OCCA Communities Association

Okanagan Chinese History Project Launch!
2025-10-26 14:00 - 16:30 (America/Vancouver) | The Laurel Packinghouse, 1304 Ellis Street, Kelowna, BC, V1Y 1Z9, Canada
Okanagan Chinese Canadian History Project Reception
Let’s Write the Next Page of History—Together
After sixteen years of dedication, we are thrilled to announce that the OCCA, in collaboration with the Canadian Chinese Historical Society of BC (CCHSBC) and the Kelowna Museums Society (KMS), has seen the “Okanagan Chinese Canadian History Project” included in the national collection of Library and Archives Canada.
History is not only the past—it is also our present. We warmly invite you to join us by:
● Sharing photos and stories from your family albums
● Telling your personal experiences and reflections
Together, let’s preserve your precious memories in the official history of the Okanagan.
Join us at the reception to honor the past, connect with one another, and look toward the future.
Event Details
● Theme: Okanagan Chinese Canadian History Project Launch Reception
● Date: Sunday, October 26, 2:00 PM – 4:30 PM
● Location: Laurel Packinghouse (1304 Ellis St, Kelowna)

Event Highlights
● Free Entry
● Reconnect with old friends and meet new ones
● Learn about the vision and plans for the Okanagan Chinese Canadian History Project
● Experience traditional Chinese culture
Tea, light snacks, and refreshments will be served, prize draw open to all attendees.

Register Now
Scan the QR code on the poster or click the EventBrite link below to register for free:
Your presence will make this community milestone even more meaningful. We look forward to celebrating with you!

Save the Date: Oral History Workshop (October 25)
If you’re interested in sharing personal or family stories, join us for an Oral History Workshop on the previous day:
Saturday, October 25

To participate, please fill out the participant survey so we can learn more about you:
For any questions about this event, please feel free to contact us at heritage@occabc.ca.
Warm regards,

奥肯那根华裔历史项目启动招待会
我们邀请您，执笔共写历史下一页
十六年耕耘，终得回响，OCCA 与 加拿大华裔历史学会（CCHSBC）以及基洛纳博物馆协会(KMS) 合作开展的“奥肯那根华裔历史项目”入选加拿大国家档案（Library and Archives Canada）
历史不仅是过去，更是我们每个人的现在。我们诚挚地邀请您参与：
• 分享您的家族相册与轶事。
• 讲述您的个人经历与感悟。
让我们共同将您珍贵的记忆，写入奥肯那根的正式史册。
让我们一起在招待会中，回顾传承，联结情谊，展望未来。
活动详情
• 主题: 奥肯那根华裔历史项目启动招待会
• 时间: 10月26日（星期日）下午 2:00 – 4:30
• 地点: Laurel Packinghouse (1304 Ellis St, Kelowna)
活动亮点

免费入场

与老友重逢，与新朋相识

了解“奥肯那根华裔历史项目”的规划与愿景

体验传统中华文化

现场将提供茶饮、点心和小食，并设有 幸运抽奖，所有与会者均可参与。
立即报名
扫描海报二维码，或点击以下链接通过 EventBrite link免费报名：
您的到来，将为这一社区里程碑增添独特的意义。我们期待与您共庆！
延伸活动预告：口述历史工作坊（10月25日）
如果您希望分享个人或家庭故事，欢迎报名参加前一天（10月25日，星期六）的口述历史工作坊。
报名请填写参与者问卷来帮助我们更好了解您：
若您对此活动有任何问题，请随时联系heritage@occabc.ca 咨询详情
诚挚感谢，

November Dance Jam
2025-11-22 19:00 - 20:00 | OCCA Communities Association, 1460 Inkar Rd, Kelowna, BC, V1Y 8H7, Canada
You’re invited to an evening of movement, music, and community! Hosted by Why We Move in collaboration with the Africa Ubuntu Association & OCCA
Instead of a single instructor-led class, we’ll co-create the experience together — anyone who wants can bring a few dance moves to share with the group. Whether you’re a seasoned dancer or just love to move, this is a space to explore, play, and learn from one another in a fun, supportive all ages environment.
This is just a one time special dance class offering happening this Saturday NOV 22nd from 7:00pm -8:00pm at 1460 Inkar Rd.
Feel free to check out the Eventbrite link to know more information –> Click Here!

