Programs & Services
Tools and Support for Global Success
From local market insights to global trade and investment facilitation, strategic roadmaps to actionable global programs, we provide the advice, guidance and tools you need to scale beyond borders. Our programs and services are designed and tailored to help Okanagan-centric enterprises expand and succeed.
Our Programs & Services
WTC Okanagan is being developed as a comprehensive centre and multi-faceted platform for conventions, commerce and investment, integrating real estate development, technology-enabled connectivity and international trade services.
In line with WTCA’s mandate, WTCO’s four primary categories of programs and service offerings are:
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Business Club and Networking
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Trade and Investment Services
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Conventions and Exhibitions
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Real Estate Development
We provide our members an exclusive channel for high-impact networking opportunities, international trade support, market intelligence and a physical hub to foster valuable connections.
Enjoy upscale, world-class club facilities and services at the WTCO Business Club, where you can meet, work, dine and relax. For more information, see Membership section.
Curated Local and Global Networking – WTCO will plan and organize industry-leading and market-relevant opportunities to socialize, learn and build your business network. Through the WTCA ecosystem, members will have access to 750,000+ businesses and professionals as a worldwide pool of potential partners, buyers and investors.
Strategic Trade and Investment Advisory – we provide deep-dive market research and customized entry strategies tailored to your specific industry and business.
Export Growth and Acceleration – we will develop and leverage domestic and international trade programs to facilitate, enhance, expedite and grow Okanagan and Canadian exports to overseas markets, through focused and specialized education and training, potentially in collaboration with WTC Vancouver and/or other WTC partners in Canada and abroad.
Business Delegations and Trade Missions – WTCO will both host and participate in government-sponsored and private trade delegations, missions and initiatives on a national and international scale.
WTCO plans to organize and lead participation in industry and professional or discipline-specific conventions and exhibitions – hosting regional, national and global enterprises, groups and associations.
With access to 32,000+ annual international events, WTCO can hand-pick external opportunities that align with our memberships’ business goals to ensure high-impact discovery, learning and connections.
Important industries and economic sectors of the Okanagan region include:
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Market Entry Optimization – securing specialized distribution channels to ensure high-value agricultural products, such as wine and fruit, reach premium, international markets.
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Regulatory & Certification Consulting – providing expertise in international food safety certifications (HACCP, ISO) and customs procedures to lower barriers to global market entry.
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Agri-Tech Connectivity – fostering collaboration with global leaders in smart farming technology to enhance productivity and innovation of local producers.
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Global Capital Attraction – acting as a bridge to attract international institutional investors and construction capital for large-scale development projects within the region.
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Trade & Logistics Infrastructure – leading technical collaboration on projects such as roads, rail, airports, and logistics and distribution centres to strengthen the efficiency of regional trade movement.
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Sustainable Urban Development – connecting local projects with global expertise and partnerships to implement eco-friendly and smart-city construction technologies.
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Technology Research and Development – facilitating collaboration with global leaders in advancing new and emerging technologies, such as AI, machine learning, blockchain, smart robotics, automation and quantum computing.
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Building an Innovation Ecosystem – fostering and enhancing Kelowna’s technology base and ecosystem by attracting new technology start-ups and growing innovative companies to the region from abroad.
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Attracting Venture Capital – informing and linking prominent venture capital firms and strategic industry partners with national and international reach to invest in and support growth of promising, local technology companies and their products and services.
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Natural Attractions and Recreational Amenities – highlighting and promoting the Okanagan’s natural beauty, pleasant weather and recreational amenities, and year-round activities such as water sports, golfing, hiking and skiing, to the world – known as “Lake & Wine Country” and “Napa Valley of The North”.
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Travel and Tourism – working with hospitality business members to craft “Stay and Play, Dine and Explore” packages with industry partners and promoting the world-class destination, dining and entertainment options in the Okanagan region.
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Health and Wellness – supporting health and wellbeing enterprises and private institutions in developing state of the art hospital and care facilities for expedient diagnosis, treatment and recovery, including medical tourism services, in a pristine, natural setting conducive for personal relaxation and healing.
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Supply Chain Optimization – assisting regional manufacturers in reducing costs and maximizing efficiency by optimizing global supply chains from raw materials to end-consumers.
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Precision B2B Matchmaking – our AI technology-driven matching services connect local manufacturers with high-volume international buyers and strategic partners.
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Global Technical Standardization – consulting on industrial automation and compliance with international technical standards essential for global exporting.
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Net-Zero Leadership – actively introduce advanced green technologies and renewable energy solutions from overseas to help the Okanagan municipalities achieve their carbon neutrality goals.
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Energy Trade Missions – organizing international trade missions focused on hydrogen, solar, and wind energy to explore global market opportunities for local innovators.
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ESG Compliance Support – we support local companies in adapting to the global Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) landscape through sustainability reporting and obtaining international environmental certifications.
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The WTCO initiative includes, amongst other regional projects, plans for the ultimate development of a mixed-use WTC Okanagan real estate, lakefront complex, along the downtown Kelowna waterfront, featuring convention, hospitality, health and wellbeing, office, retail and residential uses, along with arts, culture and recreational amenities, designed to convene business leaders, host international delegations and support economic growth for the region.
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WTCO’s development projects may involve:
▪ Public-Private Partnership (P3) models that combine private sector expertise and efficiency with public interest in delivering community assets and benefits.
▪ Construction of world-class conference and exhibition halls, business lounges, and Grade-A office spaces that meet quality design and standards of sophisticated business elites.
▪ Selection of attractive, prominent sites with prestigious addresses to capitalize on the WTC brand recognition and preeminent reputation – maximizing occupancy and lease rates for the benefit of WTCO, its partners and membership base.-
Trade Advisory
& Consultation
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Tailored Strategy Development: Receive customized advice and actionable strategies to advance your established business.
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Global Scale-up: Navigate the complexities of international trade with the support of our dedicated professional team.
Market Intelligence
& Analysis
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Deep-dive Market Research: Access comprehensive data, competitor tracking, and identifying potential customers.
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Strategic Insights: Stay informed with the latest trade trends and intelligence necessary for critical business decisions.
Trade Shows
& Missions
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Global Networking: Connect with potential partners and buyers at national or international trade exhibitions.
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Exclusive Access: Utilize over 32,000 annual international events to maximize your brand’s global visibility.
Export Growth
& Acceleration
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Expert Connections: Gain direct access to a network of 10,000+ trade experts ready to support your expansion.
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Actionable Roadmaps: Participate in the international trade educational training, support and acceleration programs to build a professional-grade export strategy.
Grants
& Strategic Funding
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Resource Identification: Find the right strategic partners and financial tools to fuel your global journey.
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Accelerated Growth: Ensure your business has the capital required to thrive in the competitive global marketplace.
