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Supporting B.C.’s beverage industry
If you have every thought that it would be cool to start a business that produces a beverage that is brewed, fermented, or distilled, your wine/beer/cider/spirit idea could make use of a new service at Okanagan College.
Announced last week, the B.C. Beverage Technology Access Centre, or BCBTAC, will be housed at the Penticton campus, with plans to officially open for business this fall.
Full disclosure, I was one member of the team that completed the application for $1.75 million in federal funding (over five years), to bring this to fruition.
BCBTAC, the second technology access centre in the province, will provide testing and business services and applied research assistance to the wine, beer, cider and spirits industries in the province.
It’s kind of a big deal to have in the Okanagan, with hundreds of beverage businesses nearby, and more opening at a rapid pace almost weekly, it seems.
The BCBTAC was chosen for federal funding after a thorough process (overseen by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada - NSERC) which drew applications from across the country.
TACs provide capabilities that serve applied research and innovation needs of regional firms, and may include advice on specific company challenges, specialized technical assistance, applied research and/or development projects for companies, and/or specialized training.
If you have asked yourself one of the following questions, you may be able to find your answer and expertise at the BCBTAC:
- How do I start a winery?
- Where do I get my new product tested?
- Who does market research for spirits made in the Okanagan?
- Can I export my craft beer to Asia?
- What are the rules to sell hard cider?
Billed as a one-stop-shop for existing, emerging, and “just at the idea stage” businesses and products, the BCBTAC will be an excellent resource for anyone who needs to navigate the many steps to bring their beverage to market.
UPCOMING EVENTS
June 19, Penticton: Blasted Church is having a block party complete with food trucks, free wine tastings, and live music.
June 20, Penticton: Well-known Okanagan singer-songwriters Aidan and Mandy perform at Time Winery.
June 20, Naramata: Limited tickets are available for the Spring Release Party at Upper Bench, featuring new wines and cheese.
June 22, Okanagan Falls: Wild Goose Winery hosts blues artist Hector Anchondo as part of its Vineyard Stage Concert Series, complete with a barbecue buffet.
June 22, province-wide: JAK’s Beer Wine and Spirits stores are donating 10% of sales from its 14 locations on Saturday to local food banks, including the Penticton store.
June 27, Kelowna: House of Rose opens its summer music series with House of Funk.
June 27, Summerland: David Gogo takes his solo show to Okanagan Crush Pad.
Fridays, Oliver: It’s happy hour every Friday at Tinhorn Creek until the end of August.
This article is written by or on behalf of an outsourced columnist and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet.
