The East Kootenay Columbia Community Investment Co-op is a new member-owned association that allows its members to invest into local businesses with the purpose of promoting economic, social, environmental and community impacts.  They are member-owned, locally controlled and governed by a volunteer Board of Directors. The Co-op finances businesses located in the East Kootenay Columbia, which includes the following regions and their surrounding communities: Elk Valley; Cranbrook-Kimberley; Columbia Valley-Golden; and Revelstoke.

The Investment Co-op is a new community investment tool that aims to direct new, or pre-existing, investment capital from local residents into local ventures with community impact. The longer a dollar can circulate within Creston & District, the greater its economic impact.  The Investment Co-op will provide short-term capital to businesses looking to launch or expand, and assist these ventures in establishing a supportive customer base and a sustainable operation for their concept.   The Investment Co-op is a for-profit cooperative corporation owned and governed by local residents and serves the geographic region of communities from Yahk to Riondel.

Founded in 2001 when a group of Nelsonites decided they no longer each needed a vehicle, the Kootenay Carshare Cooperative has grown to 325 individual and business members sharing over 20 vehicles in the Kootenay communities of Nelson, Revelstoke, Kaslo, and Kimberley.  Being a member of the Carshare Co-op is less expensive than owning a car for people who drive four days a week or less, it results in fewer emissions, provides the freedom of being able to drive without the commitment of maintaining a vehicle and offers members an opportunity to participate in a strong local community.