In this funding stream, ETSI-BC works with key delivery partners to provide support for:
- initiatives that advance technology & innovation,
- programs to assist start-up businesses in areas that are not served by other
- programs to support Southern Interior SMEs to diversify their markets within Canada and outside the US, and
- other partner funding programs that ETSI-BC is asked to deliver on behalf of third parties to support business resilience and competitiveness.
Technology & Innovation
ETSI-BC is pleased to support the Ascend BC program, led by Accelerate Okanagan and supported by its Delivery Partners in our region, Kootenay Association for Science & Technology (KAST) and the Central Interior Business Accelerator (CIBA).
For more information about Ascend BC, please see this link.
Market Diversification
ETSI-BC has contracted with Accelerate Okanagan to deliver the Market Diversification Fund. This fund supports small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the Southern Interior of BC that are already exporting or are export-ready. The Market Diversification Program fuels expansion into other provinces and international markets (outside the United States). Up to $500,000 has been allocated to this program for FY2027. The program will match the financial investments that SMEs are making, up to $10,000.
For more information about the Market Diversification Fund, please see this link.
Southern Interior Business Advisor Initiative
ETSI‑BC is supporting Community Futures BC to deliver the Southern Interior Business Advisor Initiative (SIBA), which provides essential business development support to pre‑launch and early‑stage businesses across the Southern Interior region. The program offers personalized one‑on‑one support in business planning, financial literacy, and market research, equipping entrepreneurs with the tools needed to build viable and sustainable businesses.
For more information about the Southern Interior Business Advisor Initiative, contact:
- Thompson-Okanagan Area, Arnice Asquin, arnice@cfsun.ca
- Columbia-Kootenay Area, Amber McGregor, amcgreor@futures.bc.ca
Partner Programs
ETSI-BC is also committed to delivering Partner Funding Programs as the opportunity arises. In the past, ETSI-BC has delivered the following funding programs on behalf of the Province of BC to support business resilience and growth:
- The Forest Impact Recovery (FIR) Program – provided $1.35 million in funding in FY2023-24 to support 21 FIR Advisors to assist businesses and communities as they addressed changes in the forest sector.
- The Rural Business & Community Recovery Program (RBCR) Program – provided just over $2,000,000 in FY2022-23 to non-profit business support organizations (mostly Community Futures, Chambers of Commerce and industry groups) to engage 36 Recovery Advisors throughout the region to assist businesses as they recovered from COVID, fires and other disasters that hit Southern Interior communities.
