Okanagan business gets major boost from Feds

Kelowna is one of the fastest growing cities in Canada, known for its world-class ski hills, wines, fruits, and thriving tech communities, as well as innovative forestry and mining sectors.

And the plan is to help bolster the growth of these businesses and reach new markets.

At Kelowna’s Innovation Center, Minister of International Development Harjit Sajjan announced the opening of a new PacifiCan office in Kelowna.

“Today’s announcement is about working more closely together to support the growth of your businesses and respond to the priorities of your communities,” Sajjan said. “Time and time again, British Columbians have shown they have the ambition and talent to prosper in a rapidly changing world.”

He stressed PacifiCan is not just about economic growth, as it will be connected with other government programs.

“It’s an opportunity to create that linkage and support the wider vision of the community,” Sajjan told Kelowna10.

At the event, Sajjan also announced over $6.4 million in PacifiCan funding for four dynamic businesses in the Southern Interior.

Of that, $3.6 million will be going to Pela, a Kelowna-based company reducing plastic waste from consumer products. With this funding, Pela will be able to hire new staff, acquire more facilities, and further expand their markets.

CEO of Accelerate Okanagan, Brea Lake, welcomed the fact there will now be an office dedicated to local investments able to provide quality advice for local economic interests.

“I think it’s going to allow us to have local boots on the ground and really understand the needs of companies that are here in the region,” Lake said. “We’ll be able to get their needs met faster and get solutions to help them grow quicker.”