The Kootenays’ first-ever pitch competition for the tech sector was organized by KAST and attracted 25 entrepreneurs vying for valuable prizes
Virginia Rasch writer profile

Virginia is a writer and editor with KPI Media. She is an avid outdoor recreationist in all seasons and has lived in the Kootenays for over 15 years. With degrees in the natural sciences, she has worked as a tour guide, an environmentalist, a writer, and an editor of books and scientific publications. Virginia now brings her passion for everything green to KootenayBiz.
Most recent articles by Virginia Rasch
Emma Beaton, manager of the Slocan Valley Chamber of Commerce, has seen an uptick in people and businesses moving there since the pandemic
Business baron Brian Fehr is bullish on his four Kootenay businesses with more exciting plans forthcoming
The seed-to-vase movement is blossoming in Kimberley, B.C., in Ritual Gardens with locally-grown, sustainable cut flowers
The City of Cranbrook begins its fleet transition to EVs with the purchase of its first electric vehicle
Chocolate alchemist Beth Campbell of Viva Cacao in Slocan, B.C., has advice on scaling up a small business
Nelson, B.C., is overflowing with sewists, thanks to the enthusiastic owners/teachers of the Nelson Stitch Lab
Downtown revitalization in Grand Forks, B.C., was led by a unique five-week initiative
Entrepreneur Chandler Lang has national aspirations for his Revelstoke Delivery platform
Here’s a new idea from Backwoods Sauna in Salmo, B.C.: A rental and mobile wood-fired sauna
The Kootenays are an emerging wine region in B.C. Here’s a list of the 7 Kootenay wineries—and 1 meadery
Pandemic pivot to virtual services is key to success of KCDS, helping both businesses and job seekers
What if you love your location but not your house? Do you buy a house or build one? Read how one Cranbrook couple took an unusual path to get their dream home.
Raylen Tress of Whiskey Hill Farms in Golden won Young Entrepreneur of the Year from the Kicking Horse Country Chamber of Commerce
Katie Yuris of All Pro Realty in Trail, B.C., won Business Person of the Year from the Trail and District Chamber of Commerce
Despite a challenging year, KootenayBiz told many inspiring and informative stories—here are our Top 10 from 2020
Viibrant Earth Cafe and Bistro is a welcomed boutique eatery in the tiny community of Canal Flats, B.C.
One lady’s incredible jam journey in Elkford, B.C. started with pina colada
Spunky young entrepreneur’s coffee is flowing across the Kootenays and Canada from Rooftop Coffee Roasters in Fernie, B.C.
KootenayBiz’s bimonthly eNewsletters keep you informed and inspired about business successes in your communities
Dan Nicholson and Jan McMurray, owners of The Valley Voice in New Denver, B.C., have faithfully contributed to the West Kootenay’s media diet for 17 years
Michael Keefer, an exemplary entrepreneur, owns three green businesses in the Kootenays
Prestige Hotels and Resorts are business leaders with 7 “green” certifications from Sustainable Tourism 2030
A certification from Sustainable Tourism 2030 is good for people, the planet and profits
Kootenay Computer helps with the digital divide and picks up a Business-to-Business Excellence Award from the Cranbrook Chamber of Commerce
The third annual scarecrow contest is underway and sponsored by the Sparwood Chamber of Commerce.
The Forest Practices Board released a report that recommends better reforestation practices in B.C.’s dry fir forests, including less clearcutting
B.C.’s Forest Basket is featured in a new podcast series by the BC Interior Forestry Museum in Revelstoke, B.C.
Hire Smarter, Sell More: An interview with book author C. Lee Smith on hiring top sales staff
Attorney Alan J. Burch in Nelson specializes in wills, and he’s seen an increase in demand during the pandemic
A trip of goats are trained as targeted grazers for a unique business: Vahana Nature Rehabilitation in Ta Ta Creek, B.C.
Two Cranbrook homeowners bought their dream homes with the expeditious assistance of Sandy Smith Personal Real Estate Corporation
Kootenay companies innovate to help Canada become self-sufficient in PPE during the COVID-19 pandemic
Pandemic bad haircuts and lessons learned by Kellie Wolf, owner of Wolfy’s Hair Den in Kimberley
Two Cranbrook homeowners sold their homes easily and quickly with the assistance of Sandy Smith Personal Real Estate Corporation
Joel Godbee of Paradise Painters in Nelson summarizes the latest trends in the paint industry
Here’s a list of all Kootenay farmers markets to help us increase our local food security
Ilana Cameron has found her calling in Lark Coffee Roasters in Creston
Buying or selling a home during the COVID-19 pandemic in British Columbia? Yes you can!
Meat Matters in Kimberley is open for business with their mouth-watering tagline: Meat. Fire. Flavour.
This year plant a Pandemic Garden to help the dual crises of coronavirus and climate change
What investors need to know about the West Kootenay Boundary Community Investment Co-op and the East Kootenay Columbia Community Investment Co-op
The WorkBC Centre in Trail opened at an opportune time—rising unemployment in the COVID-19 epoch
Revive the lost art of reading aloud during Earth Hour—Saturday, March 28th starting at 8:30 p.m.
The Wandering Fern Café in Golden can help make your event memorable and fun
Four Kootenay distilleries are turning an alcoholic byproduct into a critically short commodity: Hand sanitizer for FREE!
Castlegar business roundup: Here’s the latest news
The Creston Valley Chamber of Commerce handed out 11 awards at its annual Business Awards gala
Nelson business roundup: Here’s the latest news
Fairmont Creek Vacation Rentals manages unique properties in the Columbia Valley