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.

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).

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.

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).

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.

Backed by ETSI-BC, the Trails to the Boundary Society (TTTBS) are helping nonprofits move beyond grants to build sustainable revenue.

With funding from ETSI-BC, a new feasibility study explored whether the New Denver Visitor Information Centre should relocate to boost traffic or improve its current space. The findings point to a clear strategy for revitalizing tourism in this scenic region.

TThe Economic Trust of the Southern Interior (ETSI-BC) first supported the Festival in 2021 to help showcase the area’s food, beverage and other agriculture producers to local businesses and consumers. In 2025, the Trust provided additional support that enabled specialized training and workshops to be added to this year’s festival agenda.

The first Southeastern BC Agriculture Forum, held in Creston in March 2025, brought farmers, policymakers, and community leaders together to tackle climate challenges and strengthen regional agriculture. Organized by Kootenay Employment Services with ETSI-BC support, the event focused on resilience, sustainability, and collaboration, setting the stage for ongoing partnerships and future forums.

Silver Star Resort has reimagined its conference centre with modern upgrades and dynamic spaces, creating a premier destination for meetings and events. This transformation positions the resort for year-round success and regional economic growth, thanks to the dedicated support and investment provided by ETSI-BC.