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Community Futures is a community-drive, non-profit business loan, business development, and community economic development organization. They partner with community and business leaders to foster rural economic growth, and build vibrant, sustainable communities. Funded by the Government of Canada, Community Futures has been supporting rural entrepreneurs and communities for over 30 years. There are multiple offices in the region including the East Kootenay and West Kootenay divisions, Revelstoke, and the Boundary.
Community Futures is a community-drive, non-profit business loan, business development, and community economic development organization. They partner with community and business leaders to foster rural economic growth, and build vibrant, sustainable communities. Funded by the Government of Canada, Community Futures has been supporting rural entrepreneurs and communities for over 30 years. There are multiple offices in the region including the East Kootenay and West Kootenay divisions, Revelstoke, and the Boundary.
Since 1998, KAST (Kootenay Association for Science & Technology) has supported economic development through tech and innovation. As the only non-profit tech association in the Kootenays, KAST helps businesses thrive with mentorship, resources, and programming. Its Venture Acceleration Program offers early-stage entrepreneurs expert coaching to grow, launch, and scale their businesses.
Since 1998, KAST (Kootenay Association for Science & Technology) has supported economic development through tech and innovation. As the only non-profit tech association in the Kootenays, KAST helps businesses thrive with mentorship, resources, and programming. Its Venture Acceleration Program offers early-stage entrepreneurs expert coaching to grow, launch, and scale their businesses.
The Export Navigator Program offers free expert guidance to BC businesses outside Greater Vancouver and Victoria. Whether you’re a seasoned exporter or just starting out, you’ll get matched with an advisor to help navigate the export process, diversify markets, and build resilience. Specialized advisors are available for Indigenous, youth (under 30), and women-owned businesses. Given shifting global markets, Export Navigator can help you take confident steps toward growth and opportunity beyond borders.
The Export Navigator Program offers free expert guidance to BC businesses outside Greater Vancouver and Victoria. Whether you’re a seasoned exporter or just starting out, you’ll get matched with an advisor to help navigate the export process, diversify markets, and build resilience. Specialized advisors are available for Indigenous, youth (under 30), and women-owned businesses. Given shifting global markets, Export Navigator can help you take confident steps toward growth and opportunity beyond borders.
Choose Cranbrook represents the largest city in the East Kootenay region and its goal is to entice businesss. Cranbrook’s diverse economy spans natural resources, tourism, and retail, supported by robust infrastructure, including an international airport and major transportation links. With access to market research, business intelligence, and local connections, Choose Cranbrook provides the tools and support needed to establish and grow your business in this dynamic community.
Choose Cranbrook represents the largest city in the East Kootenay region and its goal is to entice businesss. Cranbrook’s diverse economy spans natural resources, tourism, and retail, supported by robust infrastructure, including an international airport and major transportation links. With access to market research, business intelligence, and local connections, Choose Cranbrook provides the tools and support needed to establish and grow your business in this dynamic community.
The Nelson & District Chamber of Commerce champions local businesses and fosters a thriving, sustainable economy in the West Kootenay city. With over 500 members, the Chamber offers advocacy, cost-saving benefits, and programs like “Think Local First” to strengthen community ties. It collaborates with partners through Greater Nelson Economic Development to attract investment, support entrepreneurs, and promote job creation.
The Nelson & District Chamber of Commerce champions local businesses and fosters a thriving, sustainable economy in the West Kootenay city. With over 500 members, the Chamber offers advocacy, cost-saving benefits, and programs like “Think Local First” to strengthen community ties. It collaborates with partners through Greater Nelson Economic Development to attract investment, support entrepreneurs, and promote job creation.
The Columbia Valley Chamber of Commerce (CVCC) serves as the voice of business across East Kootenay communities from Canal Flats to Spillimacheen. Based in Invermere, the CVCC offers advocacy, networking, and economic development support to help businesses thrive. Members benefit from connections to the BC Chamber network, exclusive savings, and promotional opportunities.
The Columbia Valley Chamber of Commerce (CVCC) serves as the voice of business across East Kootenay communities from Canal Flats to Spillimacheen. Based in Invermere, the CVCC offers advocacy, networking, and economic development support to help businesses thrive. Members benefit from connections to the BC Chamber network, exclusive savings, and promotional opportunities.
The Basin Business Advisor Program (BBA) offers free, confidential, one-on-one support to revenue-generating businesses based in the Columbia Basin. Advisors help with growth planning, financing, staffing, marketing, digital tools, and more—providing guidance while you stay in control. Eligible businesses must be registered, operating for over a year, and located in the region. Funded by Columbia Basin Trust and managed by Kootenay Peaks Advisory, BBA strengthens local businesses and builds long-term economic resilience across the Basin.
The Basin Business Advisor Program (BBA) offers free, confidential, one-on-one support to revenue-generating businesses based in the Columbia Basin. Advisors help with growth planning, financing, staffing, marketing, digital tools, and more—providing guidance while you stay in control. Eligible businesses must be registered, operating for over a year, and located in the region. Funded by Columbia Basin Trust and managed by Kootenay Peaks Advisory, BBA strengthens local businesses and builds long-term economic resilience across the Basin.