Unlocking Expertise:
Announcing the OGDA Entrepreneur in Residence Program!
One of the greatest strengths of the Okanagan game development scene is the depth of talent hidden in our hills. We have industry veterans, successful studio heads, and niche specialists right here in our backyard.
The challenge? Connecting that high level expertise with the members who need it most.
Today, we are thrilled to officially launch the OGDA Entrepreneur in Residence (EiR) Program.
This initiative is designed to bridge the gap between established industry leaders and the wider community, creating a structured way for experts to offer their services and mentorship to our members.
Meet Our Inaugural EiRs
We are incredibly proud to kick off this program with a stellar lineup of industry professionals who have already stepped up to support the community. These individuals are donating their time and offering specific services to help OGDA members level up their projects.
A massive thank you to our first cohort – These experts are leading the charge in making the Okanagan a knowledge hub for game development.
Aryon Billings
Producer/Manager
Katie
Kwan
Producer
Barbara Dawson
Animation Expert
Vanessa Devine
Program Strategist
Chris Hendricks
Composer/Animator
Jason Jones
Director
James Smith
Program Coordinator
Jonathan Thwaites
Program Coordinator
Why Become an Entrepreneur in Residence?
We are now opening applications for more industry experts to join this roster. But why should you sign up?
Being an OGDA EiR is about more than just “volunteering.” It’s about positioning yourself as a leader in the region.
- Give Back to the Ecosystem: Help the next generation of local devs avoid the mistakes you made. Your advice can save a startup months of wasted time.
- Visibility & Networking: Showcase your expertise to the entire community. Whether you run a consultancy, a studio, or are a freelancer, being an EiR puts your name in front of local talent and potential partners.
- Shape the Industry: Influence the quality of games coming out of the Okanagan. By raising the bar for our members, you raise the reputation of the entire region.
How It Works
We’ve made the process simple to respect your time while maximizing your impact.
- Sign Up: You apply to become an EiR via the link below.
- Define Your Offering: You tell us exactly what expertise you want to offer as a service. We have a form to highlight common skills but room for something specific.
- Connect: We list your profile and services on the OGDA platform. Members can then apply or book time with you based on the parameters you set.
Join the Roster
Do you have specialized experience in Design, Engineering, Art, Audio, Production, or Business?
We invite you to join us. Help us build a community where knowledge is shared, quality is high, and everyone has the support they need to succeed.
Let’s build something great together.