June 18, 2026 – The Economic Trust of the Southern Interior (ETSI-BC) is pleased to announce that its next Funding Intake will launch on Tuesday, September 1, 2026 and close on Thursday, October 1, 2026.
CF Central Okanagan Leadership Program Teaches Businesses Sustainability Practices
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.
More News & Stories
ETSI-BC Spring Funding Intake Invests Over $1 Million to Strengthen the Southern Interior Economy
June 8, 2026 – Communities across British Columbia’s Southern Interior are set to benefit from a new round of investment through the Economic Trust of the Southern Interior. On June 5, 2026, ETSI-BC approved $1,011,000 in funding for 33 projects, representing a combined project value of $3 million. The funded initiatives will help communities diversify their local economies, support innovation, and respond to regional opportunities
Helping Shape the Future of ETSI-BC Support 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.
Similkameen Economic Vitality Plan Drives Growth and Resilience
Keremeos, one of the fastest growing rural communities in British Columbia, has evolved from its agricultural heritage to a business hub at the heart of the Similkameen region with a robust tourist sector and vast potential to develop new business opportunities. In 2024, the Similkameen Country Development Association initiated a comprehensive Economic Vitality Initiative to better address the pressing needs of local businesses. Collaboration by many stakeholders along with funding support from the Economic Trust of the Southern Interior (ETSI-BC) drove the plan to completion, and the strategies it contains are now being implemented.
Ktunaxa Business Showcase Links Indigenous Businesses to Procurement Opportunities
The Ktunaxa Business Showcase, led by the Ktunaxa Nation Council (KNC), is expanding, improving and helping members secure new business contracts in southeastern BC. The success of the most recent 2025 Showcase event reflects strategic changes to the program’s timeline and format, and was supported by funding from the Economic Trust of the Southern Interior (ETSI-BC).
Strong Demand for ETSI-BC Spring Funding Intake
April 15, 2026 – 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.
2026 ETSI-BC Legislative Review
March 30, 2026 – We are pleased to present the findings and recommendations of the 2026 ETSI-BC Legislative Review Committee. The Committee reviewed the Act that governs ETSI-BC and the proposed changes that the Province has put forward this year. A Legislative Review is conducted every 5 years by an independent committee. This year in particular, their report has several important recommendations of relevance to First Nations and local governments in the Southern Interior, and to the Province.
Stepping up the PACE of Inclusive Employment in Penticton
Creating flexible, part-time job opportunities for workers with barriers has been the driving force behind The Penticton & Area Cooperative Enterprise (PACE) for more than 20 years. Hundreds of employees have found sustainable jobs with local employers based on PACE’s job-sharing model to fill full-time positions.
With support from the Economic Trust of the Southern Interior (ETSI-BC), PACE has standardized and expanded its model to ensure more people can access paid work in the community and employers have access to labour market solutions, which are increasing economic growth in the Penticton area and beyond.
Columbia Valley on a Roll as Film Production Provides Region-Wide Benefits
With its spectacular landscapes and the small-town charm of communities like Radium, Invermere and Fairmont Hot Springs, the Columbia Valley in the East Kootenay region has been the backdrop of film productions for decades. In 2024, Columbia Valley Community Economic Development (CVCEDO) built on this momentum by hiring a Film Coordinator to ensure the Columbia Valley was the location of choice for two new productions and create a strategy for long-term growth of the film sector. The project was supported with a grant from the Economic Trust of the Southern Interior (ETSI-BC).
Benefits of Social Enterprise Explored in the Boundary
Backed by ETSI-BC, the Trails to the Boundary Society (TTTBS) are helping nonprofits move beyond grants to build sustainable revenue.