The 2025/2026 StrongerBC future skills grant program is open for Fall 2025 registration. 

What is the StrongerBC future skills grant program?

As part of the StrongerBC Future Ready Action Plan, the B.C. government introduced the future skills grant program to support people living in B.C., aged 19 and older, in accessing up to $3,500 for short-term skills training opportunities that are aligned with the province’s labour market needs and government priorities.

Since its launch in Fall 2023, over 10,000 people have benefited from the future skills grant, gaining skills in high-demand sectors. The grant continues to play a pivotal role in preparing individuals for current and emerging job markets, contributing to B.C.’s economic resilience amid global trade disruptions and industry-specific transitions.

To align with B.C.’s evolving economic needs, this year’s grant continues to focus on training in key sectors, including:

• Health care
• Clean energy
• Construction
• Mining
• Marine transportation
• Inclusive economy 

The StrongerBC future skills grant offers up to $3,500 to support eligible short-term skills training at public post-secondary institutions across B.C. It is available to qualifying B.C. residents, regardless of financial circumstances. Discover if you're eligible and take the next step toward your future. 

FREE Energy Saving Support for local South Okanagan Businesses!

FortisBC and GreenStep Solutions are collaborating and working with small and medium-sized businesses to help them reduce energy use, operating costs and greenhouse gas emissions.

Participating businesses will receive free, customized energy advice including tips, technical advice and information about their rebate programs to improve energy efficiency and help B.C. meet its climate action goals.

Check out the website and fill out the form to have a program advisor reach out to you.

We wanted to send a reminder to all of our members that if you need some help with your business or non profit that we are here to help!

We know that there are many challenges that you can face on a regular basis and we want to make sure in our smaller communities that everyone knows that we are here to support you. If we are unable to help directly then we will aim to point you in the right direction or get you connected with someone that can help.

Please visit our website when you have some time - we do our best to update the regular, ongoing programs and organizations that supports businesses on our BUSINESS RESOURCES page.

The different programs can change often depending on what is happening in the economy at this time and what industry is being focused on so check often and watch our newsletter for timely opportunities. Feel free to reach out to us if you have any questions.



Community Building Sponsorship Opportunities

Over the last few years we have successfully received start up funding for a few projects and initiatives that have allowed us to better support South Okanagan entrepreneurs, businesses and our local economy. We are now looking to continue to build on this momentum and strongly move these initiatives forward.

To do that we need your help!

We would like to partner with our members and community to collaborate and create a strong regional business community and resilient local economy. Please contact us if you would like to have a conversation about any of these SO Chamber opportunities. You can reach out to Denise at manager@sochamber.ca

SOUTH OKANAGAN STORIES - we have created a website, printed newsletter, and a couple of quality videos to help tell the story about our local business communities. Purpose - instill a sense of pride surrounding our region, celebrate our local businesses, and inspire conversations about potential relocation.

CHAMBER PERKS APP - this app was created in Canada by a crew of Chamber Champions. It allows smaller businesses to affordably reach a larger audience. The app is a vehicle for Shop Small - Support Local messaging, shop local contests, rewards programs, and a great way to support and promote the local business community and greater regional economy.

STATION STREET MARKET - amazing start up funding and support for two years from the Town of Oliver to get this local market going. Now it is time for the next chapter and we are looking for market and shop local volunteers to help us run and promote the market. There are many opportunities here for collaboration to bring some energy to Oliver on Sundays! We are also looking for sponsorship to help the market move strongly into year three!

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