Advancing social entrepreneurship in the Kootenays by supporting purpose-driven innovators with the tools, training, and community to build impactful, sustainable ventures.
What is a social entrepreneur?
It's someone who starts a business that's about more than just profits—it's about making a real difference. Whether tackling social issues, protecting the environment, or improving lives in their community, social entrepreneurs care deeply about using their ventures to create positive and meaningful impact.
How we are supporting them
We provide hands-on support to individuals and organizations launching or growing social enterprises—meeting them where they’re at, and grounding everything in the realities of rural BC:
- Cohort-based incubation for early-stage and emerging entrepreneurs
- Bi-monthly workshops open to anyone exploring social enterprise
- A regional community of practice to foster peer learning and shared momentum
- Student consulting offering real-world support to social entrepreneurs and employment opportunities for local post-secondary students
OTHER COMMUNITY INITIATIVES
Starting Winter 2026 and Fall 2026. More than 200 high school students will dive into social entrepreneurship through a flexible online program, gaining mentorship, designing impactful projects to local challenges, and showcasing top initiatives. This program offers an exciting opportunity to back youth leadership, community innovation, and the long-term resilience of rural Kootenay communities.
Spring 2026 & Spring 2027
The Social Impact Summits will be vibrant, high-profile gatherings where we’ll celebrate outcomes, spotlight inspiring innovators, and showcase the bold local solutions that are transforming our region. It’s a prime opportunity to connect and see the impact unfold.
Spring 2026
Our in-person Social Enterprise Hackathon will be an electrifying event, bringing together passionate participants across four Kootenay hubs. Together, they’ll co-create actionable community-based solutions, offering a dynamic, high-visibility platform for our partners and regional stakeholders to engage and inspire.
When local people drive community change, rural regions thrive.
CURRENT OPPORTUNITIES
The Youth Entrepreneurship Program is for youth aged 14–18 across the Kootenays, allowing them dive into an interactive online program packed with hands-on exercises, real-world learning, and plenty of creative problem-solving. It’s a flexible way to bring social entrepreneurship into youth spaces, filling resource gaps and helping young people explore how business can be a force for good.
We are seeking teachers, youth program leaders, community educators and youth mentors who want to help youth transform local problems into brilliant solutions.
GET STARTED
Register for our information session Wednesday, October 29th, 2025 5:30-6:00pm MT (4:30PM-5:00PM PT) to get the all the details – ask questions, meet the team, understand the application process, and what will be expected of you and your students in the program.
Download the program guide.
FUTURE OPPORTUNITIES
The New Enterprise Incubation Program is an in-depth 5-month program that combines self-paced courses, expert coaching sessions, and a supportive cohort to help you confidently turn your vision into a real and impactful social venture.
You’ll come away with a validated business idea, sensible financial projections and a clear plan for measuring your social impact.
The next cohort will run in Fall 2026, so make sure to sign up for updates to know when it opens.
Did you miss being able to attend our info sessions? You’re in luck! We recorded it for you!
MAKE AN IMPACT WITH US
We’re building a bold, local, and lasting movement for social enterprise in the Kootenays – come and join us. Sign up to receive updates on the opportunities that interest you the most.
Know a non-profit, business, or individual curious about social enterprise? Send them our way! We’re here to support their journey.
Downloadable goodies:
