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BUSINESS RESOURCES
The North Okanagan has numerous financial institutions for business
support services. For example, all of the major chartered banks
and a number of credit unions are represented and each of the communities has a credit union.
Many other organizations and companies also provide alternative
capital opportunities for businesses in the region. The communities
within the North Okanagan also have many business associations and
programs providing information, support and assistance.
BUSINESS FINANCING
Community Futures North Okanagan
The Loan Programs at Community Futures North Okanagan
provide funding for new ventures and business maintenance
or expansion, through loans, guarantees or equity investments.
Projects should indicate a potential
for community economic benefit and individual commercial viability.
Community Futures has four investment funds for new and existing entrepreneurs
with specific funds for youth businesses, businesses owned by
disabled persons and businesses in the forestry/value-added work
area. For information on financing opportunities, contact Community
Futures North Okanagan at:
Phone: (250) 545-2215
Email: info@futuresbc.com
www.futuresbc.com
Okanagan Angel Network
This Network consists of experienced technology entrepreneurs who meet monthly to hear a
selected number of short business presentations by nascent technology entrepreneurs. This
is not a forum style of event - it is private and informal. Between 20 and 30 angels typically
attend each meeting. (Do not confuse the angel network with angel forums which are held periodically).
The objective is to make initial introductions with a view to having interested parties subsequently
meet in private. There are no agents, brokers, or institutional representatives. Angels invest their
own capital - not other people's money. Occasionally, other investors, such as early stage VCs or
government providers, are invited to attend as well.
Email:rgopal@okangels.com
www.okangels.org
Okanagan Innovation Fund
The Okanagan Innovation Fund (OIF) is the first private equity fund of its kind in the Okanagan.
The new fund has been created with a mandate to provide significant returns and long term value
for the benefit of fund shareholders investing in the future of the region.
Phone: (250) 762-6850
www.oifund.ca
Southern Interior Innovation Trust
The Southern Interior Innovation Trust is the first Private Equity Fund focusing on the Southern
Interior of BC. It was created to continue the investment activities established by the Okanagan’s first Private
Equity Fund, the Okanagan Innovation Fund.
Phone:(250) 545-6829
Email:admin@sidit-bc.ca
www.sidit-bc.ca
BC Angel Forum
The BC Angel Forum has been introducing companies to private equity investors since 1997. Technology
and non technology pre-screened companies seeking equity financing of $100,000 to $1 million, deliver
"live" presentations to pre-screened private & corporate investors. Companies showcase their products
& services during networking breaks and closing wine reception.
www.angelforum.org
BUSINESS ORGANIZATIONS AND RESOURCES
The North Okanagan region has many business associations and programs
that provide informational services as well as support, representation
and assistance for all sizes of business.
Each community has a local Chamber of Commerce that provides a
collective voice for business to the municipal, provincial and
federal levels of government. Generally, the Chamber provides
services and offers benefits when becoming a Chamber Member such
as advertising, transportation, communications and group insurance
plans. As well, the Chamber of Commerce provides the opportunity
for networking, a community directory and the coordination of
local community activities.
Greater Vernon Chamber
of Commerce
701 Hwy 97 South
Vernon, BC V1B 3W4
Telephone: (250) 545-0771
Fax: (250) 545-3114
Armstrong
/ Spallumcheen Chamber of Commerce
3550 Bridge Street, Box 118
Armstrong, BC V0E 1B0
Tel: (250) 546-8155
Fax: (250) 546-8868
Enderby
& District Chamber of Commerce
700 Railway St.
Enderby, BC V0E 1V0
Telephone: (250) 838-6727
Fax: (250) 838-0123
Lumby
& District Chamber of Commerce
2400 Vernon St, Box 534
Lumby, BC V0E 2G0
Telephone: (250) 547-2300
Fax: (250) 547-2300
Community Futures North Okanagan
The Community Futures North Okanagan covers the
North Okanagan region and works towards "assisting the citizens
of the North Okanagan to achieve significant improvements in
permanent employment and sustainable development". Community Futures assists
with the identification of opportunities for community economic
development for the North Okanagan and encourages and facilitates the
coordination of all community stakeholders toward the creation of a
favourable climate for business.
Some of the programs and activities offered at the Community Futures
North Okanagan include:
- Business Development Center
- Training
- Employment Assistance Services
- Community Computer Access
Community Futures North Okanagan
3105 33rd Street
Vernon, BC
V1T 9P7
Telephone: (250) 545-2215
Fax: (250) 545-1532
Okanagan Film Commission
The Okanagan Film Commission provides film and TV production companies
with the services of: script breakdown, scouting and surveys,
a database of local crew persons, locations photo library, community
liaison, accommodation and amenities assistance, crisis resolution,
government and regulatory agency coordination, general support.
Phone: (250) 717-0087
Email: info@okanaganfilm.com
www.okanaganfilm.com
Okanagan Science and Technology Council
The Okanagan Science and Technology Council is a membership driven
organization to foster an environment that supports science and
technology initiatives by acting as a representative and advocate for
the interests of members and the business community as a whole.
Phone: (250) 712-3344
Email: admin@ostec.ca
www.ostec.ca
Downtown Vernon Association
The Downtown Vernon Association is an organization that works
to "ensure that Vernon's core remains a vibrant and colourful neighbourhood - the regions
first choice for goods, services and amenities". The DVA
provides networking functions, promotional events, community information
and representation for the downtown businesses.
Phone: (250) 542-5851
Email: info@downtownvernon.com
www.downtownvernon.org
Vernon Tourism
The mandate of Vernon Tourism is "to provide visitor information
services and to promote and market tourism on behalf of the city
of Vernon, District of Coldstream and the North Okanagan Regional
District Electoral areas B and C".
Vernon Tourism
Watson House
701 Highway 97 South
Vernon, BC
V1B 3W4
Telephone (250) 542-1415
Fax (250) 542-3256
Reservations 1-800-667-0795
Vernon Women in Business
Vernon Women In Business was formed in early 1908 to provide a
supportive network for working women and to encourage the development
of existing and/or aspiring business owners. The Women in Business
organization offers the opportunity for:
- Networking with other business people
- Interaction and chance to voice common concerns
- Enhancing professional development through
various guest speakers
- Increasing awareness of trends and opportunities
in the business community
- Providing a scholarship fund for the community
- Providing exposure and advertising opportunities
Information on membership and meeting schedules
can be obtained through the Women in Business President. The Greater
Vernon Chamber of Commerce will be able to provide the name and
contact number of the current president.
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