OCCA Entrepreneurs Support Program
2025-12-03 10:00 - 11:30 | BDC Boardroom, Kelowna Innovation Centre, 460 Doyle Ave, Suite 307, Kelowna, BC, V1Y 0C2, Canada
OCCA, in collaboration with WEBC (Women’s Enterprise Centre of BC) and BDC (Canada’s official government financial agency for entrepreneurs), is conducting an initiative to better understand and help the needs of small and medium-sized business owners, as well as individuals planning to start a business across British Columbia.
This session will provide practical guidance and expanded 1-on-1 support for women entrepreneurs and racialized minority founders.
Please arrive by 9:45 AM so we can begin promptly.

Our goal is to provide more comprehensive and sustainable support for entrepreneurs, including:
. • Financing and capital planning
. • Business operations and growth strategy
. • Market development and brand promotion
. • Digital transformation and technology adoption
. • Leadership and team capacity development

In addition, OCCA will provide professional, confidential, and free advisory support to immigrant entrepreneurs, and will help:
. • Expand client networks
. • Connect with business partners and resources
. • Engage with diverse and mainstream markets

This support is designed to strengthen competitiveness and long-term business growth.

Your feedback will directly influence the design of future business support services, training programs, and resource platforms. Based on survey responses, we will prioritize invitations for one-on-one support and specialized programs for businesses that best match program criteria (limited spots available, first come first served).

👉 The survey takes only 2 minutes to complete:
Click Here

All responses will remain strictly confidential and will be used solely for improving entrepreneurial support initiatives.

Thank you for contributing to the development of BC’s diverse and vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem!

Notice of Annual General Meeting (AGM) 2025
2025-12-20 14:00 - 16:00 | Okanagan Regional Library 2nd Floor Great Room, 1380 Ellis St., Kelowna, BC, V1Y 2A2, Canada
Please be advised that the 2025 Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the OCCA Communities Association will be held on Saturday, December 20, from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm with doors opening at 1:30pm. The meeting will take place on the 2nd floor, in the Great Room, at the Okanagan Regional Library | Kelowna – Downtown, 1380 Ellis St., Kelowna, V1Y 2A2, BC. Free weekend parking is available if no events are scheduled.
Click here to RSVP for the event.
This Annual General Meeting is strictly for OCCA members and partners. Please bring identification to ensure smooth entry.

OCCA AGM Agenda
(Coffee and light refreshments will be provided)
1:30 pm Doors Open
2:05 pm Group Photo
A. Introduction

Review of Meeting Procedure
Motion to Adopt the Agenda
Motion to Accept the 2024 AGM Minutes

B. Reports

Executive Director’s Report
Finance and Audit Report
Presentation of OCCA 2024 Financial Statements
Motion to Appoint the Auditor

C. Other Business

Changes to OCCA’s Board Directors
Chinese Multicultural Center Capital Project update
Strategic priorities for 2026

D. Question & Answer Period
E. Motion to Adjourn (3:45 pm-4:00pm)

Please click here to see the 2024 AGM Meeting Minutes. OCCA 2024 AGM Minutes

Women’s Entrepreneurship Workshop Session 1:Access to Capital & Financing Readiness + Starting a Business
2026-01-15 18:00 - 20:00 | Online, Canada
We’re excited to invite you to We Thrive BC, a women’s entrepreneurship support program delivered in partnership with WeBC and OCCA Communities Association.
We Thrive BC is a three-month program designed to support women entrepreneurs across British Columbia—especially newcomers, racialized women, and equity-deserving groups—by providing gender-informed, culturally inclusive business training and peer support.
📌 First Session | Live Online Workshop
Finance for Women Entrepreneurs: Access to Capital & Financing Readiness + Starting a Business
Speaker: Archana Samtani Singhania, WeBC
Date and Time: Thursday, January 15 | ⏰ 6:00–8:00 pm
Registration here: https://forms.office.com/r/rtHnh2R63z
Planned workshop topics may include:
• Business plan writing
• Cash flow management
• Marketing and communications
• Customer service & sales skills in a Canadian context
• Building partnerships and connecting with local communities
• Starting a business in BC
• Digitalization, technology & AI tools
Who should attend:
Women or individuals who self-identify as women and are currently starting or running a business, particularly those located in the Okanagan region and other communities outside Metro Vancouver and Victoria.
Please see the attached poster for full program details and registration information.
📩 Important Note:
Registered women entrepreneurs will receive exclusive online classroom access details for each session two weeks, one week, and three days in advance via email.
Click to register: https://forms.office.com/r/rtHnh2R63z.
We look forward to welcoming you!
🤝 Grateful for WeBC’s strong partnership and support!

