The City of Penticton is proud to welcome hundreds of economic developers, policymakers and business professionals from across the province to the BC Economic Summit.
This event takes place during Economic Development Week in B.C. (May 10-16), highlighting the critical role businesses play in driving innovation, job creation and long-term economic growth in communities throughout the province.
“On behalf of Council and the entire community, we are thrilled to welcome everyone to Penticton once again for this important event,” said Mayor Julius Bloomfield. “Our city is built on the strength, resilience and entrepreneurial spirit of our local business owners. This week is an opportunity not only to share ideas and build partnerships, but also to celebrate the small businesses that form the backbone of our local economy.”
Penticton serves as the commercial hub of the South Okanagan and nearly 3,600 businesses. It’s also home to a regional airport, providing direct flights to Vancouver and Calgary.
The City’s Economic Development department supports a thriving business community through initiatives such as the Love Local campaign, which encourages residents and visitors to shop locally and support independent businesses. The department also delivers the Welcome Home campaign, offering free kits for newcomers to help them settle into the community and connect with local services and opportunities.
As part of its broader strategy to attract investment and support growth, the City is focused on expanding housing options to meet the needs of residents across all income levels. The Economic Development department also supports promotion of Penticton Airport.
Held at the Penticton Trade and Convention Centre, this week’s Economic Development Summit brings together B.C. leaders to explore strategies for strengthening community resilience, fostering inter-community partnerships, supporting local businesses, attracting investment and capitalizing on emerging opportunities across diverse economic sectors.
The City values its relationships with partner organizations and recognizes the roles they play in supporting and promoting the local economy.
Business Resources
Economic Data Portal: Access free data, including labour force and housing statistics, population insights and industry trends at penticton.ca/data.
Start Here Penticton: Discover what it’s like to live and work in Penticton, read newcomer stories and find tips on starting a business at StartHerePenticton.com.
Your Guide to Business: Walk through the steps of starting a business at penticton.ca/business-guide.
Penticton & Wine Country Chamber of Commerce: Connect, network and grow your business at penticton.org.
Downtown Penticton Business Improvement Association: Supporting and advocating for downtown businesses at downtownpenticton.org.
Community Futures Okanagan Similkameen: Support for entrepreneurs, small businesses and community organizations through financing, services, training and more at cfokanagan.com.
Penticton Industrial Development Association: Representing local industrial and manufacturing businesses at pida.ca.
BC Economic Development Association: Supporting resilient and prosperous communities through training and advocacy at bceda.ca.
Coworking spaces: Explore shared workspace options at penticton.ca/remote-work.