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
Unlocking the Power of Data! 2024 Webinar Series
ETSI-BC is pleased to engage Community Futures East Kootenay to again offer a new and improved “Data 101: How to Use Data to Your Advantage.” This FREE five-part interactive webinar series will illustrate the transformative potential of data, for communities in the Southern Interior of British Columbia. Data is not merely numbers; it’s the key to informed decision-making, strategic planning, and sustainable growth. This webinar series aims to empower smaller rural communities that often face challenges in accessing and interpreting relevant community and economic development data.
Join Us in Empowering Your Community!
This webinar series is beneficial for community leaders, decision-makers, and anyone passionate about fostering growth in Southern Interior communities. Don’t miss the chance to turn anecdotal decision-making into decisions grounded in evidence and data.
Schedule:
|
Session |
Date |
Time (Pacific) |
Session Topic |
|
1. |
Jan 24, 2024 |
9 -10:30 am |
Introduction to Data 101 |
|
2. |
Feb 7, 2024 |
9 -10:30 am |
What is Data and How to Use It |
|
3. |
Feb 21, 2024 |
1-2:30 pm |
Filling the Gaps – Sourcing and Collecting Data |
|
4. |
Mar 6, 2024 |
9 -10:30 am |
Creating a Decision Based Culture |
|
5. |
Mar 20, 2024 |
1-2:30 pm |
Telling Your Story with the Data |
Join us for Data 101 by Zoom. Attend any session you like or all the webinars in the FREE series.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
Data 101 Session Descriptions – Click here to view or download the full course outline.
|
Session |
Date |
Time (PT) |
Session Descriptions |
|
1. |
Jan 24, 2024 |
9 -10:30 am |
Introduction to Data 101 Join Mike Stolte as he welcomes you to the series, introduces its importance, addresses challenges in smaller communities, and kickstarts the journey. |
|
2. |
Feb 7, 2024 |
9 -10:30 am |
What is Data is Available and How to Use It Join Jayme Jones to understand how to effectively use the data that exists and how to avoid pitfalls in its analysis and interpretation. |
|
3. |
Feb 21, 2024 |
1 -2:30 pm |
Filling the Gaps – Sourcing and Collecting Relevant Data Join Dr. Sarah-Patrica Breen to understand the common mistakes in data collection and interpretation and how to avoid them. |
|
4. |
Mar 6, 2024 |
9 -10:30 am |
Creating a Decision Based Culture Join the Central Okanagan Economic Development Commission to understand the benefits of a decision-based mindset and how this supports change and growth |
|
5. |
Mar 20, 2024 |
1 -2:30 pm |
Telling Your Story with the Data Put together everything that has been learned. Explore a case study from ETSI-BC. Leave with a clear set of actions with regards to accessing and analyzing data in your own community. |
All sessions will include interactive discussions using tools such as polls, breakout rooms, whiteboards, open conversation and networking.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
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.