Community Futures North Okanagan

09/04/2026

Did you know businesses in the Thompson-Okanagan have access to a dedicated local Export Advisor?

Through Export Navigator, Amber Hunter provides free, one-on-one support to businesses looking to expand beyond their current markets.

From exploring opportunities across Canada to preparing for international growth, Amber helps businesses navigate the export process with practical guidance tailored to their goals.

If you're thinking about growing your business, now is a great time to start the conversation.

Learn more and connect with your local Export Advisor at exportnavigator.ca.

Export Navigator BC

09/02/2026

Registrations are rampin' up for our Business Exchange program! ↗️

Business Exchange is your chance to join a group of small business owners navigating common problems and sharing ideas and strategies to make the most of opportunities.

It’s also a place to continue to grow and expand your skills as a well-rounded business owner.

Meetings are held bi-weekly on Thursday mornings from 7:00 AM – 8:30 AM.

Cost: $265.00 for the season

Dates: October 15th, 2026 through May 13th, 2027

Business Exchange offers:

➡️ One seat at our bi-weekly sessions
➡️ Light breakfast and coffee
➡️ Professional in-house and guest speakers
➡️ Roundtable discussions
➡️ Connecting and networking with other non-competing professionals in the community

We are currently accepting applications for the 2026/2027 Business Exchange. Limited spaces are available and fill up quickly!

Link to more information about Business Exchange: https://www.futuresbc.com/business-exchange/

08/31/2026

How will recent U.S. tariff shifts impact Canadian businesses and regional economic growth? 💡

Join the Economic Developers Association of Canada (EDAC) for a timely webinar hosted by Rob LeForte, President and Founder of First Lake Solutions.

🗓 Date: Tuesday, September 1
⏰ Time: 11:30 a.m. PDT / 2:30 p.m. EDT
📍 Location: Online Webinar

🔗 Register here: https://edac.ca/events/ =124&cid=2035&wid=701&type=Cal

EDAC - Economic Developers Association of Canada

08/31/2026

Mark your calendars! 🐟✨

We're excited to support the 3rd annual "What Happens Upstream" Youth Conference, hosted by the Okanagan Indian Band Youth Leadership Council and the WHU Committee.

Under this year’s theme, kʷu ʔasəlʔ aʔspuʔús (“We are of two different hearts”), participants will engage in meaningful sessions focused on building skills in safe communication and healthy conflict resolution.

Our Employ for Youth team will be in attendance to connect with local youth, share valuable career and training opportunities, and celebrate local youth leadership.

Event Details:
When: October 19th | 9:00 AM – 2:30 PM
Where: Vernon & District Performing Arts Centre (3800 33 Street)

We look forward to a day of connection, learning, and growth for youth across the North Okanagan! 🧡

08/28/2026

Mark your calendars for an incredible night of music, mindset, and real talk. 🎤✨

We're proud to be again sponsoring UNLOCKED at the Vernon and District Performing Arts Centre on Thursday, September 17!

Hear powerful, candid stories on resilience from:
▪️Andrew Allen (Live music & stories)
▪️Aaron Volpatti (NHL mindset & performance)
▪️Mike Shaw (Overcoming adversity & mental wellness)

Every single dollar from ticket sales (100% of proceeds) goes straight to Foundry North Okanagan, Men's Shed Vernon, and Vernon She Shed Society to support local mental health and community connection.

📍 Tickets are available via Ticketseller.ca!

08/27/2026

Exciting news from the Shuswap North Okanagan Rail Trail! 🚲

🚲 Another Section of the Rail Trail is Now Open!

Another section of the Splatsin te Secwépemc / Shuswap North Okanagan Rail Trail has officially opened between Grindrod and Enderby.

With this latest opening, 40 kilometres of continuous rail trail are now open, stretching from km 0.5 in Sicamous to km 40.5 just south of Enderby.

Trail use continues to grow, with more than 26,000 passing trail users recorded on the Sicamous–Mara Lake section and more than 24,000 through Enderby so far in 2026.

Work will continue this fall on the remaining sections, including a new access point at Stepney X Road. Major erosion mitigation work is also planned along the Mara Lake section in September and will require a temporary closure for several weeks.

👉 Read the full news release:
https://splatsin.ca/new-rail-trail-section-opens-between-grindrod-and-enderby

Regional District of North OkanaganColumbia Shuswap Regional District

08/26/2026

⚠️ Has your business been impacted by recent disruptions - wildfires, water scarcity, or air quality advisories? ⚠️

You don’t have to navigate recovery alone.

Join us tomorrow for "Disasters & Insurance: What You Need to Know," a virtual workshop led by Stephanie Heng of Johnston Meier Insurance.

With over 20 years in the industry, Stephanie brings deep expertise across commercial and residential insurance.

What the workshop will cover:

➡ Key steps to take immediately following a disruption
➡ Organizing the exact documentation your insurer needs
➡ Practical tips to avoid claim delays and accelerate recovery
➡ Live Q&A to answer your specific questions

Event Details:

🗓️ Date: August 27th, 2026

⏰ Time: 10-11 AM

📍 Location: Online (Link provided upon registration)

🎟️ Register: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/1998615262050?aff=oddtdtcreator

Spots are free but limited—secure your place today to get your questions answered by a trusted local expert.

08/26/2026

Say hello to Hal and Erin, the Business Advisors behind our Business Exchange program! 👋

If you are looking to connect, learn, and grow as an entrepreneur, this is the room you want to be in.

Every Business Exchange membership comes with:

• One seat at our bi-weekly sessions
• Light breakfast and coffee
• Professional in-house and guest speakers
• Roundtable discussions
• Connecting and networking with other non-competing professionals in the community

Details to know about Business Exchange:

When: Bi-weekly on Thursday mornings, 7:00 to 8:30 AM
Dates: October 15th, 2026 through May 13th, 2027
Cost: $265.00 for the season

Applications are officially open.

Spots are limited and fill up quickly, so snag yours here: https://www.futuresbc.com/business-exchange/

08/25/2026

We're sharing a fond memory from the Employ for Youth Program!

Last summer, clients from our Employ for Youth Program participated in a Cultural Day with Laura from Ancestral Heartbeat Tours.

➡ Are you interested in the Employ for Youth Program?

Visit our website https://www.futuresbc.com/employ-for-youth/ to connect with our team today.

08/24/2026

📣 We Want to Hear From You!

What would you like to see for the future of the Kingfisher School building?

In conjunction with the Kingfisher Community Society and the Regional District of North Okanagan, Community Futures of North Okanagan is conducting a planning study for the Kingfisher School building and is seeking community input through a short survey.

⌛ The deadline to complete the survey is Monday August 31, 2026. Don’t miss your chance to have your say!

✅ Take the survey online: www.rdno.ca/kingfisher-school-planning-survey

Please take a few minutes to share your thoughts and help us plan a future for the building that reflects the community's vision, and share this post with friends, neighbours, and community members who may be interested.



Regional District of North Okanagan
Kingfisher Community Society
Enderby & District Chamber of Commerce