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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
It really is impressive how much gets done in a place that’s oh so relaxing… we’re Canada’s hotspot for entrepreneurs.
From specialty wood products to park playgrounds, we’ve got 600+ manufacturing companies right here in the Central Okanagan.
The Central Okanagan is home to 8,300+ direct and 19,000+ indirect aerospace jobs… and counting!
There’s over 186+ licensed wineries here in the Okanagan and our vintages are only getting sweeter!
Our homegrown digital tech industry contributes $1.67B in economic impact right here in the Central Okanagan.
Did you know that we’ve got over 300 fruit and tree farming businesses right here in our region?
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.
Discover even more success stories and the entrepreneurial spirit behind them right here in the Central Okanagan.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.