Canadian Tourism Professional (CTP) Program will prepare participants to work in various tourism and hospitality positions in the Thompson Okanagan region with a focus on serving domestic markets in traditional employment and/or self-employment. In this fully funded, full-time online program, participants will receive instruction, mentorship, employment coaching, and job placement support delivered over 13 weeks. Virtual Classroom - February 8 - May 5, 2021 No Cost to Participate Apply Today

Expanded Eligibility Criteria for BC's Small Biz Recovery Grant Eligibility criteria for the Small Business Recovery Grant changed as of December 18, 2020. In addition to changing the required minimum revenue drop of 50% to a drop of 30%, the new criteria also reduces the previous three-year operation requirement to 18 months. If you applied to the program prior to December 18, 2020, you do not need to resubmit an application as applications received prior to changes will be reviewed under updated program criteria and grant amounts.

How Do I Export Beyond Penticton? This might be the year to start. Export Navigator is a free program run in partnership with Community Futures designed to support you at every stage of your exporting journey.

Nominate a small business for a Small Business BC Award 2021 - Nominations are Now Open!

Angela please describe your business? Mi Amor Clothing Boutique is funky clothing store that brings in apparel that is designed to fit, flatter and inspire women of all shapes. We are proud to carry many "Made in Canada" lines. Quality fabrics, affordable, incredible fit and washable.

How many years have you been in operation? I have been in business for almost 8 years. I am proud to be located in Downtown Penticton it is charming and quaint with so many quality businesses. 

What is an interesting fact about your business that most people don’t know? I started my business 26 years in the Fraser Valley. I designed and manufactured my own line for 15 years and it was called Uncommon Thredz.

How can people keep up to date on what’s happening at Mi-Amor? We have just launched an online store and I would recommend signing up for our newsletter. We are very active on Facebook and Instagram.

Angela do you have a professional motto? My personal and professional motto is that all women are beautiful no matter what size you are. Forget what the fashion magazines say and be happy!

What are your biggest challenges as a small business owner in Penticton? My biggest challenge is planning and managing inventory in the slower winter months.

What are your biggest rewards? My customers and the relationships that we have formed are my biggest reward. They are the only reason I have managed to survive COVID this past year.

Angela who inspires you? Happy people that dream big and are not afraid to leave their comfort zone.

Meet Your Chamber Board of Director - Nicole Clark, President

What is your position/title and company, and what do you do there? I am the Training Manager and a business advisor with Community Futures Okanagan Similkameen. I teach people how to launch or expand their business and operate successfully. I also provide one-on-one advisory and coaching services to clients.

How long have you been in the Okanagan? If you aren't originally from the valley, what led you to call the Okanagan home? I hail from Coquiltam. We moved here in the fall of 2012. My boys attended the Okanagan Hockey Academy between 2006 and 2009. During that time we fell in love with Penticton and all the area has to offer. We would never move back!

What do you enjoy most about your role with the Penticton Chamber? As President of the Chamber I have been most proud of our accomplishments around becoming accredited with the Canadian Chamber, bringing a focus to our role as advocates for the business community and becoming more relevant as an organization. I love working with like-minded people in a collaborative role that elevates everyone. It is a privilege to work with the Chamber staff and all of our dedicated volunteer board members.

Jan 20 Cannabis Act Review: Medical Cannabis & Cannabis Health Products

The Cannabis Act, which came into force on October 17, 2018, requires that the Minister of Health initiate a review of the Act by October 17, 2021, three years following the legalization of recreational cannabis for adult use. In advance of the federal government’s review of the Act, the National Cannabis Working Group will be leading an industry-led review of the legislation. This webinar will focus on medical cannabis and cannabis health products.  REGISTER HERE FREE to Attend

Jan 20 TOTA Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association - Pivoting Your Business - Strategy for 2021

2021 brings with it new hope, but many of the same challenges as 2020 for businesses in the tourism and hospitality industry. 45-minute strategy Webinar followed by a Q&A session, Devin Rubadeau of Okanagan College will introduce techniques that every tourism business can use to pivot towards success. REGISTER HERE FREE to Attend

Jan 21 Hiring CO-OP Students: Why It's Good For Business presented by Okanagan College

Hiring co-op students can bring new skills and innovation to your business. This interactive webinar will provide an overview of what co-operative education is, when students are available and how you can potentially access funding for your next student position. Learn about the various co-op programs. REGISTER HERE FREE to Attend - name entered for chance to take home $25 MasterCard.

Learn how to attract and keep great employees - REGISTER HERE FREE to Attend

Jan 26 Recruiting 101: Tools to Find the Right Person for Your Team

Feb 2 Employee Retention Toolkit for Business Owners

Feb 9 Managing HR: Tools to Unite Your Team

Jan 26 Small & Medium Sized Business Recovery Grant - Does your BC owned business employ up to 149 people? Did you experience a 70% drop immediately after restaurants were closed in March? Are you still 30% below 2019 revenue levels? Join the BC Restaurant & Foodservices Association's info session Tuesday, January 26 at 10:00 am to have your questions answered about this important recovery program. REGISTER HERE FREE to Attend

Jan 28 How does COVID-19 Affect my Tax Filing?

Tax season is right around the corner and with all of the changes in the last year, we want to keep you up to date on the changes that will affect your tax filings - presented by Omland Heal REGISTER HERE

Jan 29 Small Business Trends for 2021 - Small Business BC

Join Small Business BC for a fascinating panel discussion that gathers speakers from a wide variety of perspectives. Hear their insights, add your observations and expertise, and look forward to the coming year informed and optimistic about your future prospects. REGISTER HERE

Feb 3 Brand Like A Boss

Feb 10 Virtual Speed Networking

Feb 18 BAB Virtual Business after Business

March 24 Annual General Meeting