Kelowna Micro Home Business Plans Two Open Houses

Posted from Kelowna Now February 26, 2016 by Molly Gibson 

https://www.kelownanow.com/

A new micro home business is launching in Kelowna, and after the complete success of selling tickets for the launch, they’ve decided to hold two open houses.

Little House Contractingis a micro home building company founded by Tara Tschritter. Tschritter is working with Allison Ramchuck, who is the director of business development.

<who> Photo Credit: Tara Tschritter </who> Allison Ramchuck, right, and Tara Tschritter, left, have created Little House Contracting.

The two women announced at the beginning of February that they would be launching the business in March. The launch event will be held on March 11that Laurel Packing House and is for ticket holders only.

Tickets for the event were sold out ten minutes after KelownaNow.com published the article about the evening.On Facebook Little House Contractingannounced that they released another 50 tickets, which also almost sold out immediately.

Tschritter said the success of the launch tickets have made them decide to hold two open houses about the new business as well.

 The first open house will be held in Kelowna on April 2ndfrom 9:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m., at the Unitarian Hall.

The second open house will be held in West Kelowna at The Hatch Winery on April 5th. The open house will be held from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m.

People can stop by for a cup of coffee and check out the business plans and talk to Tschritter and Ramchuck.

Little House Contracting’s websitewill be launched on March 11th, during the launch event.

 

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The New Normal

Community Futures has achieved a major milestone, celebrating 30 years of service to entrepreneurs and communities across BC. As part of our 30 year celebration, we are publishing The Future of Entrepreneurship Series. Written by business leaders, this series of forward thinking articles will provide insights and opinions in regards to a number of key challenges and opportunities facing entrepreneurs in the future.


The New Normal

Dr. David E Bond


The world’s economy has undergone a fundamental change and it’s going to take time for governments, households and nations to adjust to this new normal. To successfully survive these forces of change will require leadership in both the private and public sectors as well as a clear understanding of the situation we face.

What is this situation, exactly? It seems highly likely that Canada and most of the developed world will face slow (less than 2%) annual rates of economic growth for at least five years. Slow growth marks a change from what most Canadians have experienced in the past few decades and adjusting to that “new normal” will place strains on the nation’s social, political and economic fabric. But in previous periods of immense national stress we have risen to the challenge and there is no reason believe we will not do so again

Robert Gordon, a respected American economist at Northwestern University says in his newly published book, “The Rise and Fall of American Growth” that this global slow-down is nothing new. While he believes the revolution in high tech and communications has been important, it pales in comparison to the great advances made between 1870 and 1940. These included harnessing electricity, improved urban sanitation, modern chemicals and pharmaceuticals, the internal combustion engine and basic communication such as radio and the telephone. Without innovation of that magnitude, he and many other economists believe economic growth will be very low for the foreseeable future

A quick review of the global economies confirms this pessimistic view. Europe is in a sorry state. Growth there is negligible, government debt is massive, tax revenues are low and the monetary system is on life support. Japan has been limping for more than three decades and seems unwilling or unable to make the changes necessary to return to growth. China, the economic engine that drove the last major surge of growth, is slowing as it tries to transition its economy to be more centred on domestic consumption rather than exports. At the same time, China is trying to lessen corruption and maintain a one party system. Further compounding its problems is a massive amount of bad debt (estimated to equal 50% of its GDP) which overhangs the market. Until that debt is dealt with and corporate balance sheets show a better match of assets and liabilities, little additional investment will take place.

Finally, the force that drove growth in the five decades after World War II, increasing world trade, is slowing. The growth in the last decade has been about half of what it was between 1987 and 2007. Efforts to expand free trade have been fitful. The recently negotiated Trans Pacific Partnership is facing strong headwinds in the United States and may not be ratified. And the World Trade Organization’s latest round of negotiations was officially abandoned last year. Without growing trade there really is nothing pushing global growth.

A rapidly growing economy permits the state to fund growing demands for services such as health care without having to implement policies aimed at increasing efficiency. Growth also can provide room for tax reductions.

Under the new normal, sectors such as health care, accustomed to having its financial demands met, will find it difficult to adjust to opposition to increased spending unless there is a simultaneous increase in the efficiency of the entire system. We can look forward to protracted labour disputes in every public sector activity from education to fire protection and policing and this will put a strain on communities.

