Helping Kootenay small businesses grow with digital tools

Press Release

June 8, 2026

Provincial funding supports small business growth, success

NELSON –

Summary

A tech initiative in the Kootenays is receiving approximately $100,000 to help small businesses and communities adopt new technology and stay competitive
The initiative will help businesses identify opportunities to adopt digital and AI tools that can improve productivity, reduce costs and support growth
The initiative is funded through the Province’s Rural Economic Diversification and Infrastructure Program and the Economic Trust of the Southern Interior

More small businesses in the Kootenays will be better connected with local tech providers that can help them operate more efficiently, thanks to provincial support for the Kootenay Association of Science and Technology’s (KAST) TechEdge initiative.

“People in rural communities are working hard to build strong businesses, create jobs and support their local economies,” said Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Jobs and Economic Growth. “By investing in initiatives like this, we’re helping entrepreneurs and small business owners access new technology that can save time, reduce costs and connect them with more customers. Through our Look West strategy, we’re supporting people to grow their businesses, create new opportunities close to home and build stronger, more resilient communities for the future.”

The Province is providing approximately $100,000 to support KAST’s Tech Edge initiative, helping Kootenay businesses adopt digital and AI technologies, connect with local technology providers and build the skills needed to compete in a changing economy.

“The Kootenays already have incredible entrepreneurial talent, innovative businesses and technology expertise,” said Priya Biswas, executive director, KAST. “This investment helps connect those strengths, giving businesses greater access to local technology services, digital tools and AI solutions that support growth, competitiveness and a stronger regional economy.”

Supporting businesses to grow

The initiative will pilot digital and AI business assessments and develop the Kootenay Tech Sector Economic Development Report, helping businesses find practical solutions to improve operations, reach more customers and grow the local economy.

“Small-business owners in the Kootenays are facing challenges in a changing economy,” said Keith Page, municipal director for the Regional District of Central Kootenay, and councillor for Nelson. “The productivity gains generative AI can deliver are real. I’ve seen it first-hand. But so are the risks of deploying it without proper understanding. This initiative does both: It opens the door to what’s possible while making sure businesses know what they’re getting into. This investment will deliver real, lasting benefit to businesses across the Kootenays.”

This work will help small businesses adopt digital tools that increase productivity, support innovation and create new opportunities. Together, the initiatives will help build regional capacity, strengthen business growth and support a stronger, more resilient economy that benefits everyone in the Kootenays.

Supporting economic diversification

The Rural Economic Diversification and Infrastructure Program (REDIP) supports economic diversification and resilience, strengthens economic capacity and supports economic infrastructure development in rural and Indigenous communities in B.C.

Since 2022, the Province has invested $156.5 million through REDIP, supporting 525 projects throughout B.C. and creating an estimated 7,500 jobs in rural communities.

Quotes:

Brittny Anderson, MLA for Kootenay Central –

“This investment will help local businesses in our region save time, grow their customer base and build the skills they need to succeed. It’s about creating good opportunities here at home and keeping our communities strong.”

Steve Morissette, MLA for Kootenay-Monashee –

“People and small businesses in the Kootenays will have more support to adapt and move forward. This investment will help businesses strengthen their operations and plan for the future. It’s about supporting a stronger and more resilient local economy.”

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