Community Futures Thompson Country

Community Futures Thompson Country Helping Entrepreneurs Succeed | We provide loans, business advice & support.

Registration for the second annual Lemonade Day Kamloops opens this Wednesday, June 3rd!Lemonade Day Kamloops is a free,...
06/01/2026

Registration for the second annual Lemonade Day Kamloops opens this Wednesday, June 3rd!

Lemonade Day Kamloops is a free, fun, hands-on program that teaches youth how to start, own, and operate their very own business—a lemonade stand! But it’s about so much more than lemonade. It’s about building confidence, creativity, and real-world skills that last a lifetime.

After an incredible inaugural year, we’re so proud to bring this program back to our community on August 21st, 2026!

What made our first year so special wasn’t just the numbers—it was the creativity, pride, and passion we saw in every young entrepreneur. From branding and pricing to customer service and storytelling, these kids showed up in truly inspiring ways.

🍋 80 youth registered
🍋 27 stands across Kamloops
🍋 Our top young entrepreneur earned $824.10
🍋 Donations made to 7 local charities/nonprofits

We also know that by age nine, many children have already formed their understanding of money—yet most financial literacy programs come much later. Lemonade Day Kamloops helps bridge that gap in a way that’s engaging, practical, and (most importantly) fun.

Each participant gains access to the Lemonade Day curriculum through the My Lemonade Day app—learning how to set goals, budget, serve customers, repay investors, and give back. At the end of the day, they keep what they earn and are encouraged to spend some, save some, and share some.

This is more than a lemonade stand, it’s a first step into entrepreneurship, confidence, and possibility | Registration opens June 3rd https://local.lemonadeday.org/kamloops

Thank you to our 2026 event sponsors | Metro Reload Ltd Hosenbocus & Co. Castanet Kamloops Tumbleweed Toys Taste Kitchen Inc. Kamloops Wild Flour Kamloops McDonald’s & Standard Office Space

CBC Radio was in the building yesterday as our JA British Columbia youth group worked through production on their clothi...
05/20/2026

CBC Radio was in the building yesterday as our JA British Columbia youth group worked through production on their clothing line.🪡

After weeks of building, refining, and bringing their ideas to life through our Youth Business Program, these young entrepreneurs are officially market-ready!

Meet Marigold Originals. This youth-led business transforms clothing and fabric into one-of-a-kind wearable art. Using bleach, fabric paints, and custom designs, talented local artists handcraft each piece—no two are ever the same. And it gets even better, 10% of all profits will be donated to the Kamloops Arts Council

Find them at the Kamloops Regional Farmers' Market this weekend on Saturday, May 23rd!


CBC Kamloops Downtown Kamloops

We are back and are grateful to have attended the 2026 BC Economic Summit in beautiful Penticton, BC, this week, hosted ...
05/15/2026

We are back and are grateful to have attended the 2026 BC Economic Summit in beautiful Penticton, BC, this week, hosted by the British Columbia Economic Development Association - BCEDA. This year's theme, Shaping Tomorrow: Igniting Ideas, Inspiring Action, Driving Change, was evident in every session, conversation, and connection made during the event.

A standout moment on Day 1 was Kendal Netmaker's keynote, Keep Moving Forward, which received a standing ovation, and for good reason. His message was both simple and powerful: an act of kindness can change the world. His broader reflections on entrepreneurship were equally impactful—encouraging us to actively support and promote entrepreneurship, to surround ourselves with other successful entrepreneurs, and to seek out mentors who have walked the path we are striving toward. A reminder to honour their time, learn intentionally, and stay open to sharing knowledge and experience.

We also had the opportunity to attend the panel Connecting Communities to Opportunity: Driving Local Prosperity Through Collaboration, hosted by members of our Community Futures British Columbia network. A key takeaway was the critical role collaboration with community partners plays in attracting investment, businesses, and people to our regions, ultimately strengthening local economic resilience.

In addition to the learning sessions, the Summit offered opportunities to connect and celebrate the sector. Highlights included a memorable 1920s Murder Mystery evening and the BC Economic Development Awards. It was an honor to witness the recognition of outstanding programs, partnerships, and initiatives from across British Columbia for their contributions to economic reconciliation, resilience, marketing, and community impact.

Our own work through The BIG Pitch was proud to be nominated in the Community Project category over 25,000 population, which recognizes initiatives that deliver meaningful economic benefits to a community or region. With so many creative, collaborative, and impactful nominees from communities of all sizes, it was inspiring to be among such strong company.

A valuable reminder that economic development is built through relationships, shared learning, and a collective commitment to strengthening our communities. We look forward to next year!

Become a SWEET SPOT for young entrepreneurs this Lemonade Day!Want to support local youth in business while bringing ext...
05/08/2026

Become a SWEET SPOT for young entrepreneurs this Lemonade Day!

Want to support local youth in business while bringing extra community spirit to your location? Become an official Sweet Spot for the second annual Lemonade Day Kamloops!