Just as importantly, slow growth, particularly in government revenues, means some government expenditures can only be increased if others shrink - unless, of course, taxes increase. This mathematical certainty will force a rethink of what governments should and should not do and probably lead to tax increases, particularly on higher income earners and on certain types of income such as capital gains and large inheritances.

In BC’s private sector, the loss of business on the part of suppliers to the resource sector will make for a turbulent and disquieting economic scene characterized by rising unemployment. Labour markets will undergo significant restructuring. Skilled workers, who moved to Alberta because of high paying jobs and who are now laid off, will begin moving back to where they originally lived and that will put downward pressure on wages in BC. Moreover, potential employers of these displaced workers will be concerned that, if things turn around in the petroleum sector, their employees will once again move back to Alberta. At the same time, these peripatetic workers will not be consuming much since their income will undoubtedly fall well short of previous levels in the petroleum sector while personal debt has not decreased nearly as much.

The recent run-up of housing prices is not sustainable The prices of existing housing will stop rising and in some centres (Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto and others) fall sharply, along with the income of realtors and the tax take associated with any purchase. We can also expect a decline in housing construction and, therefore, the demand for everything that goes into a new house (appliances, heating systems, plumbing and wiring etc.) and this too could lead to increased unemployment.

All of this means an unsettled environment for anybody considering starting or expanding a business since, in a slow-growth economy, new business ventures will face rising hurdles to entering the market place. For one thing, slow growth means slow (or non-existent) increases in consumers’ income. Given historically high levels of indebtedness, households will be seeking to reduce their debt and will therefore cut back on consumption.

Not only will markets for both products and services be shrinking or just not growing, obtaining financing for start-ups will become more difficult. That, in turn, implies a raising of the bar as to what projects can and should be supported.

Although the overall picture is not optimistic, it does not mean that a well-financed new venture with a solid business plan and a good product or service in a focused market will not succeed. Seasoned and determined new entrepreneurs will still come forward and many will succeed - but it won’t be easy. These successful entrepreneurs will have to have vision, drive and smarts to succeed.


Watch for Dr. Bond’s second article Characteristics of Entrepreneurs I have known.  

Community Futures is a non-profit community business financing organization created to support small and medium sized enterprises throughout rural BC, paving the way for diversified local economies and job creation.

Learn more (http://goo.gl/o5BAjI)

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Phase 3 Announced - The Western Innovation Initiative

(Le français suit)

Re: Western Innovation Initiative – Call for Proposals – Intake 3

On March 14, 2016, Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD) will be launching the third call for proposals for the Western Innovation (WINN) Initiative. The objective of WINN is to assist small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in commercializing new technology-based products, processes and services.

WINN is a $100 million, five-year federal funding initiative that provides repayable contributions to SME’s located in Western Canada. WINN complements WD’s existing programs and supports an environment where local businesses can thrive and innovate.

WINN seeks to enhance Canada’s business advantages and encourage the private sector to bring new ideas to market. Please visit the WD website for further information about WINN and how to apply for funding.

Regards,

Western Economic Diversification Canada

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Objet : Initiative d’innovation dans l’Ouest – Appel de propositions – 3e appel

Le 14 mars 2016, Diversification de l’économie de l’Ouest Canada (DEO) lancera le troisième appel de propositions pour l’Initiative d’innovation dans l’Ouest (Initiative InnO). Son objectif est d’aider les petites et moyennes entreprises (PME) à commercialiser de nouveaux produits, procédés et services technologiques.

L’Initiative InnO est une initiative de financement fédérale de 100 millions de dollars sur cinq ans qui offre des contributions remboursables à des PME de l’Ouest canadien. L’Initiative InnO s’ajoute à nos programmes courants et crée un environnement dans lequel les entreprises locales peuvent croître et innover.

L’Initiative InnO vise à accroître l’avantage concurrentiel du Canada et à encourager le secteur privé à commercialiser des idées novatrices. Veuillez visiter le site Web de DEO pour obtenir plus de renseignements au sujet de l’Initiative InnO et sur la façon de présenter une demande d’aide financière.

Cordialement,

Diversification de l’économie de l’Ouest Canada

                     

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Tech is Growing in the Okanagan

Earlier this year, the Central Okanagan was ranked as the second best entrepreneurial area in Canada

It could be the hot summers, great skiing weather in the winter, but also the support from the local government and businesses. Whatever the reason the Okanagan is home to lots of great entrepreneurs, both with experience and funding to share with new startups.

