OCCA Communities Association

Women’s Entrepreneurship Workshop Session 1:Access to Capital & Financing Readiness + Starting a Business
2026-01-15 18:00 - 20:00 (America/Vancouver) | 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
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)📩 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.

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/

OCCA 16th Free Tax Filing Seminar – Learn to File Your Taxes with Confidence
2026-03-14 14:00 - 15:00 | landmark 6, Kelowna, China
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

👩‍🏫 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 (Level 1), 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 now:
https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/1288822565989?aff=oddtdtcreator

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（小蔡办公室 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

👩‍🏫 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（一级），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（先到先得）
👉 立即报名：
https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/1288822565989?aff=oddtdtcreator
