Businesses in the Central Okanagan have a new resource to guide them in building sustainable businesses practices into their planning, based on the experience and knowledge of local sustainability champions. Community Futures Central Okanagan (CFCO) launched its Sustainable Development (SD) Leadership Program in 2024, resulting in a model for long-term planning and growth.
The term “sustainability” is used in many contexts these days. Essentially it is about the ability to maintain or support a process continuously over time. When business planning is done with sustainability in mind, the needs of the present are met without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs,” explains Larry Widmer, General Manager of Community Future Central Okanagan. “Increased profitability and efficiency, improved supply chain management, employee satisfaction and brand loyalty are among the major benefits that can be realized by adopting the principles of SD.”
ETSI-BC spoke with Larry about this successful project.
What was the rationale for this initiative?
Community Futures organizations across the country have always woven the principles of sustainable development (SD) into their financial and coaching services for new and expanding businesses, but we didn’t actively promote that we did this. This initiative was a way to directly support local entrepreneurs by increasing their awareness and understanding of SD, educating them on the value of SD in decision-making, and highlighting best SD practices being demonstrated by local entrepreneurs.
How was the program delivered?
The Okanagan is a highly entrepreneurial region with a number of superstar businesses, many of which have managed sustainably for decades. We held a series of five workshops, each led by a successful business owner, and sustainability champion. The presenters described SD in areas related to issues such as environmental impact, waste management, electric vehicle adoption, and organic food advocacy and distribution. They also provided follow-up support to help inspired businesses with their own sustainability planning.
Who are these business superstars?
Leaders were chosen from five different industries including Angela Nagy, CEO of GreenStep Solutions, a well-established sustainability consulting firm; Dale Conway Co-Founder and CEO of Current Taxi, Kelowna’s first electric taxi business; Lisa McIntosh, Co-Founder and Operator of Urban Harvest, an organic produce delivery service, and Allisha Heidt of Chickpeace Zero Waste Refillery.
Building on the momentum of these sessions, Sean Shepherd of (n)Design Consulting lead the fifth workshop where participants had conversations about the importance of thinking beyond short-term projects and more about long-term impacts. The session also looked at the broader economic development ecosystem, and the role CF can play in shaping its future.
Were there any major challenges to the project’s success?
Probably the greatest challenge was ensuring the presentations remained timely and relevant while the world economic stage was shifting. When introducing best practices to address climate change, for example, we had to consider that many potential weather events and patterns had not yet happened. Regulations around electric vehicle adoption have also changed significantly in recent years, which also affects strategic planning in that industry.
The principles of SD can be applied to any business, however, and the interest in the workshops showed that business operators wanted to learn more. We addressed this with a general toolkit for sustainable development planning available through the CFDCCO website along with highlights from each presentation.
How do you measure the project’s success?
Through this project, CFCO has succeeded in broadening awareness and use of SD in the region – 108 participants attended the five sessions. The workshops highlighted CFCO’s commitment to SD and the programs and services we provide in the community. Our staff, board and associates were also inspired to examine our own needs and develop new plans for our CFCO’s SD work.
What is the next step?
Our hope is that the participating businesses will embrace sustainability practices and become champions for others and continue the momentum. We also hope to expand to the program to Community Futures offices in other regions as needs and awareness increase, so the next generation of entrepreneurs can continue where we left off.