As they say, like attracts like, which is one of the reasons more startups and entrepreneurs are choosing to build their business in the Okanagan valley. In fact, the Thompson-Okanagan has seen the highest growth percentage of small business in all of BC. And a lot of that growth has been in the tech startups — from animation studios, to apps and websites.

With more and more tech startups settling in the Okanagan there’s an increased demand for talented developers and software engineers. You only need to look at the Kelowna tech job boards to get an idea. Which is great news for the developers in the valley – no more moving to Vancouver or Toronto. As one of the highest growing in-demand jobs there’s now plenty of people looking to grow their skills here in the valley.

To help grow our tech community co+Lab is excited to welcome another startup to Kelowna: Lighthouse Labs, a bootcamp for developers. Lighthouse Labs has had amazing success helping tech communities in Vancouver, Toronto and Calgary build their developer talent and now will be turning their focus to Kelowna. They’ll be joining the co+Lab in 2016.

What are you waiting for?! Sign up here: https://lighthouselabs.ca/okanagan

Posted in: Features on January 18th by Shane Austin
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Local Startup Company Keeps Kids Safe & Happy Online While Putting Parents in Control

MeucciScreenPhone.pngKelowna based startup creates the first safe messenger app for youth.

The first COPPA (Children's Online Privacy Protection Act) compliant messenger has been developed specifically for youth. Meucci is 100% human moderated and uses the most advanced chat monitoring technologies available to keep kids safe while they interact and share in an online environment.

Former Oprah Winfrey, Ultimate Viewer, Founder and CEO of JBF Kids Inc., Janice Taylor, wanted to develop an online space where kids can play, share and chat without being exposed to advertising or unwanted influences. The result is Meucci. Meucci is Taylor's version of a virtual "telephone in the kitchen" with a creative spin, live interaction and highly advanced safety features for parental control in a regulated environment.

JBF Kids Inc. specializes in youth engagement products for professional sports teams and brands, and has more than 8 NHL and NFL Team Club Apps and a partnership with the NFLPA. "At JBF Kids Incorporated, our first goal is to educate parents and youth for a positive and healthy experience online. As a parent and founder of this company, keeping kids safe is my first priority," says Taylor.

The first app of its kind, Meucci is designed specifically for youth under 13. Offering more than an online club, kids can connect with live party events, game schedules and it offers VIP access to team and player news, helping kids expand their world from entertaining online activities to real life fun.

While Meucci is monitoring peer-to-peer chats, kids can create personalized avatars with fun hairstyles and funny expressions. They can join as many clubs as they like, take part in exciting live event parties, share custom sticker packs and badges while they message each other, and with new content provided daily, there is always something fun for kids to join in and talk about.

The vision at JBF Kids Inc., is to expand safe play for kids beyond sports by offering a new variety of clubs, games and activities to suit all interests, with extra features like groups kids can create, more avatar accessories, image and video support, player card trading and new trivia packs. The team at JBF is especially excited about bringing more NHL teams and Pro Sports Leagues on board, and the many forthcoming opportunities Meucci will foster.

Download Meucci from the Apple App Store or MyMeucci.com from February 1, 2016.

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Accelerate Okanagan Appoints New CEO

Kelowna, BC -  February 10th, 2016 – Kelowna, B.C. – Accelerate Okanagan Technology Association (AO) is pleased to announce the appointment of Raghwa Gopal as the new CEO for the organization. Gopal who has been the acting CEO for the past 2 months, will assume the full-time position effective immediately. 
 
Mr. Gopal is no stranger to the Okanagan or the technology community. Having moved to Kelowna in the mid ‘70’s he helped to build and grow Vadim Software, one of the regions first and most successful technology companies. While operating Vadim for 28 years, Raghwa was instrumental in growing the organization to be one of the largest suppliers of financial management software to Canadian municipalities leading to its eventual acquisition in 2001. Since that time Mr. Gopal has been extremely active in the community as an angel investor, the recipient of several business awards and been recognized for many volunteer efforts including Director of the Okanagan College Foundation, the Rotary Club of Kelowna, the United Way and the Central Okanagan Development Commission.

“After an exhaustive search that involved over 120 candidates, we are extremely pleased to announce Raghwa Gopal as AO’s new CEO. Mr. Gopal was by far the best candidate measured against the core competencies established by our CEO Search Committee and we are very fortunate to have someone of his calibre to lead our organization through the next stage of growth,” said Blair Forrest, AO Board Chairman. “He is a very well-known and respected person with an extensive history in our community who will bring many years of business acumen, industry expertise and knowledge to the role. Through his prior involvement as acting CEO and Executive in Residence, Raghwa is very familiar with our team, association members, programs, clients, partners, government funding organizations and objectives.”