OCCA JCF Free Job-Readiness Workshop (Session 8)
2026-01-27 05:00 - 19:00 | Kelowna Downtown Library | ORL Branch, 1380 Ellis St, Kelowna, BC, V1Y 2A2, Canada
Job Connect for Future (JCF), delivered by OCCA Communities Association, invites newcomers and young adults to join OCCA Expansion Workshop – Session 8. This monthly job-readiness series supports career development and employment success in Canada.
This session focuses on networking with confidence—helping you build meaningful connections, communicate professionally, and create real job opportunities in the Canadian context.
👉 Register Now!
Workshop Details
Date: Tuesday, January 27, 2026
Time: 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Location: Kelowna Downtown Library, 1380 Ellis St, Kelowna, BC V1Y 2A2
Facilitator: Kathy Crocker
Workshop Title
Networking with Confidence: Connecting, Communicating, and Creating Job Opportunities in Canada
Key Learning Objectives
Understand networking in the Canadian context — Learn why relationship-building supports trust and long-term career opportunities.
Communicate confidently and professionally — Practice a clear elevator pitch and strengthen active listening and communication skills.
Create real job opportunities — Learn practical strategies such as informational interviews, referrals, and job leads to access the hidden job market.
Additional Information
✅ Eligibility: No interview required
🎁 Incentive: $25 Save-On-Foods gift card (registration and attendance required; limited quantity; first come, first served)
⏳ Spots are limited — Register now! (or scan the QR code on the poster)
📅 Priority registration: Applicants who register before January 20, 2026 will receive priority

Women Entrepreneurs Session 2：Turning Headwinds into Opportunity
2026-01-30 10:00 - 11:30 | Online, Canada
In a time of economic uncertainty and shifting market conditions, entrepreneurs need practical strategies, local insight, and the confidence to turn challenges into momentum. This interactive workshop is designed to help aspiring and existing business owners in BC understand their options, identify opportunities, and take informed next steps in 2026.
About the session:
📅 Date: Friday, January 30, 2026
⏰ Time: 10:00–11:30 am (Pacific Time | Kelowna)
💻 Format: Online (Zoom)
📌 Workshop Topic
Turning Headwinds into Opportunity: How to Start, Buy, and Grow a Business in BC (2026)
👩‍🏫 Facilitator
The session will be facilitated by Siobhan McManus, Regional Manager for Inclusive Entrepreneurship in BC & North. She brings extensive experience in commercial lending, entrepreneurship education, and community leadership, with a strong focus on supporting women and underrepresented entrepreneurs in navigating today’s economic environment.
If you have already registered, check your email for the Zoom Link.

Women Entrepreneurs Session 3: Starting a Business in BC | Registration, Licensing & Legal Essentials
2026-02-12 18:00 - 20:00 | Online, Canada
Starting a business in a new country can feel overwhelming—especially when you’re faced with unfamiliar rules, paperwork, and legal requirements. Many women entrepreneurs have great ideas and strong motivation, but get stuck or delayed simply because the registration and licensing process in BC isn’t clear. This session is designed to remove that uncertainty. By breaking down the legal and administrative essentials into practical, easy-to-understand steps, this workshop helps immigrant and newcomer women entrepreneurs feel more confident, informed, and ready to move forward with their business journey in BC.
📅 Date: Thursday, February 12, 2026
⏰ Time: 6:00–8:00 pm (Pacific Time | Kelowna)
💻 Format: Online (Zoom)
📌 Workshop Topic:
Starting a Business in BC: Registration, Licensing & Legal Essentials
This practical session is for women preparing to start a business in BC, including newcomers and immigrant entrepreneurs seeking clarity on registration, licensing, and legal basics.
Key topics include:
• Business registration and structure in BC
• Licensing and permit essentials
• Legal and compliance considerations
• Practical tips for navigating government systems
🎤 Facilitator: Tracy Gray
Tracy Gray is an award-winning entrepreneur, former federal MP and Kelowna City Councillor, and founder of Discover Wines (100% BC VQA). She brings extensive experience in business ownership, public service, government relations and mentoring women entrepreneurs.
Click to Register Here
If you have already registered, check your email for the Zoom Link.

