The Economic Trust of the Southern Interior (ETSI-BC) closed its 2026 Spring Funding Intake, with a strong response from communities and organizations across the region. The intake closed on April 9, 2026, with 48 applications requesting nearly $1.7 million in funding, representing a combined project value of almost $4 million.
Applications were submitted by economic development organizations, business support organizations, Indigenous organizations, and local governments working to build economic development capacity and support economic diversification throughout the Southern Interior.
The 48 projects in this intake span both the Columbia-Kootenay and Thompson-Okanagan regions, with all nine regional districts served by ETSI-BC represented. Seven applications were submitted by First Nations or their Development Corporations, reflecting collaboration, partnership and wide distribution of funding requests across the region.
“Our Spring funding intake continues to draw a strong response from many communities throughout the Southern Interior,” said Laurel Douglas, CEO of ETSI-BC. “We are encouraged by the number of applications focused on building capacity, supporting local businesses, and strengthening important sectors in the region.”
With $1 million available through this funding intake, the ETSI-BC Grants Team will review all applications over the coming weeks. Project Consultants may contact applicants during the review process to discuss project scope or to clarify budgets, where required.
The ETSI-BC Regional Advisory Committee is scheduled to meet on June 5 to consider funding recommendations. ETSI-BC hopes to share funding decisions with applicants in mid-June. Applicants will be contacted directly should there be any changes to this timeline.!