Columbia Basin Trust funds will be used to help entrepreneurs turn business ideas into viable enterprises. The South Kootenay Business Centre will offer emerging companies office space and resources in a collaborative entrepreneurial environment that is tailored to meet the needs of a young firm and increase their chance of success. The tenants will have access to in-house business counselling video conference facilities a 12 station computer lab the regional Business Library and a host of business training resources. The Business centre will help emerging companies survive the vulnerable start-up period and allow entrepreneurs to make the step from home-based to leased space without the associated costs of leasehold improvement and business equipment purchases. The new firms will create new jobs and wealth strengthen and diversify our economy and revitalize our communities.