New Vernon innovation centre set to open September 1st

Innovation centre open soon

The brand-new innovation centre in downtown Vernon is set to open in less than two months.

Accelerate Okanagan and Community Futures Okanagan will be opening The VIEW, which stands for Vernon Innovation & Entrepreneur Workspace, on September 1st. The new centre aims to bring together local entrepreneurs, innovators and creators in the North Okanagan.

“In order to fully serve entrepreneurs and community members, we need to create more connection opportunities to the broader innovation ecosystem,” says Brea Lake, CEO of Accelerate Okanagan. “By leveraging the existing organizations in our networks, we can help to accelerate economic growth in the North Okanagan.”

The VIEW will offer support services, flexible office space and collaboration opportunities for members of the community. There is also hope that the new space will benefit other downtown businesses as well.

“Something that has been front-of-mind for us is the positive impact we’re hoping to see on surrounding businesses,” says, Leigha Horsfield, general manager, Community Futures North Okanagan. “Our hope is that we’ll see more organizations benefit from the increased activity around the VIEW.”

The new innovation centre will be located at the old Naked Pig restaurant, attached to the Marten Brewpub. There is currently a waitlist available to reserve workspaces. For more information, you can visit www.vernoninnovation.ca.