OCCA JCF Free Job-Readiness Workshop (Session 9)
2026-02-17 17:30 - 19:30 | Kelowna Downtown Library | ORL Branch, 1380 Ellis St, Kelowna, BC, V1Y 2A2, Canada
Struggling with difficult people at work?This free, interactive workshop will help you stay calm, communicate clearly, and handle challenging situations with confidence — essential skills for success in Canada’s workplace.
In this friendly and practical two-hour workshop, participants will learn simple and effective ways to deal with difficult people at work in Canada. The session focuses on understanding our own reactions, not just changing the other person, and helps participants recognize how assumptions, emotions, and misunderstandings can make situations worse.
Tuesday, February 17, 2026Workshop Topic: Dealing with Difficult People🕔 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM📍 Downtown Kelowna Library
👩‍🏫 Experienced facilitator: Mike Penninga
What you will learn:
*stay calm under pressure
*prevent conflicts from escalating
*choose the most effective communication approach
*set healthy and professional boundaries
*focus on what they can control
🎁 $25 grocery gift card available (limited quantity, first-come, first-served)👉 Register today — registration required (click to register here)

Women Entrepreneurs Session 4: Marketing & Social Media Essentials for Women Entrepreneurs
2026-02-18 18:00 - 20:00 | BC
Are you ready to grow your business with confidence and clarity?
Join We Thrive BC, a supportive and empowering webinar designed for self-identifying women who are starting or already running a business in BC. In this dynamic 2-hour session, you’ll gain practical tools and strategies to strengthen your brand, expand your online presence, and build a loyal community around your business.
💡 What You’ll Gain:
Clear and compelling brand messaging that reflects who you are
A sustainable social media strategy you can actually maintain
Values-aligned content that builds trust and connection
Proven ways to turn your brand into a thriving community
This session goes beyond theory — you’ll walk away with actionable insights you can implement immediately.
📅 February 18, 2026🕕 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM (Zoom)
👩‍🏫 Facilitator: Clara Val & Kathy Crocker
📩 Registration required – link will be sent by email
Click to Register Here
If you have already registered, check your email for the Zoom Link.
In partnership with WeBC, this program supports women entrepreneurs across BC by providing gender-informed, culturally inclusive business training to help overcome systemic and geographic barriers.
✨ Take the next step in your entrepreneurial journey.Register today and start building a brand that truly represents you.

Facilitator: Clara
Clara Val is a marketing strategist and brand consultant who helps businesses and founders clarify their message, build trust online, and turn visibility into meaningful growth. With a background in branding, content strategy, and community-building, Clara specializes in simplifying marketing so it feels aligned, intentional, and sustainable (and not overwhelming or performative).
Her work focuses on helping business owners clearly articulate what they do, who they serve, and why they’re the right choice, with a particular emphasis on brand positioning, strategy, and content systems that support long-term momentum. Clara’s approach blends strategic marketing with an understanding of human behavior, making her work especially effective for entrepreneurs who want their marketing to feel authentic, confident, and values-driven.
Through 1:1 consulting, Clara supports clients in refining their messaging, strengthening their online presence, and creating clear, actionable marketing plans that are realistic to implement alongside busy lives and growing businesses. She is known for her grounded, practical style and her ability to help clients move from feeling stuck or scattered to feeling focused, confident, and clear in how they show up.
Clara currently works with founders, creatives, and service-based businesses who want their marketing to feel more human, more intentional, and more effective.

OCCA 2026 SPRING LANTERN FESTIVAL
2026-02-22 16:00 - 20:00 | Kelowna Events Centre, 2041 Harvey Ave, Kelowna, BC, V1Y 6G7, Canada
OCCA SPRING LANTERN FESTIVAL 2026
THE TASTE OF LUNAR NEW YEAR -Kelowna’s Biggest Indoor Cultural Feast & Fun.
Secure your Ticket now!
More info about the SLF 2026: https://occaevent.com/

Celebrate the 2026 Spring Lantern Festival & Year of the Horse
Celebrate the Lunar New Year and the Year of the Horse at Kelowna’s largest indoor Spring Lantern Festival, hosted by OCCA Communities Association. This one-night event brings together vibrant multicultural performances, authentic food, and hands-on family fun in a welcoming, community-focused setting.
For food lovers, this year introduces authentic Chinese New Year dishes available in Kelowna. The $29 Standard Ticket includes a full 3-dish festival meal, while the $85 High Value Ticket provides a complete culinary experience, extended cultural activities, and a meaningful contribution to community programming—including a $50 tax receipt.
📍 Location: Kelowna Events Centre (2041 Harvey Ave, Kelowna)
🗓 Date: Sunday, February 22, 2026 | 4:00–8:00 PM (Doors open 3:30 PM)
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Environment: Indoor · Family-friendly · All ages welcome

Festival Highlights

🎭 Live Performances: Multicultural shows including Dragon & Lion Dances
🥟 Cultural Workshops: Dumpling-making, lantern crafts, Chinese calligraphy and much more.
🤖 STEM & Play: Interactive robot board games for kids and families.
🎨 Kids’ Zone: Face painting and hands-on activities in our expanded family zones.
📸 Festive photo booth: featuring traditional costumes
🧋 Exclusive Treats: including festival-exclusive drinks., special snacks and much more
🎟 Luck & Fun: Prize draws and a 50/50 Raffle throughout the evening.

