COEDC expands Okanagan Manufacturing Database, invites businesses to participate

The Central Okanagan Economic Development Commission (COEDC) is expanding the Okanagan Manufacturing Database, evolving the platform from a regional directory into a manufacturing intelligence tool designed to connect businesses, strengthen local supply chains and provide greater insight into the Okanagan’s manufacturing sector.

Manufacturers from Osoyoos to Salmon Arm are encouraged to participate by Oct. 15. Manufacturers can use the online form to update an existing database listing or submit their business for inclusion.

The enhanced platform will make it easier for businesses to search for manufacturers by product, service, capability and industry, helping them find suppliers, potential partners and opportunities closer to home. Participating manufacturers will also gain greater visibility with potential customers, partners and investors.

“The Okanagan is a hub of innovation, and manufacturers with tremendous potential to grow will help drive Canada’s economic future,” said Loyal Wooldridge, Chair of the Regional District of Central Okanagan. “Trade uncertainty is real. It presents new challenges, but also an opportunity to strengthen local businesses and help them support one another. Being visible and connected through the Okanagan Manufacturing Database showcases the depth and diversity of our local manufacturing sector and unlocks new opportunities to connect suppliers and partners and establish new markets. The stronger the network, the more resilient and competitive our economic engine will be.”

The Okanagan Manufacturing Database was launched by COEDC in 2025 in response to concerns around supply chain disruptions and tariff uncertainty, as well as feedback gathered through industry consultations and regional tariff roundtables. Businesses identified a need for a better way to find local suppliers, understand regional manufacturing capabilities and connect with other manufacturers across the Okanagan.

The next phase builds on that foundation by collecting more detailed and standardized information about participating manufacturers, including their products, inputs, export activity, supply risk and geographic markets. New mapping and data visualization capabilities through City Viz will allow COEDC to better understand where businesses and opportunities are concentrated across the region and identify patterns that may not be visible through traditional business data alone.

Together, these insights will provide a stronger picture of the regional manufacturing sector. This intelligence can inform business retention and expansion efforts, workforce development, investment attraction and future economic development priorities.

The regional approach recognizes that manufacturing supply chains and business relationships extend beyond municipal boundaries. By bringing information about manufacturers across the Okanagan together in one platform, businesses and economic development organizations can better understand regional capacity and identify connections and opportunities across the broader manufacturing sector.

The original database was developed in collaboration with Okanagan Manufacturing Network, with funding support from ETSI-BC’s Innovating Advancing Key Sectors program.

The initiative was recently recognized with a 2026 Excellence in Economic Development Silver Award from the International Economic Development Council in the Business Retention and Expansion category for its role in supporting regional economic growth and resilience.

The enhanced Okanagan Manufacturing Database is expected to launch November 5, 2026.