Kootenay Employment Services (KES) recently received the Community Resiliency Award at the 2025 BC Economic Development Association (BCEDA) Awards.
The award celebrates the successful recovery initiatives from natural and economic disasters, as well as replicable measures that promote long-term resilience and sustainability. KES's Rural Entrepreneurship Development (RED) Program was recognized for its innovative approach to addressing economic challenges in rural communities still recovering from the pandemic and forestry sector downturns.
"The RED Program has demonstrated how targeted support for entrepreneurs can transform economic challenges into opportunities," said Leandri (Leah) Kleinhans, manager of the Creston Valley-Kootenay Lake Economic Action Partnership. "We're building a more diverse and resilient economy for the future."
The RED Program was acknowledged for its contributions to building economic resilience in rural communities across the Kootenays. Since its launch
in April 2023, the program has successfully launched 22 new businesses spanning four key sectors: childcare, secondary food processing, green technology, and rural economic diversification. RED is made possible with funding from the province's Rural Economic Diversification and Infrastructure Program (REDIP).
"This award is a testament to the vision and hard work of our entire team, our community partners, and most importantly, the entrepreneurs who took the leap
to create homegrown solutions to local challenges," said Benjamin Sargent, executive director of KES. "The RED Program embodies our belief that rural communities thrive when we invest in local talent and address local needs."
The RED Program has generated an impressive economic impact across the region, including:
• 28 direct full-time equivalent jobs created
• $2.8 million in total investment leveraged
• 156 new childcare spaces established
• Businesses launched in 12 communities across three regional districts
"What makes RED special is its focus on supporting entrepreneurs through comprehensive wrap-around services," Gregg Berg, RED program co-ordinator. We don't just provide funding — we offer coaching, mentorship, and sector-specific expertise tailored to each venture's needs."
