Developed in partnership with Prospera Credit Union, the Level Up Local grant supports entrepreneurs and small business owners in the Okanagan Valley upgrade technology and grow their online presence.

The Okanagan Valley is one of the fastest-growing regions in Canada. However, many of the small businesses located here continue to feel the long-term impacts of COVID-19 and the recent climate disasters. To support the recovery and continued growth of the Okanagan economy, Accelerate Okanagan and Prospera Credit Union are reopening applications for the Level Up Local grant to provide Okanagan-based businesses with digital guidance and grant funding to invest in technology upgrades.

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“The number of applications we received in the spring was eye-opening. So many business owners are looking for ways that they can use technology to benefit their business,” says Alex Goodhew, Community Manager at Accelerate Okanagan. “Thanks to our collaboration with Prospera Credit Union, we’re increasing the number of entrepreneurs we can support through the Level Up Local grant—allowing more businesses to implement digital strategies, receive guidance and access financial support.”

After its initial round in the Spring of 2022, the Level Up Local grant is available again for any small and medium-sized businesses in the Okanagan region from Osoyoos to Salmon Arm. This grant is designed to assist businesses with implementing a digital growth strategy. It can cover a wide range of initiatives like optimizing SEO, creating social media and digital marketing campaigns, website development, or even software and hardware costs that enable business growth.

Business owners can now apply for the Level Up Local grant’s Fall 2023 round of funding. Applications are being accepted on a rolling intake until the available funding has been distributed. Funds are limited so the sooner you are able to apply, the higher likelihood of success.

“We are excited to see the Level Up Local grant initiative return to provide access to mentorship and funding support for more local businesses in the Okanagan. We know how important this resource is in strengthening our communities and encouraging our local ecosystems to thrive,” says Kirsten McElgunn, Chief Product and Strategy Officer at Prospera Credit Union. “The stories that we’ve heard from the Spring recipients have been heartwarming and encouraging. We are eager to continue providing a valuable source of funding for the region.”

Criteria for eligibility is based on a number of factors including

• Significant revenue impact due to COVID-19 or climate emergency
• Business is located in a community with a population of under 25,000
• Embedding technology is a business priority
• Business has the capacity to manage the project or initiative
• Diversity of leadership team

To learn more about the grant process, local business owners can meet one-on-one with an Accelerate Okanagan Business Advisor. After this connection, eligible businesses can submit a formal application for the grant. Priority will be given to businesses that have been affected by the pandemic and climate disasters and businesses operating in rural communities with populations under 25,000. In addition to the grant opportunity, Accelerate Okanagan and Prospera Credit Union are making their Advisors available to assist any business owner with navigating current economic challenges.

You can learn more about the Level Up Local grant here.