At the Shuswap Economic Development Society (SEDS), our core mission is to foster sustainable growth and prosperity for the communities within the Rural Shuswap and North Okanagan areas. To achieve this, we’ve developed a focused Investment and Attraction Strategy (IAS) aimed at enhancing our region’s economic vitality, creating opportunities for residents, and building resilience for years to come.

The Shuswap region is a beautiful area with abundant resources, breathtaking natural surroundings, and a community rich in character. However, like many rural areas, we face challenges in diversifying our economy and attracting the types of investment that lead to year-round prosperity. That’s where the IAS comes in. It was developed from our 2022 Economic Development Strategy, shaped by community engagement, and guided by a clear goal—to make the Shuswap a more attractive destination for businesses, investment, and skilled workers.

What is the Investment and Attraction Strategy?

The IAS focuses on making the Shuswap “investment-ready” by identifying how to attract investment, highlighting key opportunities, and inspiring businesses and individuals to choose the Shuswap as their destination.

The IAS is more than just a plan on paper. It’s a tactical roadmap. Through its implementation, we aim to drive efforts in four strategic areas:

• Business Growth and Investment

• Investment Readiness

• Regional Development

• Investment Marketing and Communications

By carefully aligning priorities within these focus areas, we aim to cultivate lasting changes that position the Shuswap as a hub of opportunity while respecting the region’s rural charm and values.

Key Initiatives

The IAS includes several interconnected projects designed to address investment-readiness gaps, support community growth, and strengthen our local economy. Highlights of the strategy include:

1. Website: A user-friendly website will serve as a hub for investors, showcasing available spaces, economic data, and what makes the Shuswap ideal for businesses and workers.
2. Relocation Guide: We’re creating a Relocation Guide to highlight housing, education, healthcare, and recreation, helping potential residents see the Shuswap as their future home.
3. Branded Marketing Campaign: A new marketing campaign, featuring high-quality visuals, will promote the Shuswap’s affordability, landscapes, and business opportunities to attract entrepreneurs and investors.
4. Industry Sector Opportunities: We’re developing detailed profiles for six key industry sectors, from agriculture to tech, to showcase specific investment opportunities in the region.
5. Community Benefits: These initiatives aim to create jobs, grow industries, and improve quality of life for all ages by enhancing infrastructure and services.
6. Collaborative Approach: The IAS prioritizes collaboration, engaging stakeholders and community leaders to ensure economic growth benefits everyone while enriching the Shuswap’s cultural fabric.

 

Our Community-Centered Approach

A central tenet of the IAS is its emphasis on collaboration. Economic development in the Shuswap isn’t just about attracting dollars; it’s about creating opportunities and prosperity for everyone. Through every step of the IAS development process, we’ve engaged with local stakeholders, business owners, and leaders from diverse sectors to ensure our goals align with the needs of the community. These partnerships are not just integral to our shared economic success but are also vital to the cultural richness of the region.

Intended Outcomes

The IAS is expected to deliver several measurable benefits that align with the broader goals of the Shuswap region. These include:

• New Businesses

By attracting entrepreneurial talent and resources, we aim to encourage the establishment of new, diverse enterprises that address economic gaps within our region.

• Attracting Investment

Through targeted branding and outreach efforts, we’re setting the stage for increased local investment that supports year-round jobs and economic stability.

• Growing the Local Workforce

With initiatives such as the Relocation Guide and online campaigns, we want to attract skilled workers and their families to the area, strengthening our workforce and fostering vibrant community life.

Advancing Regional Prosperity

Why focus so intently on investment and diversification? Because vibrant economies don’t just happen; they are built through intentional, evidence-based strategies. The Shuswap remains a region of untapped potential, boasting unique advantages like, geographical proximity to urban centers, and a high quality of life. Through initiatives like the IAS, we can make strides in diversifying the economic base, reducing dependence on seasonal sectors, and ensuring year-round sustainability.

At SEDS, we believe the IAS and its related projects are catalysts for creating both immediate and long-term economic growth. Importantly, this strategy offers community-wide benefits—including increased opportunities for underrepresented populations, rural and lower-income residents, and young families.

We are excited to continue partnering with local businesses, community stakeholders, and residents as we roll out these initiatives. Together, we aim to create a thriving economic environment that reflects the values, spirit, and distinct identity of the Shuswap region.

Building the Shuswap’s Future, Together

Implementation of the IAS is already underway. Though the road to achieving these objectives requires focus and collaboration, we are confident that this strategy will create a foundation for lasting prosperity and growth. As it evolves, we will actively reach out to community members, inviting them to join the discussion and help shape its success.

From boosting business attraction to empowering residents with new opportunities, we envision a Shuswap that flourishes year-round while maintaining the rural character and sense of place that makes this region so special.

With the IAS, we’re ensuring that the heartbeat of our community is strong, ambitious, and resilient—for today and for decades to come.