JOIN US FOR SMALL BUSINESS WEEK!


The BC Chamber of Commerce Small Business Week Summit celebrates YOU! - B.C.’s small businesses – the backbone of our provincial economy – and provides you with the opportunity to listen, learn, and engage directly with experts and thought leaders on topics that are important to you.


Join us October 20–24, 2025, for an engaging lineup of four virtual webinars featuring inspiring entrepreneurs and thought leaders sharing practical tools, fresh ideas, and collaborative solutions to help your small business thrive. Tickets are complimentary, and all sessions will be hosted via Zoom webinar.

Navigating Tariffs: Strategies for Business



As U.S. trade policies continue to evolve, small businesses across B.C. are feeling the impact, from supply chain disruptions to rising costs and shifting customer demand. This session will explore how small businesses can adapt to these changes and build long-term resilience in a volatile trade environment.


Inclusive Hiring: Strategies to Build Diverse and Resilient Workforces



This session will give small and medium-sized enterprises the tools and confidence to embrace inclusive hiring as a driver of business success.

Participants will gain practical insights into the latest immigration policies, explore the measurable benefits of equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI), and learn proven strategies to attract, hire, and retain immigrant talent.

AI in Action: Practical Ways to Save Hours Every Week



Learn how to move beyond AI hype and start using tools like ChatGPT to make your workday easier. In this practical, no-fluff session, Trevor Bruintjes of Peaks and Valleys AI Strategies will walk you through real examples of how small businesses are using AI right now to save hours each week, improve customer experiences, and make better decisions. You will leave with clear, actionable steps you can apply the same day, no tech background required.


From Everyday Actions to Big Change: Putting Purpose to Work in Small Business



Social purpose is more than a statement. It is something small businesses can put into practice every day.

Drawing on new Canadian research, this session will showcase how purpose-led companies are turning everyday decisions into wider influence by engaging stakeholders, building partnerships, and collaborating for change. Hear directly from business leaders who participated in the study as they share practical lessons, real-world examples, and practices you can apply right away.

CHAMBER PERKS APP CONTEST!


With Small Business Week upon us and Shop Local Season around the corner we are excited to share a couple opportunities to win with the Chamber Perks App and our Chamber. Contest starts October 20 and runs until November 30.


How the contest works:



* Members and their employees download the free Chamber Perks App™ to receive one ballot for a chance to win $500 cash.


* To increase their chances of winning, they can share their favourite chamber member business profiles or business perks directly from the app and earn one additional ballot for every share.


* Participants can track their ballots within the app and earn bonus ballots by completing various in-app challenges.




ADDITIONAL chance for our South Okanagan Chamber members* to win! (*eligible members are paid members in good standing as of October 17th, 2025).


Each South Okanagan Chamber Member in good standing who are offering perks on the app between October 20th and November 30 will be entered for a chance to win one of two - FREE 2026 South Okanagan Growth Level Chamber Memberships - valued at $300**.

**(no cash value)


Please reach out to Alicia or Denise if you have any questions or need help with getting things set up. Alicia can be reached at admin@sochamber.ca - 250-498-6321 and Denise is at manager@sochamber.ca.