This year’s festival features a bigger venue, expanded family zones, and more interactive activities, making it an easy and enjoyable night out for families across Kelowna.

🎟 Tickets are required for entry. Please purchase your tickets here or via the City of Kelowna ticketing platform: theboxoffice.ca.

Standard Ticket ($29): Includes 3 authentic Chinese New Year dishes with your entrance ticket.
High Value Ticket ($85): Includes three authentic Chinese New Year dishes, a $50 donation tax receipt, and an activity ticket bundle (valued at $15+) for event games or snacks.
Child Ticket (Under 12): Includes three authentic Chinese New Year dishes with entry.
Kids Under 5: Free entry.

For booth and sponsorship opportunities, contact events@occabc.ca .

More info about the SLF 2026: https://occaevent.com/

Women Entrepreneurs Session 5: Customer Service & Sales Skills in a Canadian Context
2026-02-25 18:00 - 20:00 | Online, Canada
Are you ready to strengthen your customer service and turn great service into real sales?
Join us for “Customer Service & Sales Skills in a Canadian Context” — a practical and empowering session designed for women entrepreneurs who want to build trust, confidence, and loyal customers in Canada.
📅 Feb 25, 2026 (Wed) | 6:00–8:00 PM | Zoom
✨ In this session, you will learn:
• How to communicate professionally and confidently
• Canadian customer service etiquette and expectations
• How to build strong customer relationships
• How excellent service naturally leads to successful sales
Facilitated by Clara Val & Kathy Crocker, this interactive webinar will provide real-life insights and practical strategies you can apply immediately to your business.
Whether you are just starting out or looking to grow, strong customer relationships are the foundation of long-term success. 💼🤝
Register now and invest in your business growth!
If you already registered, please check your email for the Zoom link.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Clara’s bio:
Clara Val is a marketing strategist and brand consultant who helps businesses and founders clarify their message, build trust online, and turn visibility into meaningful growth. With a background in branding, content strategy, and community-building, Clara specializes in simplifying marketing so it feels aligned, intentional, and sustainable (and not overwhelming or performative).
Her work focuses on helping business owners clearly articulate what they do, who they serve, and why they’re the right choice, with a particular emphasis on brand positioning, strategy, and content systems that support long-term momentum. Clara’s approach blends strategic marketing with an understanding of human behavior, making her work especially effective for entrepreneurs who want their marketing to feel authentic, confident, and values-driven.
Through 1:1 consulting, Clara supports clients in refining their messaging, strengthening their online presence, and creating clear, actionable marketing plans that are realistic to implement alongside busy lives and growing businesses. She is known for her grounded, practical style and her ability to help clients move from feeling stuck or scattered to feeling focused, confident, and clear in how they show up.
Clara currently works with founders, creatives, and service-based businesses who want their marketing to feel more human, more intentional, and more effective.

Women Entrepreneurs Session 6: Build Partnerships & Connect with Local Communities
2026-03-05 18:00 - 20:00 | Online, Canada
Ready to grow your business through real community connections?
Join We Thrive BC – Women’s Entrepreneurship Program | Session 6 and discover how strong local partnerships can directly fuel your sales, visibility, and long-term growth.
In this practical and engaging webinar, you’ll learn how to:

Strategic Relationship-Building – Identifying aligned partners and creating mutually beneficial collaborations that support long-term growth
Community Engagement & Visibility – Building trust and presence through authentic participation in local networks, events, and initiatives
Value-Driven Partnerships – Offering clear value in every collaboration, not just seeking support but contributing meaningfully
Sustainable Connection Strategies – Turning relationships into long-term partnerships through consistency, communication, and shared purpose

Strong community ties and smart partnerships don’t just feel good — they drive revenue and sustainable growth. Your next customer may already be in your network.
📅 March 5, 2026 | 6:00–8:00 PM💻 Online via Zoom | FREE🔗 Register today and start building partnerships that grow your business.
If you already registered, please check your email for the Zoom link.
Facilitator:Samantha Wedlund

Samantha Wedlund is an award-winning entrepreneur, speaker, and CEO of Success 21 Salon in Kelowna, BC, recognized as Best of Kelowna in 2023 and 2024. She is also the founder of Samantha Elevates 21, a mentorship platform that provides entrepreneurs with mindset strategies and execution frameworks to build purpose-driven businesses. As the Professional Development Director for Kelowna Women in Business and a Top 40 Under 40 recipient, Samantha is passionate about leadership, community partnerships, and helping women achieve financial independence.

