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
ETSI-BC Releases its 2024 Annual Report
The Economic Trust of the Southern Interior (ETSI-BC) is pleased to announce the release of its FY2024 Annual Report for the Fiscal Year ended March 31, 2024.
“As we conclude our first 3-year Strategic Plan as ETSI-BC, we continue to be impressed by the innovative and impactful projects we have been able to support. We’re proud of how our direction has been welcomed and embraced by our key stakeholders: the region’s communities, First Nations, economic development practitioners, non-profit business support and industry groups, and public post-secondary institutions,” said Paul Donald, the new Board Chair of ETSI-BC as of June 2024.
Laurel Douglas, CEO of ETSI-BC, reflected, “Over the past year, we’ve seen both challenges and opportunities in our region. The ongoing commitment and adaptability of our partners and stakeholders have been crucial in navigating these times. We remain dedicated to supporting the economic development of our diverse communities, recognizing there’s still work to be done to ensure sustainable growth across our beautiful region.”
In the fiscal year ended March 31, 2024, ETSI-BC funded 109 projects throughout its entire service area, providing over $3.1 million in funding to projects which had a total value of over $6 million. These projects helped create or maintain over 7,000 jobs in our region. At the conclusion of this Strategic Plan period, we’ve funded 30 Indigenous-led projects, up from 3 projects funded in total with Indigenous-led organizations prior to 2021.
Looking ahead, ETSI-BC remains committed to being a catalyst in strengthening and diversifying the economy of our region, in continued partnership with you, our important stakeholders.
We’d love to hear from you!
201 – 460 Doyle Ave, Kelowna, BC V1Y 0C2
Phone: 236-420-3680 ext. 0
info@etsi-bc.ca
More News & Stories
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
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Ktunaxa Business Showcase Links Indigenous Businesses to Procurement Opportunities
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Strong Demand for ETSI-BC Spring Funding Intake
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2026 ETSI-BC Legislative Review
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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).
CF Central Okanagan Leadership Program Teaches Businesses Sustainability Practices
An innovative program to help new and expanding businesses build sustainable business practices (SD) into their ventures has resulted in a model for long-term business growth and economic capacity building in the Okanagan. The Sustainable Business Development Leadership Program created by Community Futures Central Okanagan was supported by the Economic Trust of the Southern Interior (ETSI-BC). It provides valuable insights into Sustainable Business Practices and the training serves as a model that could be shared with Community Futures clients in other regions.
Benefits of Social Enterprise Explored in the Boundary
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