Igniting the spark

A single generous act can change so many lives. 

This year, the Hall Family Foundation made a transformational $10 million investment in Okanagan College. The largest gift in the college’s history and the biggest ever to a college in British Columbia, it established the Hall School of Business and Entrepreneurship at Okanagan College. 

The Hall family knows what it takes to build something successful. As accomplished entrepreneurs themselves, they’ve turned ideas into thriving businesses. Now they want to help others do the same — by giving people the practical skills, support, and finance needed to develop strong, scalable ventures that benefit the whole community. 

“It is our goal to light that spark in many more young people today so that they too may enjoy the fruits of their entrepreneurial and business endeavours. As an entrepreneur, mentor and investor, I know firsthand the difference this support will make." — Fraser Hall, co-founder of Recon Instruments Ltd, Article Furniture, Rhino Ventures Inc. and Director of the Hall Family Foundation 

This spirit feels right at home in the Okanagan. Entrepreneurship is in the region’s DNA. From agricultural entrepreneurs to technology start-ups, the Okanagan is a place where people roll up their sleeves, dream big, and make things happen. 

OC already plays a key role in nurturing the skills that drive these businesses. The Hall family’s investment will expand that even further. With access to the Hall Entrepreneurship Incubator, students across all programs will work with mentors and seasoned entrepreneurs, test ideas, access startup funding, and build teams. 

The Hall family, Dr. Neil Fassina and students

This gift sends a powerful message: your ideas matter here. 

"In getting to know Okanagan College more deeply, we came to appreciate the passionate and dedicated people who work there, the drive of the students and alumni, and the College's strong connection to the community. We are confident that, with our investment, the Hall School of Business and Entrepreneurship will become the premier place in Canada for students to learn, practice, and launch entrepreneurship, as a school defined not just by excellence in the classroom, but by real-world impact,” said Ed Hall, co-founder of Canadian Adult Communities and Regency Retirement Resorts. 

This gift is about giving the next generation — and anyone with determination and a good idea — the support they need to build a thriving future for the region they call home.