"It is an immense honor to be offered the position of CEO for Accelerate Okanagan, particularly because this is such an exciting time for the tech industry in the Okanagan and the province as a whole,” said Mr. Gopal. “With the Okanagan Centre for Innovation (OCI) opening soon, the new BC Tech Fund, and new and innovative programs being offered by Accelerate Okanagan, I see tremendous opportunity for the growth of tech companies in the Okanagan.”

“One of my primary goals will be to create an ecosystem of collaboration between different stakeholders – both here in the Okanagan and province wide - to provide bigger and better opportunities for local companies to grow and thrive. I’m looking forward to help further cultivate and nurture the burgeoning tech industry in the Okanagan," added Mr. Gopal.





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okanaganjobmatch.com launched

coedc logo

The Central Okanagan Economic Development Commission is launching okanaganjobmatch.com, an online job-matching platform to address workforce needs

Kelowna, BC, February 9, 2016 – The Central Okanagan Economic Development Commission (COEDC) is launching a new component of its Workforce Development Programming. Magnet is a skills-based, employment matching platform that will serve as a key tool for employers and job seekers throughout the Central Okanagan. A regional adoption of Magnet will help to address some of the labour market issues identified in the 2014 report Growing in the Okanagan - 2020 Labour Market Outlook commissioned by the COEDC.

Magnet is a network powered by data-rich job-matching technology that was developed by Ryerson University, in partnership with the Ontario Chamber of Commerce and the Government of Ontario. Introducing Magnet to the Central Okanagan will build a regional focus to a single “job platform”, streamlining the employment search process and assisting in uncovering the hidden labour market. What’s different about Magnet vs. traditional job boards is that through intuitive technology it provides both job seekers and employers with a one-stop, supply and demand job hub to connect the right candidate to the right job opportunity – quickly, accurately, and efficiently. 

It is important to note that Magnet is a free service for job seekers, while employers can post opportunities and review candidates’ profiles for free. If an employer is interested in connecting with a candidate, a small connection fee is then incurred. As an introductory offer, the COEDC is covering all connection fees for Central Okanagan employers for the first 6 months after launch.

To facilitate the delivery of the initial phase of Magnet the Commission is working in partnership with: Accelerate Okanagan, Kelowna Community Resources, Kelowna Chamber of Commerce, YMCA Youth Works, Okanagan College, University of British Columbia - Okanagan, the Centre for Arts & Technology, WorkBC and the Okanagan Young Professionals Collective in a phased, multi-year approach.

“Companies throughout the Region across a multitude of sectors tell us one of their biggest barriers to success is the sourcing of a talented workforce. The Commission’s introduction of Magnet to the BC Market aims to be the Region’s tool for matching employers and qualified job seekers by eliminating a major barrier faced locally – job seekers across Canada are unaware of local employer’s current job posting methods (i.e. local publications, industry job boards), thus reducing the talent pool for available opportunities significantly” states Corie Griffiths, Director of the COEDC.

Central Okanagan job seekers and local college and university students seeking full or part-time employment can learn more and register FREE OF CHARGE by visiting okanaganjobmatch.com.

Employers are encouraged to visit okanaganjobmatch.com to post their current hiring needs. Connecting with the right employee is FREE for the first 6 months. Those requiring assistance can contact Dustyn Baulkham, Workforce Development Officer.

Social media channels:

Web:                http://www.okanaganjobmatch.com                               

Twitter:             @MagnetToday

                        @InvestKelowna

Facebook:        Magnet

                        Invest_Kelowna

YouTube:          Magnet - Benefits to Job Seekers

            COEDC Channel

About Magnet

Magnet is a new network powered by data-rich, job-matching technology that connects job seekers with employers based upon skills, preferences and talent needs. The network is also a unique source of real-time labour market information for decision makers and community planners. The Magnet partner network currently includes more than 25 universities and colleges, 2,000 employers and more than 80 community organizations. “Magnet is about connecting jobs to people and helping communities strengthen their economies,” says Mark Patterson, Executive Director, Magnet.

For media inquiries contact

Corie Griffiths

Manager, Economic Development Commission

Regional District of Central Okanagan

(250) 469-6234

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

For employer and job seeker inquiries contact

Dustyn Baulkham

Workforce Development Officer

Central Okanagan Economic Development Commission

(250) 469-6280

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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