Help Shape the Future of Economic Development in the Southern Interior

Help Shape the Future of Economic Development in the Southern Interior

May 11, 2026

ETSI-BC is inviting partners from across the Southern Interior to participate in a series of virtual focus groups as part of an Impact Assessment that will inform its next three-year Strategic Plan, covering the period from April 1, 2027 to March 31, 2030.

In 2026, ETSI-BC marks its 20th anniversary. This milestone has prompted a comprehensive review of what is working well, where gaps remain, and how the organization can best respond to the region’s evolving economic development needs and priorities. These focus groups are a key part of that process.

Who the Focus Groups Are For

Separate focus group sessions are being held for key partner groups across the region:

Economic Development Practitioners

Monday, June 1
10:00 am to 11:30 am Pacific Time CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Post-Secondary Institutions and Accelerators

Tuesday, June 2
1:00 pm to 2:30 pm Pacific Time CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Local Government and First Nations

Monday, June 8
11:00 am to 12:30 pm Pacific Time CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Non-Profit Business Support Organizations and Industry Groups

Tuesday, June 9
1:00 pm to 2:30 pm Pacific Time CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Each session is designed as an open, facilitated conversation that encourages candid discussion about regional challenges, opportunities, and priorities.

What Participants Can Expect

Across all sessions, discussions will explore topics such as:

Current economic development challenges and opportunities in the Southern Interior
Experiences with ETSI-BC programs, funding, and partnerships
Gaps in regional economic development support
Opportunities for stronger collaboration and greater regional impact
How ETSI-BC can position itself as a catalyst over the next three years

Feedback will be aggregated and reported by theme. Individual comments will not be attributed.

About the Process

The focus groups are being facilitated by KMH Strategy, a division of The EQ Development Group, with Karen Bowen leading the sessions.

Insights gathered through these discussions will directly inform ETSI-BC’s strategic direction and help ensure future work reflects the real needs and experiences of communities, businesses, and institutions across the Southern Interior.

Organizations invited to participate are encouraged to share their on-the-ground experience and perspective. Your input will play a critical role in shaping a strategic plan that is practical, responsive, and regionally relevant.

How to Participate

Select the focus group session above that best fits your organization and register using the corresponding email link.

For questions, please contact:
Mary Beadman
Program Administrator, ETSI-BC
mary@etsi-bc.ca

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