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
Inaugural Summit a Canadian First for Kootenays’ Rec-Tech Sector
In just three years, more than 60 outdoor recreation gear makers and designers have come together through Kootenay Outdoor Recreation Enterprises (KORE) to form a dynamic industry cluster. This growing sector group mostly consists of small, independent makers eager to share ideas, access new information, network and collaborate. All of this and more took place at Canada’s first rec-tech conference – The KORE Summit held October 19-22, 2022 in Kimberley.
“KORE is at the center of a new manufacturing economy,” says KORE Executive Director Kevin Pennock. “As the rec-tech sector has grown, our members told us they wanted more opportunities to connect, learn, network and collaborate. The 2022 Summit did just that while also attracting investment to the area and defining the culture of the Kootenays.”
ETSI-BC, the Economic Trust of Southern Interior, supported the project through its Innovating and Advancing Key Sectors funding stream which encourages business innovation and growth in key sectors such as manufacturing. ETSI-BC previously supported KORE to engage two Business Advisors to work with rec-tech businesses through its RBCR Program. KORE also received funding to conduct a feasibility study to establish a specialized manufacturer in the region.
Since hosting the Summit in 2022, KORE has launched a branding campaign called “#Kootenay Approved,” to leverage the allure and magic of the Kootenays and how it relates to outdoor gear quality and authenticity.
Taking Action to Grow the Rec-Tech Sector
More than 100 companies attended the KORE Summit from across Western Canada; 60 percent represented industry, 20 percent post-secondary institutions, and 20 percent economic development. To inspire Kootenay youth to enter this exciting sector, KORE offered a youth scholarship with seven youth attending at a subsidized rate. “Young people going through the school system don’t realize that a career path exists in this field,” points out Pennock. “It was a great opportunity to learn about the sector and talk with real life designers.”
A value-added aspect of the Summit was the Discover Kootenays Expo where economic development and tourism offices promoted business resources in the Kootenays and the region’s outdoor recreation scene.
Speakers addressed such topics as outdoor product design, academic technology support, e-rec tech, sustainability, patents, reshoring and brand development, and inspired attendees with their product innovations. “The Summit exceeded my expectations in every way,” said Christian Rawles, co-owner of Ambler Mountain Works, a Nelson-based manufacturer of outdoor clothing. “It’s a game changer for small businesses in the Kootenays.”
Hamish Elliott, co-founder of the recently established Sea to Sky Outdoor Adventure Recreation Enterprise Society (SOARE), says conversations at the Summit confirmed the value of the KORE model in the Squamish, Pemberton and Whistler area. As SOARE gains momentum and awareness of the sector builds, an estimated 200 companies in Sea to Sky’s outdoor recreation industry could benefit from the example of the KORE collaborative model.
Sharing Economic Benefits
The benefits of the KORE Summit were also shared by local community organizations that KORE partnered with to hold the event. Delegates contributed approximately $50,000 directly to the local economy including hotel rooms, contracts for food and beverage services, and conference facilities. KORE hired an event organizer, a professional photographer, videographers, and a local production firm to promote the event through social media. Several businesses attended with new product designs that they estimate will help create 10 new jobs over the next two years.
The project came in under-budget, mainly due to the support of volunteers and sponsors. Testimonials and post-event surveys show 83 percent of attendees would participate in the Summit again.
“KORE Summit attendees realized value through back-to-back presentations and wanted even more networking opportunities at future events,” adds Pennock. “We listened and learned and are working on what promises to be an even better event in 2023.”
For more information and to registered for the 2023 event, which ETSI-BC is proud to sponsor, see the KORE website here.
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
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).
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
Backed by ETSI-BC, the Trails to the Boundary Society (TTTBS) are helping nonprofits move beyond grants to build sustainable revenue.