New Venture Acceleration Program Available for B.C.-based Ocean Innovation Entrepreneurs
New Venture Acceleration Program Available for B.C.-based Ocean Innovation Entrepreneurs
Early-stage tech entrepreneurs focused on ocean innovation can now apply to the newly launched COAST Venture Acceleration Program
Early-stage tech entrepreneurs focused on ocean innovation can now apply to the newly launched COAST Venture Acceleration Program.
Funded by Innovate BC and delivered by the Centre for Ocean Applied Sustainable Technologies (COAST) in partnership with VIATEC, the program is designed to guide, coach and grow ambitious ocean technology entrepreneurs, accelerating the process of defining a proven business model for sustained profitability, and helping them effectively grow their business.- A wide range of proven entrepreneurs and specialists with technology industry backgrounds and specific expertise dealing with the varied issues confronting start-ups and high-growth companies.
- Critical connections, supportive network and collaboration opportunities they need to successfully scale their ventures.
- Potential investors, partners, sales opportunities and employees — provincially, nationally and internationally.
- Workshops, seminars and other structured educational programs that provide knowledge, facilitate learning and share information to enhance entrepreneurial skills and business-critical expertise.
COAST CEO Emilie de Rosenroll says the organization’s mission is to realize the local opportunities inherent in the US$1.5-trillion global blue economy — a number that’s expected to double by 2030. “We’re building on our strengths and have only scratched the surface. B.C. has a major opportunity to play a leadership role in advancing innovative technological solutions that will serve global coastal climate resilience. To do that, we need to support local ideas and startups. By bringing early-stage startups into the C-VAP program we can nurture their potential and contribute to growing this important industry.”
The COAST Venture Acceleration Program will be delivered by VIATEC. Program Director Rob Bennett says "we are pleased to be leveraging our 11 years of experience in supporting 200 early-stage entrepreneurs through our accelerator programs to deliver this important community initiative."For details, visit https://canadacoastaccelerator.ca. Applicants can direct questions to Rob Bennett at rbennett@viatec.ca.
Media Contacts:
Amanda Wilson, Marketing & Communications Manager, COAST Cell 250-216-5663, amanda@southislandprosperity.caDan Gunn, CEO, VIATEC
Cell (250) 882-2820, dgunn@viatec.ca
About Innovate BC
Innovate BC helps foster innovation in B.C. so that British Columbians in all regions of the province can benefit from a thriving, sustainable and inclusive innovation economy. A Crown Agency of British Columbia, Innovate BC funds and delivers programs that support the growth of the B.C. economy by helping companies start and scale, train talent that meets labour market needs, and encourage technology development, commercialization and adoption.
Set on Canada’s Pacific Coast, the Centre for Ocean Applied Sustainable Technologies (COAST) brings together people, ideas, businesses and communities to create an innovation hub and cluster where ideas are nurtured and applied.
COAST is a branch of South Island Prosperity Partnership, an alliance of over 70 public and private-sector partners in Greater Victoria, including local governments, First Nations, post- secondary institutions, industry associations and nonprofits, and major employers. SIPP works to bolster the region’s economic and social prosperity by catalyzing the creation of high-quality, household-sustaining jobs.
The organization works closely with its 350-plus members to offer a variety of events, programs and services. In addition, VIATEC serves as the local tech sector's front door and its spokesperson. To better support local innovators, they own and operate the brick-and-mortar Fort Tectoria, where they offer office space to emerging local companies along with a gathering/event space for local entrepreneurs.
Shannon Bard BioShannon is the founding Director of Coastal Scene Investigation, supporting stakeholder engagement in resolving complex interdisciplinary environmental health issues, public marine science education, marine ecotoxicology research and conservation programs.
Formerly, Shannon was a professor of Environmental Science at Dalhousie University, Director of the Marine Ecotoxicology Laboratory, co-winner of the Senate Environmental Award and inaugural winner of the national YTV Environmental Achievement Award.
Pacific Canada’s Ocean Potential
$3T USD: The projected value of global ocean opportunity by 2030, outpacing the growth of the broader economy by close to 20%.
$31B CDN: The contribution of Canadian ocean and marine sectors to the national economy each year500%: Economists and analysts expect a five-to-one ROI made in a sustainable ocean economy for the next 30 years.
SDG14: 70% of the world is covered by ocean, and over 3 billion people rely on marine and coastal biodiversity70%: The majority of B.C.’s population lives in coastal zone = over 300 communities and 80 Coastal First Nations
21.5BN: Ocean economy is vital to BC = 8% of GDP
Additional Info
Media Contact : Amanda Wilson
Source : amanda@southislandprosperity.ca