opportunities, sharing sector insights and helping ensure economic development initiatives reflect the needs of businesses across the region. We are particularly interested in hearing from leaders in aerospace and manufacturing, construction and development, health, and hospitality and tourism sectors.

Applications are open until 4:00 p.m. on Monday, November 2, 2026. Interested individuals can submit their resume or a summary of their business background, along with contact information, to [email protected]

For more information, including the committee's Terms of Reference, visit investkelowna.com/about-the-coedc/committee/.