The Canadian Country Music Association® (CCMA®) and Creative Okanagan are excited to announce the inaugural offering of the Country Music Week Mentorship Program, a collaborative initiative, designed to support the professional development of emerging country artists and up-and-coming country music industry professionals.
The Mentorship Program was created by the Canadian Country Music Association and Creative Okanagan with support from the City of Kelowna. Interested artists are invited to apply to participate. Selected participants will be connected with established industry professionals through tailored mentorship opportunities and will receive personalized guidance, access to key events during Country Music Week being held in Kelowna, BC September 10 – 13. This is a high value opportunity to build meaningful industry relationships to help advance participants careers.
“We’re so excited to be partnering with Creative Okanagan to launch the Country Music Week Mentorship Program,” shares Amy Jeninga, President, CCMA. “It’s a meaningful way to provide support to those navigating new opportunities during Country Music Week 2025, while also serving to educate and elevate emerging voices, celebrate the guidance of those helping to shape their path, and continue building a stronger future for country music together.”
“Providing accessible career development for emerging musicians and industry, in our community and available to locals, is the driving factor for us. Leveraging the expertise of mentors who will be here for the CCMA’s holds so much value for our sector,” says Karma Lacoff Nieoczym, the Executive Director of Creative Okanagan.
Chosen applicants can expect mentor / mentee pre-event virtual meetings and in-person sessions prior to and after Country Music Week.
During Country Music Week (September 10–13, 2025), they will attend industry only events such as:
- CCMA Industry Opening Reception
- CCMA Songwriters’ Unplugged Series presented by SOCAN with Apple Music
- CCMAU Seminar Series Presented by Roger
- Country Connects: Industry Networking Roundtables Presented by Rogers
- Songwriting Workshop
- Country Connects: Mentorship Lounge presented by Rogers
The selection committee consists of experienced music industry professionals from both organizations who bring diverse perspectives and backgrounds, who will thoughtfully review each application, evaluating past and current projects and the applicants goals for participating in the program.
The program is open to applicants across Canada who are 18 years or older and are Canadian citizens, permanent residents, or legally authorized to work and live in Canada. They welcome and encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, experiences, and identities as the program is designed to be inclusive and accessible to people of all genders, sexual orientations, abilities, and cultural perspectives, with a commitment to fostering a space where everyone feels seen, valued, and supported.
Meet the 2025 Country Music Week Mentorship Program Recipients!
Congratulations to the talented emerging artists and industry professionals chosen for this year’s Country Music Week Mentorship Program, presented by the Canadian Country Music Association and Creative Okanagan! This dynamic group has been paired with seasoned industry mentors to gain personalized guidance and meaningful connections:
- Amanda Couture
- Becca Hess
- Catie St. Germain
- Elli Hart
- Emmanuel Hue
- Kris Anders
- Lucky Charlemagne
- Makayla Charleen
- Meg Tucker
- Shalisa
- Taylor Jensen
- Taylor-Rae
Our mentees will participate in exclusive events during Country Music Week (September 10–13, 2025, in Kelowna, BC) and work closely with a dedicated mentor for guidance and support throughout the program.
We want to extend our heartfelt congratulations to all selected participants. Your ambition, creativity, and dedication embody the future of Canadian country music. We can’t wait to see how this experience shapes the next chapter in your journey!
For more news stories on the mentorship program, check out these links!
https://www.cbc.ca/listen/live-radio/1-96-radio-west/clip/16169034-wednesdays-highlights – Clip at 1hr 22 minutes – 1:35 minutes into program on Wednesday, September 10, 2025
https://globalnews.ca/video/11415774/canadian-country-music-awards-hits-kelowna
https://www.cbc.ca/player/play/video/9.6902005 – Video with host committee clip
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/ccma-awards-kelowna-2025-1.7631556
