KORE Awarded REDIP Funding

This week, the Province of British Columbia’s Ministry of Jobs, Economic Development, and Innovation (JEDI) announced the funding recipients for a second intake of the Rural Economic Diversification and Infrastructure Program (REDIP).

The new grant was created by the B.C. Government in 2022 with a goal to invest up to $33 million a year for three years to support projects that promote economic diversification, resilience, clean growth opportunities, and infrastructure development throughout rural B.C.

The Kootenay Outdoor Recreation Enterprise (KORE) Initiative is pleased to report that our application titled “Rec-Tech (RE)evolution: Innovative Collaborations in Canada’s Growing Outdoor Recreation Technology Sector” was one of the approved applications. The foundations of the application were largely based on the findings from our 2023 Sector Survey and the six roundtable meetings done last summer in Nelson, Invermere, Revelstoke, Kimberley, Fernie, and Trail. The goal of the roundtables was to identify the needs and opportunities for outdoor rec-tech within the Kootenays and thanks to engagement from KORE members and other industry players, we were provided a strategic direction for the next two years of the initiative.

And now, thanks to the REDIP grant, KORE has $448,750 to put towards the following programs and initiatives over the next two years:

  • KORE Branding Campaign

    Part of this goal will be to establish a globally recognized “Kootenay Approved” brand and use promotional campaigns and the media to attract a skilled workforce and further industry to the region through video and print.

  • Kootenay Inspired Video Series

    This video series will showcase the Kootenay Region as a desirable hub for the rec-tech sector and will welcome new businesses and workers.

  • Sector Connector Database and Member Portal

    Create and provide access to a comprehensive database of local professional services and logistic service providers, relevant manufacturers, retailers, and suppliers.

  • Rec-Tech Job Board

    The goal will be to increase the visibility and coordination of employment opportunities in the region.

  • Virtual Speaker Series

    The facilitation of 12 high-impact online events featuring industry leaders from the recreational technology sector that will be open to sector participants across Canada.

  • KORE Outdoors Podcast

    This bi-weekly podcast series will showcase key players in the outdoor rec-tech industry with the goal of educating and entertaining the local and national sector.

  • Knowledge Nexus (Education Platform)

    The creation of an online collaboration platform as well as 20 facilitated webinars for local gear makers to help support collaboration and knowledge sharing.

  • Annual Roundtables

    There will be at least two industry roundtables addressing industry challenges through collaborative problem-solving.

  • Scale-Up Business Advisor

    KORE will help provide leadership development, creative services, professional services, business coaching, and access to business accelerators and funding resources.

  • Digital Marketplace

    A digital marketplace will live on the KORE website with the goal of supporting market expansion and increased visibility of local gear makers and designers.

  • Makers Markets

    Create multiple events to showcase the craft gear makers of the Kootenays and to draw attention to the importance of shopping locally, including outdoor gear.

  • Banff Mountain Film & Book Festival Awareness Campaign

    There will be coordinated sector promotion and representation through consumer industry trade show exposure at the Banff Film Festival, which engages over 45,000 participants

  • Peer-to-Peer Network

    KORE will develop a peer to peer network by offering workshops focusing on skill enhancement and leadership development, equipping individuals with the expertise needed for personal and professional growth.

  • Next-Gen Student Mentorship

    Facilitate mentorship opportunities between the new generation of gear makers and established manufacturers as well as promote student engagement and the development of female entrepreneurs and underrepresented groups within the Rec-Tech sector.

  • Re-Hub Circular Economy Business Development

    Collaborate with industry and academic stakeholders to produce an implementation plan for a textile upcycling facility as well as a skills training initiative for industrial sewing machine operation.

KORE thanks the Province of British Columbia for this financial contribution to support our mission to advance the outdoor rec-tech sector in the Kootenay region of British Columbia.

For more information about JEDI and the REDIP program, visit the BC Government’s website.