Secure your spot at some of the upcoming events and webinars designed to inform, inspire, and connect the business community. These upcoming sessions offer opportunities to learn, stay engaged, and network with fellow industry and community members.


Small Business Week 2025

BDC Small Business Week is an annual event that the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) has organized for more than 45 years to celebrate entrepreneurship. This year, the event takes place from October 19 - 25 under the theme "The economic revolution is here – get your business ready." 

Here are some of the events tourism & hospitality small business owners in and around Kelowna can attend:

There are also BDC-hosted events and various other online events happening across the country that any small business owner can attend. 


Casual Tuesdays Networking

Staples Studio sponsors this month's edition of Casual Tuesdays Networking, which will be held on October 21 at Red Bird Brewing from 4 to 6 p.m. Staples Studio will be giving away 100 free coworking day passes to attendees. Click here to learn more and to register. 


The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) AGM & Summit

TOTA will host its AGM & Summit at Kelowna's KF Centre for Excellence on October 22 and 23. Tourism industry members from throughout the region will gather to explore the latest market trends, innovative transportation solutions, and new opportunities for growth and collaboration under this year's theme, "New Routes, Bold Futures: Navigating Tourism’s Transformation."

As part of the event, Tourism Kelowna will host a harvest-themed Welcome Reception on October 22, which is open to Summit attendees and industry members at large. 

Learn more on the Summit website or click here to purchase tickets. 


Climate Action Training for Kelowna Businesses

GreenStep Solutions is leading a 4-week online workshop designed to help businesses kick-start or level up their climate action efforts. The program starts on October 23 and runs weekly until November 13, with each session taking place at 2 p.m. Attendees can register for one or all sessions, depending on which weekly theme resonates. Find more information and register here. 


Career Exploration Series

UBCO students and UBC alumni are invited to attend this informal networking session where they can connect with industry professionals working in environmental stewardship, sustainable innovation and the evolving world of agriculture. The session will take place from 5 to 7 p.m. on October 23 at the University Centre (UNC) Ballroom. Click here to learn more. 


Startup Drinks

Join Accelerate Okanagan and FH&P Lawyers at the Landmark Building for Startup Drinks on October 29 from 4 to 6 p.m.. Startup Drinks is free and open to all. Entrepreneurs, job seekers, students, and anyone curious about startups, tech, and innovation are encouraged to join. Register here through Eventbrite. 


38th Annual Business Excellence Awards

On October 30, the Kelowna Chamber will host the 38th Annual Business Excellence Awards, presented by Lawson Lundell LLP and BEEM Credit Union. Awards will be handed out in 17 categories, including the Excellence in Tourism award, sponsored by Tourism Kelowna. The event will be hosted at the Delta Hotels by Marriott Grand Okanagan Resort from 5 to 10 p.m. Click here to purchase tickets. 


Business After Hours

Central Okanagan community organizations and business improvement associations regularly host business after-hours events—click the links below for more info on those being held in the coming weeks:


Upcoming Events

Provincial
National


Do you have an upcoming event or webinar that would be of interest to those in the tourism industry? Please email us so we can include the information in our next roundup.