Help Offered for Start-Up Agri-Tourism Businesses

The Central Okanagan Economic Development Commission is accepting applications for its Agri-Tourism Business Planning Program to help up and coming operators.

Those in the Central Okanagan Region can apply for assistance in developing a detailed business plan in preparation for the 2015 tourism season. The four month program begins on November 4^th, 2014 and ends February 28^th, 2015. The program is subsidized and offers significant professional and technical expertise related to agri-tourism. The result is a highly customized business planning process delivered through group sessions, speaker presentations and extensive one-on-one coaching/mentoring. Topics addressed include market research and planning, financial management, hiring and managing employees, and customer service – with programs tailored to the needs of the participants accepted.

Photo Credit: Stock Photo

Selected participants will meet the following criteria:

Own or have the goal of operating an agri-tourism business on land zoned for agricultural use and located within the boundaries of the Central Okanagan Region;

Have a basic concept for the type of agri-tourism business they are considering and why it would be successful in the Central Okanagan;

Willing and able to commit up to 10 hours per week between November 2014 and February 2015 to attend education programs, conduct market research activities, and write their plans, as well as spend one-on-one meeting time with the business planning specialist.

A fee of $500 is required to cover basic costs (education programs, resource materials, workbooks, meeting space, etc.)

Please view the short video to hear what past participants have to say about the program.

Applicants may also wish to review the rationale for this project and research conducted into agri-tourism opportunities in the Central Okanagan.

Applications can be sent via email: info@investkelowna.com or mailed/dropped off to the COEDC

1450 KLO Road, Kelowna, BC, V1W 3Z4 labelled “Agri-Tourism Program”. A brief description of the agri-tourism concept and business background must be submitted by Monday, October 27^th, 2014.