ETSI-BC (Economic Trust of the Southern Interior)

West Kootenays faces labour shortages, with a 2024 study showing 1,270 jobs needed yearly.

A new recruitment firm led by Mia Gardiner was created to help.

Read more: www.etsi-bc.ca/first-recrui...

#StrongEconomy #StrongerCommunities #ETSIBC

Governance of ETSI-BC is carried out by its Board of Directors and two Regional Advisory Committees (RACs).

Thank you to this amazing team for their service and contributions!

Read our 2025 Annual Report: www.etsi-bc.ca/about/key-pu...

#StrongEconomy #StrongerCommunities #ETSIBC

ETSI-BC is proud to support the Regional Innovation Hub: Expanding Technology, IP & Supply Chain Integrations.

The first workshop will be happening tomorrow, November 26, from 10 am to 2 pm, and will be focused on IP Strategy for Canadian Businesses.

Register: www.eventbrite.ca/e/etsi-bc-re...

Creating a More Vibrant Naramata

In 2024, the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen (RDOS) launched a Community Revitalization project to encourage people to spend more time in the village centre and to attract more permanent residents.

Read More: www.etsi-bc.ca/creating-a-m...

#ETSIBC

Silver Star Resort has reimagined its conference centre, creating a premier destination for meetings and events. This transformation positions them for year-round success and regional economic growth, thanks to the dedicated support and investment provided by ETSI-BC.

www.etsi-bc.ca/iconic-silve...

The value of the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions industry (MICE) inspired the Meet In Penticton Convention Bureau to conduct a comprehensive study to determine the precise impacts of MICE business and how to attract more MICE visitors.

Read more: www.etsi-bc.ca/penticton-di...

We are pleased to share details on the Indigenous Agriculture Conference and Ranching for Profit workshop.

These two powerful gatherings, happening on November 18-19, are dedicated to strengthening participation and leadership in agriculture across British Columbia.

www.agriconference.ca

The 2025 Southern Interior Regional Economic Summit starts today and runs through November 5.

ETSI-BC is a proud funding partner of this annual event. We wish all attendees a great few days of connection, learning and growth!

#ETSIBC

The face of tourism in the Creston Valley is changing significantly, and the Creston Valley Tourism Society is rolling out a new five-year strategic plan to respond and take advantage of new opportunities.

Read More: www.etsi-bc.ca/creston-vall...

#StrongEconomy #StrongerCommunities #ETSIBC

After years spent transitioning from a mining-based economy to a tourism destination, the Chamber of Commerce in the City of Kimberley recently conducted a Business Enhancement and Retention survey to guide and support local businesses.

Read More: www.etsi-bc.ca/kimberley-ch...

The Fall 2025 Funding Intake offered by ETSI-BC closed with 45 applications and total funding requests of over $1.6 million. The ETSI-BC Grant team will review submissions over the coming weeks, and Project Consultants may be in contact with applicants during this stage.

Read more: bit.ly/3KUJEZE

Non-Profits in the East Kootenays Embrace Social Enterprise Model

Through a project run by Community Futures East Kootenay local non-profits are learning how social enterprises work and are being supported in creating business plans for their social enterprise ventures. Read More: lnkd.in/gAVbR2Cb

ETSI-BC is pleased to support the 2025 Southern Interior Regional Economic Summit.

The conference will feature diverse speakers from Indigenous communities, regional associations, economic development, and private sectors.

Learn more and register today: www.sires.ca

#ETSIBC

In the town of Sicamous, the need for a Community and Investment Profile and professional marketing materials became a priority. ETSI-BC supported the development of the profile, which is already attracting new investment to the area.

Read More: www.etsi-bc.ca/investment-o...

Our Fall 2025 Funding Intake will close on October 9.

Local communities, First Nations, community economic development organizations, and industry groups within the Southern Interior of B.C. are eligible to apply. We’ve allocated up to $1M for this funding cycle.

www.etsi-bc.ca/etsi-bc-fall...