Women Entrepreneurs Session 7: Practical AI Tools for Entrepreneurs
2026-03-11 18:00 - 20:00 | Online, Canada
Join us for an engaging online workshop designed to help entrepreneurs discover practical ways to use AI in their daily business operations.
In this session, Dan (Danny) Fan will introduce simple and effective AI tools that can help small business owners save time, improve productivity, and work more efficiently. Participants will learn how AI can support tasks such as marketing, research, customer communication, and everyday business management.
This workshop is designed especially for minority and equity-deserving entrepreneurs, including newcomers and racialized small business owners, and no technical background is required.
Through clear explanations and live demonstrations, you will learn:
• What AI can (and cannot) do for your business• How to write effective prompts using a simple framework• Practical AI tools for marketing, research, customer replies, and daily tasks• Real business use cases you can apply right away
📅 Date: Tuesday, March 11, 2026⏰ Time: 6:00 – 8:00 PM (Pacific Time | Kelowna)💻 Format: Online via Zoom🎤 Facilitator: Dan (Danny) Fan
What you will get
1. Understanding AI:
What It Is and What It Can (and Can’t) Do for Your Business
A simple introduction to how modern AI works, where it comes from, and how AI assistants generate responses. This section explores practical ways AI can support daily business operations such as research, content creation, and customer communication, while also highlighting its limitations.
2. Designing Prompts That Actually Work
Learn a simple framework for writing clear, tailored prompts that generate useful, business-specific results. Through practical examples, participants will see how better prompts can dramatically improve AI outputs without requiring any technical background.
3. AI Tools in Action: Live Demonstrations and Business Use Cases
Hands-on demonstrations of modern AI tools and features, including AI copilots, real-time voice interaction, and AI-assisted project creation. Participants will see how entrepreneurs can apply these tools for marketing ideas, quick research, and everyday business tasks.
🔗 Register Now
If you already registered, please check your email for the Zoom link.

OCCA 16th Free Tax Filing Seminar – Learn to File Your Taxes with Confidence
2026-03-14 14:00 - 15:00 | landmark 6, Kelowna, BC, Canada
OCCA is pleased to support the 16th Free Tax Filing Seminar, a practical and beginner-friendly session designed to help community members confidently manage their personal tax returns in Canada.
This free seminar introduces participants to free tax-filing software and guides them step by step on how to complete their tax returns independently. In addition, OCCA will provide on-site tax-filing support for low-income individuals and families, ensuring access to free and reliable assistance.
The session is ideal for newcomers, families, students, and anyone looking for a clearer, more stress-free tax-filing experience.
📅 Event Details
Date: Saturday, March 14, 2026
Time: 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Format: Hybrid – Online (Microsoft Teams) & In-person ( Landmark 6, Kelowna)
Cost: Free (registration required)

📌 What You’ll Learn

How to use easy tax-filing software step by step
Common tax issues and how to avoid mistakes
Live Q&A with experienced tax and financial professionals
On-site tax-filing support for low-income individuals and families (3:00 pm-4:00 pm)

👩‍🏫 Guest Speakers

Zhengjun Liang, CPA® – International Certified Senior Accountant, Manager at RHN CPA, with over 20 years of professional experience
Lingna Cai, CFP® – International Certified Financial Planner, Senior Advisor at IGM, with 15 years of experience in major Canadian banks, demonstrating how to complete a tax return in just 3 minutes

🌐 Language & Accessibility

Seminar delivered in Chinese
AI-powered simultaneous English subtitles provided

🎟 This event is free and open to the public.
📌 In-person seats are limited—early registration is encouraged.
🎁 A limited number of participants will also have the opportunity to receive free one-on-one consultations on a first-come, first-served basis.
👉 Register for the Seminar now:
https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/1288822565989?aff=oddtdtcreator
👉 Register for One-on-One Consultation (On-Site): Register for One-on-One