Sweet Spots are welcoming locations throughout where young entrepreneurs can set up their lemonade stands and showcase their creativity, confidence, and business skills to the community. We’re excited already to have some amazing confirmed Sweet Spot locations on board, and there’s still room for more!

A huge THANK YOU to our incredible event sponsors and community partners for helping make this experience possible.

🍋 Interested in becoming a Sweet Spot location? Send us a DM today to get involved and help inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs!

It’s always great spotting our clients out in the wild!Meet Childs Play—owned and operated by Kamloops resident Simon, a...
05/07/2026

It’s always great spotting our clients out in the wild!

Meet Childs Play—owned and operated by Kamloops resident Simon, and one of our valued Loans clients.

With 35+ years of heavy equipment experience, a Class 1 license with air endorsement, and a reputation for reliable, responsive service, Simon is helping fill a big gap in the local market.

From gravel & material delivery to skid-steer work, hauling, and yard waste removal, Childs Play is built on getting the job done without the long contractor wait times.

What started after experiencing a 3-month delay on a small backyard project has grown into a dependable local operation serving Kamloops and surrounding areas.

We love seeing local entrepreneurs build businesses that keep our communities moving!🚛

05/06/2026

🏆✨ NOMINATIONS ARE NOW OPEN! ✨🏆

Nominate at the link in bio!

The Kamloops & District Chamber of Commerce and Premier Sponsor MNP LLP are thrilled to launch the 40th Annual Business Excellence Awards! 🎉

For 40 years, these awards have celebrated the businesses, entrepreneurs, leaders, and community champions who help make Kamloops and the surrounding region such an incredible place to live, work, and do business. 💼🌟

Now it’s your turn to help us recognize the businesses making an impact in our community! 👏

🏅 Nominate an outstanding business or organization
🌟 Recognize a leader making a difference
💡 Celebrate innovation, resilience, and community impact
🤝 Businesses do NOT need to be Chamber members to be nominated
📍 Nominations are open across 15 award categories
📅 Deadline to nominate: Sunday, June 7

From emerging entrepreneurs to long-standing community leaders, we want to hear about the people and businesses helping our region thrive. ❤️

🔗 Submit your nominations today at kamloopschamber.ca

05/05/2026

🔴 Red Dress Day | May 5th
On May 5th, we recognize Red Dress Day — a national day of remembrance and action for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit People (MMIWG2S).

Originating from Métis artist Jaime Black’s REDress Project, this powerful visual movement calls attention to the lives stolen and the urgent need to address systemic violence and injustice faced by Indigenous communities across Canada.

As part of our ongoing commitment to reconciliation, we will be wearing red on May 5th. We do so in solidarity and remembrance — to honour those lost, support survivors, and call for meaningful change.

Starting your journey as an employer? We’ve got you. In recognition of NAOSH Week, now is the perfect time to make sure ...
05/01/2026

Starting your journey as an employer? We’ve got you.

In recognition of NAOSH Week, now is the perfect time to make sure you understand your responsibilities when it comes to workplace safety.

Join our Intro to WorkSafeBC for New Employers session to learn the essentials, from registration and insurance to health & safety requirements, so you can start off on the right foot.

📆 May 5 | 10am PST | Online

🔗Register now: https://mycommunityfuturesbc.ca/.../intro_to_worksafebc.../

📌 Business training from Community Futures is free of charge within select CF-service regions. Check eligibility at mycommunityfuturesbc.ca

This BC Youth Week (May 1–7), we’re celebrating the creativity, confidence, and entrepreneurial spirit of the youth righ...
05/01/2026

This BC Youth Week (May 1–7), we’re celebrating the creativity, confidence, and entrepreneurial spirit of the youth right here in our community!

Through our partnership with JA British Columbia our youth group is now in week 8 of the Youth Business Program—and getting ready to take the next big step.

Next week, they move into production, bringing their business, Marigold Originals, to life as they prepare for the Kamloops Farmers’ Market on May 23!

From idea to ex*****on, they’re building real-world skills at every step. Come out, support local youth, and shop their products on Market Day!

*JABC group pictured with generously sponsored items from Nature’s Path Organics

Filing Cabinets for Sale | Individual or BundleTwo solid filing cabinets, perfect for office or home storage. Both are i...
04/29/2026

Filing Cabinets for Sale | Individual or Bundle

Two solid filing cabinets, perfect for office or home storage. Both are in fine condition and ready to use.

Option 1:
• 3-Drawer Black Metal Lateral Filing Cabinet
– Includes keys (lockable)
– Filing folders included
$50

Option 2:
• 4-Drawer Filing Cabinet
Great for documents or general storage
$75

Bundle Deal:
Take both for $100

*Pickup downtown Kamloops.

Address

330 Seymour Street
Kamloops, BC
V2C2G2

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 4pm
Tuesday 8am - 4pm
Wednesday 8am - 4pm
Thursday 8am - 4pm
Friday 8am - 4pm

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