Become A Member Of OVES
Being a member of OVES provides access to a host of benefits to both entrepreneurs and business owners across the Okanagan Valley. It is a place to discuss ideas, share successes and work out problems. As a member of OVES, you will be able to take advantage of several sets of programs and services designed to help you in areas like starting a new business, growing your business, getting financing, sharing marketing and research information and getting help with specific areas of your business. Being a member of OVES means belonging to a distinct group who's main focus is to drive the entrepreneurial spirit.
Here are just a few of the benefits you will receive as a paid member of OVES:
Business Directory: You will be listed in our on-line Business directory. The directory contains a description of products or services, a website link and all other contact information required to promote your business.
Resource Center: Located at the OVES offices on Springfield Rd, the Resource Center, provides free computer use with a hi-speed Internet connection for our members' unexpected business needs. You also have access to both online and printed resource materials in our archives that can help you conduct market or product research. The Resource Center also provides our members with secretarial services and boardroom rental for your meetings, training sessions or corporate events. The boardroom is equipped with a projector and screen.
Educational Events: You will be able to attend, at a member price, seminars and workshops organized by OVES.
Press Releases: You will be able to post relevant information about your business endeavors, success stories or achievements in the Members Area of the OVES website.
Website Members Area: As a member you will be able to access our online resource library which contains an extensive selection of resources to support you business. You will also have the ability to Ask-A-Mentor, an innovative and no charge service that highlights our Mentoring and Coaching programs.
Committees: You will have the opportunity to join committees and work with the Board of Directors. This will not only facilitate your business growth but will also increase your credibility in the business marketplace.
Mentoring and Coaching Programs: You will have access to a selective group of professionals who will offer a complementary initial assessment either directly or indirectly with activities such as:
- Evaluating commercial opportunities that their ideas, products, and/or services might provide;
- Sales & marketing plans and effective managing strategies;
- Business plan coaching and investor presentations
- Accessing capital
- Determining their human resource needs
- Managing the growth of their business
Town Hall Series: You will be able to attend, learn and network in our monthly Town Hall meetings free of charge. The Town Hall Series is an interactive forum that discusses a new business-related topic each month, is presented by a panel of experts and moderated by an OVES Board Member. The Town Hall Series is a great way to listen to what the experts have to say and is followed by a question and answer period.
Town Hall Series Business Showcase: Members will be entitled to participate in our monthly draw which entitles the winner an exclusive opportunity to showcase their business at during a future Town Hall Meeting.
Business Tours: Members receive discounted rates for our monthly business tours, where we visit a successful Okanagan business run by entrepreneurs. Benefits include gaining insight into different local marketing strategies, business operations, potential opportunities for strategic alliances and updated information on products and services that could benefit members.
Sponsorship Opportunities: As a sponsor, you will be able to advertise on our website, Town Hall meetings, our annual Entrepreneur Expo and our OVES Newsletter at a very competitive cost. As a sponsor, you support the Entrepreneurial Community and receive increased awareness for your company.
Rewards and Discounts: You will have access to the OVES innovative Member Rewards program and other benefit packages arranged on behalf of our membership. Show your OVES Member Card to to participating businesses and receive discounts on products and services and get special pricing on OVES programs and services.
Entrepreneurial Expo: You will have the opportunity to participate in and display your promotional material, at a special member rate, at the annual OVES Entrepreneur Expo.Use of the OVES logo: As a member you have the right to proudly display the OVES logo on your website, stationery, marketing materials, and event banners.
Networking Opportunities: Network with like-minded aspiring and successfully established entrepreneurs. Learn from educators, employers, researchers, government programs, business leaders and financial institutions. Learn and share knowledge.
Enjoy all these membership benefits for only $125 per year. Buy your membership online with your PayPal, credit or debit card here by using the "Buy Now" link below. Or you can download our Membership Application Form and send us your cheque in the mail. Be sure to return a copy of the membership application form with your cheque.
