Less than two years since the Applied Research Office opened at College of the Rockies, its value has been well demonstrated as students use their research skills to solve real-world problems in businesses and industry. With funding from ETSI-BC, the Office has expanded to help students develop their entrepreneurial skills by exploring their big ideas and turning concepts into successful ventures of their own.
Stories
Here are some regional success stories to inspire your next economic development project.
Sun Peaks Mountain Resort uses MICE to Diversify its Economy
As tourism businesses around the world start recovering from the impact of COVID-19, Sun Peaks, one of the top ski resorts in North America is focusing on diversifying its revenue base. Its new strategic plan to expand its share of the meeting, incentive, conference, and exhibition market on the mountain could be a game-changer – increasing off-season bookings and creating year-round jobs.
Tourism Innovation Lab Builds Entrepreneurship at Thompson Rivers University
Developing students’ entrepreneurial skills by exposing them to the real-world of business is a forward-thinking trend in post-secondary education. The Tourism Innovation Lab at Thompson Rivers University is innovating by following the example of tech incubators to support the next generation of tourism entrepreneurs to create jobs, fill tourism gaps and attract new visitors to Kamloops and area.
Tourism Golden Eyes Bold Future with new Strategy
Tourism Golden has embarked on a bold new five-year strategic plan to promote post-pandemic recovery and ensure tourism in the area thrives well into the future. With a grant $12,500 from ETSI-BC, the organization brought in consulting expertise with a new lens on tourism development in the region. For adventure tourism enthusiasts from around the world, once again, Golden rules!
Maintaining Momentum at the Vernon Innovation Centre
In just two years, The Vernon Innovation and Entrepreneur Workspace (The VIEW) has quickly become a focal point for innovation, helping entrepreneurs and businesses throughout the North Okanagan connect, collaborate, and commercialize their ideas. ETSI-BC supported The VIEW in navigating the challenges of COVID-19, enabling it to become fully operational and an economic driver in the region.
ETSI-BC Grant Fuels Entrepreneurship at Okanagan College
EnactusOC, the nationally recognized entrepreneurial development program at Okanagan College, is scaling up its activities with a $25,000 grant from ETSI-BC. Through their involvement with Enactus, students gain real-world business experience to complement their classroom training, while also making a real difference in their community: helping address climate change, food insecurity, empowering Indigenous youth and raising the profile of emerging societal issues.
Nelson Innovation Centre Spurs Growth in Kootenay Technology Sector
Early-stage technology firms have specific needs, especially those located in rural areas. With financial support from ETSI-BC and other funders, the Nelson Innovation Centre, a business incubator located in the heart of the Kootenays, is helping the local tech sector grow and thrive through access to vital programs and services.
Thriving Kootenay Outdoor Gear Manufacturers Drive Supply Chain Solution
When the going gets tough and supplies can`t be delivered, why not build a local manufacturing facility? That is exactly what Kootenay outdoor gear makers are looking at through a feasibility study funded by ETSI-BC. Find out how these bold Kootenay entrepreneurs are working to turn a supply chain challenge into an economic opportunity.
Labour Shortage Addressed by North Okanagan Immigration Pilot Project
The Vernon area of the Thompson/Okanagan is one of 11 communities in Canada delivering an immigration project designed to bring skilled permanent residents to rural communities and match them with employers who have job vacancies. ETSI-BC contributed $25,000 to the Pilot, which is already filling jobs and providing the region with long-term economic benefits
Lake Country Scenic Sip Trail – Showcasing Hidden Gems Along Hwy 97
The District of Lake County has created a marketing strategy to showcase some of its hidden gems – wineries, tasting rooms, lake view restaurants, fresh local farmgate produce – just off the highway between Vernon and Kelowna. With a $50,000 grant from ETSI-BC, Lake Country was able to activate a key element of their economic development plan by designing a Scenic Sip interactive website complemented by highway billboards and eye-catching wayfinding signage. Through digital and visual route markers, the community hopes to encourage more visitors and tourist to make Lake Country a delightful stop on their travel route.