2014 Business Walk Aiming for Bigger Footprint on Wednesday, October 1

The Annual Central Okanagan Business Walk kicks off Small Business Month in Canada once again on October 1st. As awareness and support for the program continues to build, this third annual Business Walk aims to make the biggest footprint yet with communities throughout the Region planning to connect face to-face with up to 400 businesses, adding new routes, and more than 60 business leaders or “Walkers” volunteering their time. The Walk takes place from 9 am to 12 noon in Lake Country, Kelowna, Westbank First Nation, West Kelowna and Peachland.

The award-winning Business Walk Program is powered by the Central Okanagan Economic Development Commission which launched the first Business Walk in Canada in October, 2012. The program is a partnership between the Economic Development Commission, Business Improvement Associations, Westbank First Nation, and Chambers of Commerce throughout the region. Business Walks have proven highly effective in gathering information that can be used to retain businesses in a community and creating an environment that supports business growth.

The COEDC Business Walk program was awarded Community Project of the Year from the Economic Development Association of BC (EDABC) in 2012 and is recognized as an Economic Development Best Practice by the Provincial Government. Since its inception, Business Walks have been conducted in approximately 15 communities in British Columbia and Alberta.
Business owners and managers are encouraged to be at their business the morning of October 1st when the Business Walk teams are out. By taking the time to answer just a few questions about your business climate, you will be providing valuable information that business stakeholders throughout the Central Okanagan can use in developing programs and services.
To date, approximately 750 Central Okanagan businesses have participated in the Central Okanagan Business Walk. One-on-one follow up assistance has been provided to over 100 businesses related to such topics as signage, zoning, parking, exporting and B2B connections. The COEDC developed specific programs and resources for Central Okanagan manufacturers in response to a manufacturing Walk in 2012. Barriers to conducting business and program opportunities have been communicated to municipalities, Chambers of Commerce and Business Improvement areas throughout the region.

For questions or more information please contact:

Tracey Fredrickson
Business Enhancement Specialist
Central Okanagan Economic Development Commission
Regional District of Central Okanagan
p. 250-470-7838 e. tfredrickson@investkelowna.com