Fall Funding Intake Now Open

October 1, 2021

KELOWNA, BC – Since officially rebranding as the Economic Trust of the Southern Interior (ETSI-BC) in March of 2021, the Trust has added value to the Southern Interior region by supporting economic development projects in communities and business support organizations. ETSI-BC has approved almost $2.5 million in funding this year, for projects worth approximately $5.5 million. ETSI-BC is pleased to announce another Funding Intake launching today.

“One of the messages we hear consistently from our Board, Regional Advisory Committee members, and Rural Recovery Advisors is the need to keep moving forward with support for smaller communities in our region, to build capacity and help create the conditions for their businesses to flourish. We`re excited to continue this important work, and to introduce new support for innovative industry clusters to help them advance the region’s economy,” said Laurel Douglas, CEO of ETSI-BC. “We have earmarked up to $500,000 in our next Funding Intake to support projects from First Nations, local communities, and industry groups in BC`s Southern Interior.”

The funding targets two ETSI-BC Strategic Pillars in particular: Pillar 1, Building Economic Development Capacity, and Pillar 4, Innovating & Advancing Key Sectors. Application Guides for both Funding Streams are posted on the ETSI-BC website and applications will be accepted on its Grant Application Portal starting October 1, 2021. Proposals will be accepted up until 4 pm Pacific time on November 1, 2021.

“In our last two funding intakes, we supported applications from First Nations, municipalities, economic development organizations, and other partners to build economic development capacity within their communities. This time, we are also encouraging industry groups and emerging clusters to submit proposals, and encourage those groups to explore joint opportunities, address common challenges or help the sector transition to a Net Zero economy.”

To help respond to questions about the upcoming Funding Intake, ETSI-BC team members will be offering two Info Sessions in early October. One of those specialists is Renata King, the Business & Economic Development Consultant serving the Thompson, Nicola, Shuswap, Okanagan and Similkameen regions for ETSI-BC.

“We know how important this funding is for projects to get off the ground or to take the next steps to make significant impact for communities,” said King. “Our role is to help guide applicants through the ETSI-BC funding intake process and provide suggestions of potential collaborations and partnerships. The Info Sessions will provide focused support to help applicants have the best chance of success with their proposals.”

Fall Funding Intake Info Sessions will run for one hour on two dates:
1) Wednesday, October 6, 2021 at 10am Pacific time > Register at this EventBrite Link
2) Thursday, October 7, 2021 at 2pm Pacific time > Register at this EventBrite Link

Since inception, ETSI-BC has provided $16 million in grant funding to communities, economic development practitioners, non-profits, post secondary institutions, and business support organizations in the Southern Interior, and over $50 million in business financing.

“Look for news later this fall on additional projects ETSI-BC is funding in partnership with public post-secondary institutions in the Southern Interior and the launch of a new collaboration with Mitacs,” said Douglas. “We invite people to stay up to date on ETSI-BC news and funding opportunities by signing up for our eNews on our website www.etsi-bc.ca.”

For More Information, please contact: Laurel Douglas, CEO | 236.420.3680 ext 1 | laurel@etsi-bc.ca

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