OCCA 第十六届免费报税讲座｜轻松学会自己报税
OCCA 很高兴支持并举办 第十六届免费报税讲座。本次讲座是一场实用、易懂、适合初学者的社区活动，旨在帮助社区居民更有信心地完成加拿大个人报税。
本次 免费讲座 将向参与者介绍免费的报税软件，并以清晰的步骤讲解如何自行完成报税。同时，OCCA 也将为符合条件的低收入个人及家庭提供现场免费报税支持.
本活动适合新移民、家庭、学生，以及任何希望拥有更清楚、更轻松报税体验的朋友。

📅 活动信息
日期： 2026 年 3 月 14 日（周六）
时间： 下午 2:00 – 3:00
形式： 线上（Microsoft Teams）＋ 线下同步进行（ Landmark 6）
费用： 全程免费（需提前报名）

📌 讲座内容

手把手教学：使用简单易用的报税软件完成个人报税
常见报税问题解析，避免常见错误
税务与理财专家现场答疑
为到场低收入个人及家庭提供现场免费报税支持

🎁 一对一报税支持：点击登记
👩‍🏫 主讲嘉宾

梁正君 CPA®
国际注册高级会计师，RHN CPA 会计师事务所经理，拥有 20 年专业会计与报税经验
蔡凌娜 CFP®
国际注册金融策划师，IGM 高级理财顾问，金融管理双硕士，15 年加拿大五大银行工作经验，现场示范 3 分钟自己搞定报税

🌐 语言与无障碍服务

中文讲解
AI 英文字幕同步翻译，方便不同语言背景的参与者

🎟 活动完全免费，欢迎公众参加
📌 线下名额有限，建议提前报名
🎁 免费一对一咨询或报税协助 （3:00pm-4:00pm）（先到先得）
👉 立即报名讲座：
https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/1288822565989?aff=oddtdtcreator
👉 现场一对一咨询登记：点击登记

JCF Expansion Workshop Session 10: From Busy to Brilliant, A Practical Guide to Goals That Stick
2026-03-17 05:30 - 19:30 | Okanagan Regional Library 2nd Floor Great Room, 1380 Ellis St., Kelowna, BC, V1Y 2A2, Canada
Do you often feel busy all day but not make real progress toward your goals?
In this practical and interactive workshop, you will learn simple strategies to set clear goals, manage your time more effectively, and stay focused on what truly matters in your career and daily life.
Through guided reflection, real-life examples, and practical tools, you will leave the session with a clear action plan you can start using immediately.

📅 Workshop Details
Date: Tuesday, March 17, 2026
Time: 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Location: Kelowna Downtown Library
📍 1380 Ellis St, Kelowna, BC V1Y 2A2
Facilitator: Mike Penninga

🎯 What You Will Learn
✔ How to set clear and achievable goals for your career and personal growth
✔ How to manage your time effectively and avoid feeling overwhelmed
✔ How to stay motivated and focused even when facing challenges

🎁 Participant Benefits

Free workshop (no interview required)
$25 Gift Card for participants who attend (limited quantity, first-come, first-served)

👉 Register Now!
Or scan the QR code on the poster to register

Women Entrepreneurs Vernon Gathering
2026-03-21 10:30 - 14:30 | Kawakubo Japanese Restaurant, 1460 Inkar Rd, Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada
Our We Thrive BC women entrepreneur support program will be concluding with its final sessions over the next couple of weeks, and our community greatly appreciates the valuable support provided by WeBC. An in-person gathering in Vernon is scheduled for March 21, and I wonder if any member of your team would be interested in attending. There will be 24 participants, and a free lunch will be provided.
Women Entrepreneurs Gathering in Vernon
Date: Saturday, March 21, 2026
Time: 10:30 AM – 2:30 PM
Location: Kawakubo Japanese Restaurant
3315 30th Ave, Vernon, BC
This in-person gathering is a welcoming opportunity for women to connect, share experiences, exchange ideas, and build meaningful local relationships.
Free lunch will be provided.
Registration is required to attend.
https://forms.office.com/r/EuHQp9pL1P?origin=lprLink

Women Entrepreneurs Session 8: AI Tools for Everyday Business: A Practical Guide for Entrepreneurs
2026-03-31 18:00 - 20:00 | Online, Canada
Doing everything yourself in your business?
No marketing team. No designer. No extra time.

If creating content, making visuals, replying to clients, and staying organized keeps piling up, this free webinar is for you.

Join Session 8 of the We Thrive BC Women’s Entrepreneurship Program and learn practical ways AI can help you save time, create faster, and handle everyday business tasks more efficiently.

