October 8, 2026 – The Economic Trust of the Southern Interior (ETSI-BC) received an impressive response to its 2026 Fall Funding Intake from communities and organizations across the region. The intake closed on October 8, 2026, with 43 applications requesting nearly $1.9 million in funding for projects with a combined project value of over $3.8 million.
Southern Interior Economic Opportunities Showcased at Regional Summit
ETSI-BC was pleased to fund a project spearheaded by the Kelowna Chamber to bring together practitioners to produce the Southern Interior Regional Economic Summit (SIRES). The Summit took place in Kelowna Oct 23-25, 2022, with the theme of “Elevating our Potential Together”.
The highly successful event brought together economic development professionals from across the Southern Interior region. Over 120 attendees were hosted by the Kelowna Chamber to learn from thought leaders, share insights on sustainable economic strategies and begin to explore a framework for region-wide collaboration.
The Summit was opened with the release of the MNP State of the Southern Interior Report commissioned by the Kelowna Chamber and supported financially by the Economic Trust of the Southern Interior (ETSI-BC). This report provides a current economic overview of the region, with detail on the Okanagan, Kootenay, Thompson-Columbia and Hope/Fraser Valley that are within the ETSI-BC service area. The report reviews key aspects of each sub-region, including demographics, industry housing and affordability. Looking at the Southern Interior as a whole through these lenses provides great value to economic development practitioners, local government officials and businesses throughout the region and helps us realize how a regional perspective is important in our work.
With this timely economic data, lively discussion ensued, addressing opportunities and strengths across the Southern Interior, as well as areas that practitioners need to work harder on, including economic recovery through reconciliation. Our thanks to the folks from Moccasin Trails Inc., Westbank First Nation, Tk̓emlúps Business Economic Development, Osoyoos Indian Band and Kakin Resources Group who shared their views, experiences and advice so candidly and openly in those discussions, which were the highlight of the Summit for many.
The importance of collaboration and economic recovery was evidenced throughout the Summit, which included expert panels on tourism recovery, labour force recovery, economic recovery through reconciliation and recovery through collaboration. By bringing together regional partners, the stage has now been set to continue these meaningful partnerships and accelerate region-wide economic growth. We look forward to supporting future initiatives to take this excellent first step even further.
About ETSI-BC
ETSI-BC, the Economic Trust of the Southern Interior, was created in 2006 with a $50 million endowment to assist in the growth and diversification of the economy of the Southern Interior of BC. The Trust is governed by a 13-member Board of Directors, receiving input from Regional Advisory Committees made up of elected officials from both the Thompson-Okanagan and Columbia-Kootenay regions. We add value to the economic development ecosystem and provide funding for projects in four key funding streams:
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Township of Spallumcheen Digs Deep in Planning New Agriculture Business Hub
Since 2021, the Township of Spallumcheen has been exploring the development of a regional Agri-Hub to strengthen local food distribution and support agricultural growth. With support from ETSI-BC, the Township is developing a phased business plan to help build a resilient and profitable agricultural sector for the future.
New Tourism Strategy Transforms Grand Forks from a Highway Stop to a Destination
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Sicamous Tourism Strategy Builds a Path for Sustainable Growth
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Forestry Strategy Positions ?aq’am First Nation for New Opportunities
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ETSI-BC Welcomes Krista Mallory as Regional Project and Strategic Initiatives Manager
July 29, 2026 – The Economic Trust of the Southern Interior (ETSI-BC)) is pleased to announce that Krista Mallory will be joining the organization as its new Regional Project and Strategic Initiatives Manager effective October 1, 2026.
Wayfinding in Barriere for Economic Resilience and Growth
When a major fire destroyed the Tolko sawmill in the North Thompson region near Barriere in 2003, residents and stakeholders rallied to rebuild and redefine the community’s economic future. As the community has evolved, so have the systems that help residents and visitors navigate in and around Barriere, including a multi-phase Wayfinding Strategy launched in 2024. The project, supported by the Economic Trust of the Southern Interior (ETSI-BC) is aimed at boosting visitor traffic and attracting more business investment, ensuring a strong and resilient future.
Five-Year Plan Strengthens ?aq’am Community Enterprises
?aq’am Community Enterprises (ACE) is the economic development arm of the ?aq’am First Nation, the largest member of Ktunaxa Nation. Known for its progressive business development goals, ACE undertook a comprehensive review of its strategic priorities. The result is a dynamic new five-year strategic plan that will guide more efficient, tactical, and resilient delivery of ACE’s programs and services. The project was supported by the Economic Trust of the Southern Interior (ETSI-BC).
Thompson-Okanagan Launches New Economic Development Practitioners Network
After a year of work connecting economic development practitioners across the Thompson-Okanagan, the region’s first Economic Development Practitioners Network (EDPN) is now in place. Modelled after the Kootenay Boundary EDPN created in 2014, the Thompson Okanagan EDPN includes community and municipal and First Nations economic development practitioners, Chambers of Commerce, Community Futures and other stakeholders. The group came together for the first time on April 8, 2026, where they learned, shared ideas and information, and further planned future activities. The Economic Trust of the Southern Interior (ETSI-BC) is committed to supporting both the Kootenay Boundary and Thompson-Okanagan networks of economic development practitioners.
2027-30 Strategic Planning and DAAP 4.39 Updates
June 25, 2026 – The Economic Trust of the Southern Interior (ETSI-BC) is grateful for the input from partners, funding recipients, committee members and other regional stakeholders who have taken the time to help inform our next three-year Strategic Plan for 2027-30. We are also pleased to provide an update on the status of the DAAP 4.39 action item.