Start Up!
Start Exploring. Start Designing. Start Inventing. Start Here. Start Now.
The Kootenay Entrepreneurship Program (KEP) is a free and open program designed to introduce the fundamentals of entrepreneurship, generate interest in entrepreneurship as a career path, and provide skills training and experiences in a fun and engaging way. In 2023/2024 we will have three events:
KORE Summit
This is a unique conference and networking event featuring Kootenay inventors and businesses in the outdoor recreation industry. Our program supports students to attend free, and meet with mentors in special small-group settings.
Start Up Showdown!
The two-day event will unfold simultaneously at the College of the Rockies, Cranbrook campus, and Selkirk College, Castlegar campus, offering an immersive experience for college students eager to explore the world of entrepreneurship. Hosted by the renowned business expert, Mike Konkin, the Startup Showdown is specially crafted for students with aspirations of launching their own businesses in the future, providing them with invaluable insights and knowledge, even if they have no prior business background.
Sector Specific Entrepreneurship Skills Building
Skills building seminars targeting specific sectors / departments. Developed to build on course content. Created in collaboration with College programs.
College of the Rockies is excited to partner with Selkirk College and Kootenay Association for Science and Technology (KAST) to offer a region-wide Kootenay Youth Entrepreneurship Program! It is a multi‐faceted ongoing program that aims to introduce entrepreneurial skills to youth across the Kootenay Region, both at high school and college level, as well as being open to youth outside of educational institutions. This program aims to expose youth aged 16‐30 — free of charge — an introduction to the fundamentals of entrepreneurship and provide skills training and experiences to aid in skills and career development.