The Start-Up Business Advisor service helps Kootenay-Boundary entrepreneurs build sustainable, viable businesses through personalized advising and practical support.

Starting a business can feel overwhelming—but you don’t have to do it alone. Whether you’re refining your business plan, preparing financially, or getting ready to launch and grow, our advisors are here to help.

Who This Service Is For

The Start-Up Business Advisor service is designed for entrepreneurs who are serious about building a sustainable business in the Kootenays. Applicants should have a clear business idea, related experience or industry knowledge, and be committed to pursuing entrepreneurship as a career path.

This service is best suited for entrepreneurs who:

• Offer a product or service that fills a need in their community
• Have the time and financial resources needed for business development
• Want guidance, structure, and expert feedback
• Are not currently participating in another government-funded business development program

We proudly support entrepreneurs across the Kootenay-Boundary, including Nelson, Castlegar, Creston, Nakusp, Slocan, Kaslo, Salmo, Cranbrook, Kimberley, Fernie, Invermere, Golden, Trail, Rossland, Fruitvale, Grand Forks, Rock Creek, and rural communities in between.

Inclusive Entrepreneurship

While the Start-Up Business Advisor Service is open to all entrepreneurs in the region, we especially encourage applications from women, Indigenous Peoples, youth (15–34), persons with disabilities, People of Colour, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and new Canadians.

We recognize that entrepreneurs from equity-deserving groups may face unique barriers to business ownership, including limited access to capital, networks, and support. Our goal is to provide inclusive, accessible, and supportive pathways to entrepreneurship throughout the Kootenays.

What to Expect

• A collaborative, coach-style advising relationship
• Fully virtual one-on-one advising delivered via Zoom
• Commitment of 3 sessions over 6 weeks
• Practical assignments and implementation support between sessions

How to Apply

To get started, fill out the application form and include a brief description of your business and the support you are looking for. This helps us understand where you are in your entrepreneurial journey and determine whether the Start-Up Business Advisor service is the right fit for you.

After we receive your submission, we will contact you to schedule a short meeting to discuss your business, next steps, and available supports.

Meet the Team

Sasha Stout

Start-Up Business Advisor & Intake Coordinator

Having owned/operated businesses in both Revelstoke and Nelson, Sasha brings firsthand entrepreneurial experience and an understanding of the small business journey. She helps entrepreneurs identify next steps and connect with the right resources and support.  

Support areas include:
Initial 1:1 intake meetings and business discussions
Resources, referrals and recommendations to support next steps
Helping entrepreneurs identify business needs, goals and challenges

Amber McGregor

Start-Up Business Advisor

Amber brings over 20 years of experience supporting entrepreneurs through business development, planning, launch, and growth. Her practical, hands-on approach helps entrepreneurs build strong, sustainable businesses.  

Support areas include:
1:1 business coaching
Help with planning, market validation and financial preparation
Guidance on launching, operations and sustainable growth

The Start-Up Business Advisor is a service of the Southern Interior Business Advisor Initiative, delivered in the Kootenay-Boundary region by Community Futures Central Kootenay and in the Southern Okanagan region by Community Futures Sun Country. This initiative is made possible through funding support from ETSI-BC.