Central Kootenay businesses are demonstrating their commitment to environmental sustainability by completing the BC Green Business certification program through Community Futures Central Kootenay.

Read more: www.etsi-bc.ca/central-koot...

#StrongEconomy #StrongerCommunities #ETSIBC

We are proud to support the Kootenay Outdoor Recreation Enterprise (KORE) Summit, Western Canada’s only conference dedicated to the outdoor rec-tech manufacturing and product design sector.

Date: Oct 2-3, 2025
Location: Kimberley Alpine Resort’s Conference Centre

koreoutdoors.org/summit/summi...

In response to our hugely popular AI webinar series earlier this year, ETSI-BC is pleased to offer a 6-month AI certification program for economic developers starting in September 2025.

Registration deadline is next Tuesday, September 16.

Read more in our latest eBlast: mailchi.mp/1516ead90f9c...

The Lower Columbia Community Development Team Society worked with other organizations to launch an innovative model for food distribution.

The Grow and Connect customized software platform, supported by ETSI-BC, helps businesses coordinate regional shipping routes.

www.etsi-bc.ca/innovative-f...

The ETSI-BC AI Certification Program is designed specifically for economic development professionals based in the Southern Interior of BC who want to build confidence using AI tools and strategies in their work.

Complete the Expression of Interest by September 16, 2025.

Learn more: bit.ly/42eBGjI

ETSI-BC is proud to support the 2025 Southern Interior Regional Economic Summit (SIRES), taking place in Salmon Arm from November 3-5.

Attendees will leave feeling inspired, connected, and equipped with the tools and ideas needed to grow the region’s economy.

For more details, visit: www.sires.ca

We are pleased to support the 2025 Southern Interior Regional Economic Summit.

The conference will feature diverse speakers from Indigenous communities, regional associations, economic development, and private sectors.

Get early bird tickets until August 29. For more details: www.sires.ca

ETSI-BC is pleased to offer a 6-month AI certification program for economic developers. This program will help you promote your region, access funding, employ data to optimize your efforts and make your work more efficient.

Registration deadline is September 16: www.etsi-bc.ca/6-month-ai-c...

The Osoyoos Indian Band, one of Canada's most progressive First Nations, launched Nk’Mip Forestry in 2014 to sustainably manage the forest lands while preserving the band’s cultural and environmental values. Today, it is a key economic driver thanks to a new communications strategy.

bit.ly/45DfUsl

ETSI-BC is pleased to offer a 6-month AI certification program for economic developers. There will be 6 monthly classes and 6 monthly labs, starting September 24, 2025.

The registration deadline is Tuesday, September 16.

Learn more and register: www.etsi-bc.ca/6-month-ai-c...

Are you looking for ways to move your communities forward this fall? Our latest eBlast shares some valuable opportunities and resources:
- AI Certification for Economic Developers
- Our Fall Funding Intake.
- Our Fiscal 2025 Annual Report.

Read more: mailchi.mp/1516ead90f9c...

ETSI-BC released its FY2025 Annual Report for the Fiscal Year ended March 31, 2025. In FY2025, ETSI-BC funded 104 projects throughout its service area, providing almost $2.2 million in funding to projects which had a total value of almost $6 million.

Read More: www.etsi-bc.ca/about/key-pu...

The Kicking Horse Chamber of Commerce is addressing the lack of available workers in Golden. With support from ETSI-BC, the Workforce Innovation & Youth Mentorship Program promises to increase local employment, increase wages and help retain employees.

Read more: www.etsi-bc.ca/youth-mentor...

We just released our Summer 2025 eNews!

We shared details about:
- AI certification program.
- Our Fall Funding Intake
- Market Diversification program
- Southern Interior Regional Economic Summit (SIRES)
- Our Fiscal 2025 Annual Report

Read it all here: bit.ly/45q7OBM

#ETSIBC

Central Kootenay businesses are demonstrating their commitment to environmental sustainability by completing the BC Green Business certification program through Community Futures Central Kootenay.

Read more: www.etsi-bc.ca/central-koot...

#ETSIBC