See the Okanagan in Action

If you can’t visit the Okanagan (yet), watching stories of amazing entrepreneurs and businesses is the next big thing. They represent the best that the region has to offer in aerospace, agriculture, viticulture, manufacturing, digital technology, and cannabis.

Videos

  • Clean Tech

    Hexagon Purus

    Though many may think cleantech is the result of recent sustainability and economic trends, the team at Hexagon Purus has spent more than two decades working on innovative solutions that support the transition to clean technology for commercial vehicles.

  • Post Secondary

    University of British Columbia

    With many of the hallmarks of a successful startup, including pushing boundaries, nurturing creativity, and fostering community engagement, UBCO has been cultivating and inspiring the next generation of entrepreneurs and innovators since opening its doors in 2005.

  • General

    Industry Ambassadors

    The region’s booming economy has made the Okanagan a hotspot for entrepreneurs and small business owners, with many thriving enterprises across a variety of industries, such as technology, agriculture, and aviation.

  • Aerospace

    KF Aerospace

    A desire for a new adventure became a professional calling for Paula Quinn and her work with Barry LaPointe and KF Aerospace. With the new KF Aerospace Center for Excellence and the company’s training of new local talent, she hopes others will find that same calling within the region’s thriving aviation industry.

  • Agriculture

    Paynter’s Farmers Market

    For more than 70 years, Paynter has been a name synonymous throughout West Kelowna with freshly grown fruits and vegetables, tight-knit community, and a lot of fun. One stroll through Paynter’s Farmers Market with owner and operator Jennay Oliver will show you why.

  • Viticulture

    50th Parallel

    What started as a first conversation on a houseboat along the Shuswap became a fruitful marriage and business. The Krouzels founded 50th Parallel Estate Winery, one of the Okanagan’s largest wineries in one of the best viticultural regions in the world. They’re excited to connect people and place with each glass of Pinot.

  • Manufacturing

    Pela

    The story of Pela is fit with inspiration. From the culture and community Brad Pederson found in Kelowna to the beauty of being outside in the Okanagan, Pela continues to inspire and be inspired in their manufacturing work.

  • Cannabis

    THC BioMed

    Being a part of the Cannabis industry’s growth has made Cleo’s work with THCBioMed, one of Kelowna’s oldest licensed producers, that much more meaningful. And they’re just getting started in a rapidly accelerating industry, where the long-awaited potential is now becoming a reality.

  • Digital Tech

    GreenStep Solutions

    It was a desire to save the world that compelled 18-year-old Angela Nagy to start GreenStep Solutions. It’s been a desire to persevere and stay true to her purpose that enabled Angela to make Greenstep one of the country’s leading companies to promote sustainability initiatives in business and politics.

  • Business

    in the Central Okanagan

    It really is impressive how much gets done in a place that’s oh so relaxing… we’re Canada’s hotspot for entrepreneurs.

  • Manufacturing

    in the Central Okanagan

    From specialty wood products to park playgrounds, we’ve got 600+ manufacturing companies right here in the Central Okanagan.

  • Aerospace

    in the Central Okanagan

    The Central Okanagan is home to 8,300+ direct and 19,000+ indirect aerospace jobs… and counting!

  • Viticulture

    in the Central Okanagan

    There’s over 186+ licensed wineries here in the Okanagan and our vintages are only getting sweeter!

  • Digital

    in the Central Okanagan

    Our homegrown digital tech industry contributes $1.67B in economic impact right here in the Central Okanagan.

  • Agriculture

    in the Central Okanagan

    Did you know that we’ve got over 300 fruit and tree farming businesses right here in our region?

    Sector Stories

    • OKGo Magazine Volume 1

      The Central Okanagan is home to A LOT of homegrown success. Read on to learn more about just some of our region’s entrepreneurial stories.

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    • OKGo Magazine Volume 2

      Discover even more success stories and the entrepreneurial spirit behind them right here in the Central Okanagan.

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    • Clean Tech

      At the heart of the Okanagan, a green revolution has rapidly taken shape, transforming the region and beyond thanks to innovative cleantech solutions that are establishing a sustainable and vibrant future.

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    • University of British Columbia

      Since it was established in 2005, UBC Okanagan (UBCO) has seen its enrolment grow from 3,500 to 12,000 students a year, now representing more than 100 countries from around the globe.

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    • Okanagan College

      With campuses and centres located throughout the Okanagan and Shuswap/ Revelstoke, Okanagan College is a community of learning made stronger by its connections to industry and local businesses.

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    • Aerospace

      From aircraft maintenance and engineering, to cargo delivery, high-tech flight tracking and aviation communications, this region is on the forefront of all things aerospace.

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    • Agriculture

      When Father Charles Pandosy planted the first apple trees in 1859, little did he know the agricultural powerhouse his spindly cuttings would grow into—and all because of good timing.

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    • Viticulture

      With distinct soil and climate conditions suited to growing a range of varietals from
      sun-ripened reds to lively fresh and often-crisp whites, our wines just keep getting better and better.

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    • Manufacturing

      Our diverse manufacturing sector harnesses the depth and breadth of more than 600 firms in the Central Okanagan who specialize in engineering, agri-food, health and more.

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    • Cannabis

      As one of the most cannabis-centric places in the world, the Central Okanagan provides a competitive advantage that few regions in the world currently have.

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    • Digital Tech

      It’s no secret that technology has dramatically changed the Central Okanagan’s landscape, particularly in Kelowna, which is part of Canada’s Digital Tech Supercluster.

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