✅ Create content more quickly
✅ Make simple visuals without starting from scratch
✅ Improve outreach and communication
✅ Reduce time spent on admin and daily tasks

Completely free to attend

📅 March 31, 2026
🕕 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
💻 Online via Zoom
🎟️ Free registration required
👩‍🏫 Facilitator: A K M Amanat Ullah
Topics:
Managing social media. Use AI to write post captions and suggest hashtags. Take one piece of content and adapt it for Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn instead of writing three separate posts. Generate simple graphics with AI image tools such as Canva and Gemini.
Email. Draft professional emails faster for replies, follow-ups, or initial reach out. Summarize long email threads so you can summarize and understand what are the requirements. Build reusable templates for the messages you send most often: inquiries, invoices, thank you.
To-do lists and productivity. Hand AI a messy list of everything on your plate and get back an organized plan sorted by urgency. Break a big goal (“launch my online store”) into actual steps you can work through day by day.
Managing your calendar. Use Calendars to find open slots, avoid double-booking, and block off time for focused work. Set reminders for deadlines so nothing slips through.
Marketing. Write product descriptions and ad copy without staring at a blank page. Come up with campaign ideas aimed at your local audience. Put together a simple email newsletter. Figure out who your target customers actually are using a few well-crafted prompts.
Translating content to English. Translate business materials (menus, flyers, product labels) into clear English. Check grammar and tone so everything reads professionally. Create bilingual (both English and a different language such as Chinese) social media posts for multilingual audiences.
Collecting news, ideas, and opportunities. Get AI to pull together summaries of industry trends. Search for local grants, events, and networking opportunities you might otherwise miss. Look into what competitors are doing or whether a new market is worth exploring.
Analyzing information and planning. Summarize customer feedback or survey responses to spot patterns. Compare pricing or supplier options side by side. Draft a simple business plan or pitch outline. Make sense of basic financial numbers without a spreadsheet headache.

A K M Amanat Ullah
A K M Amanat Ullah is a PhD candidate in Computer Science at the University of British Columbia, with over four years of university-level teaching experience. He has taught courses in Human-Computer Interaction, Machine Architecture, and Parallel Computing at UBC, and has lectured at multiple universities. His research focuses on user interaction and emerging technologies including virtual reality. Amanat has published 15 papers, including work at top venues such as ACM CHI and IEEE VR. He is also a VR developer and has experience building practical technology solutions for healthcare and housing.

Asian Heritage Month 2026 Opening Forum
2026-05-02 14:00 - 16:30 | Trinity Church, 1905 Springfield Rd, Kelowna, BC, V1Y 7V7, Canada
Asian Heritage Month 2026 Opening Forum
Celebrate the start of Asian Heritage Month 2026 with an inspiring and community-driven Opening Forum, hosted by the OCCA Communities Association. This in-person event brings people together to explore the rich histories, cultures, and contributions of Asian communities in a welcoming and engaging setting.
Rooted in Tradition, Connected by Legacy The forum will commence with a traditional Indigenous Welcome by a Syilx Okanagan Elder, honoring the land that sustains our diverse stories. As we delve into our 2026 theme, “Heritage as Social Capital,” we invite you to experience a profound cultural exchange. Through the wisdom of our community knowledge keepers and an intergenerational dialogue, we will explore how our ancestral roots serve as a powerful foundation for our collective future in the Okanagan.
Begin the afternoon with a warm VIP greeting and connect with community leaders, special guests, and fellow attendees through meaningful networking. Take part in a dynamic heritage dialogue and discussion, where diverse stories, perspectives, and lived experiences come to life through thoughtful conversation. Enjoy vibrant cultural performances from a variety of Asian traditions, showcasing music, dance, and artistic expression that highlight the richness and diversity of Asian heritage.
Enjoy complimentary refreshments as you mingle, learn, and celebrate in a vibrant atmosphere designed for connection and discovery. All guests who register through Eventbrite will also receive a prize draw ticket for a chance to win exciting giveaways.
Register now to reserve your spot and enter the free prize draw!
Event Details:
📍 Location: Trinity Church – Family Room, 1905 Springfield Rd, Kelowna, BC V1Y 7V7
📅 Date: May 2nd
⏰ Time: 2:00 PM – 4:30 PM (Doors open 1:30 PM)
This event is free to attend and open to all—everyone is welcome.
Learn more at www.asianheritage.ca
or
2026 Asian Heritage Month Okanagan

For sponsorship and partnership inquiries: heritage@occabc.ca
Don’t miss this opportunity to engage, learn, and celebrate together as we kick off a month of culture and community.
Please note that photography will take place during the event.
