VICTORIA, BC (July 21, 2025) - After announcing a $397,485 investment to support 11 local Victoria ventures for projects totalling $1,377,734, VIATEC is excited to accept applications for its next series of BOOST applications.

This is the second round of six planned application intake periods. BOOST is a new initiative led by VIATEC to help Greater Victoria’s tech companies grow faster and stronger. It focuses on supporting local startups and scale-ups that show high potential by connecting them with expert advisors, targeted resources, and customized growth plans.

Application intake for the next BOOST round closes soon on July 30 at 11:59 pm PT. Details about the program, including how to apply and a full program guide, are available on www.viatec.ca. For project-specific questions, please email rbennett@viatec.ca.

Qualifying companies are selected through a comprehensive screening process that assesses their growth potential, leadership team, market opportunity, and readiness to scale. Those selected receive investment to implement self-designed growth strategies—giving them the flexibility to focus on what they need most, whether that's hiring, product development, customer acquisition, or operational improvements.

The Government of Canada, through Pacific Economic Development Canada (PacifiCan), is supporting VIATEC with a $2.5-million investment to deliver BOOST through the Business Acceleration Pilot (BizAP) which aims to accelerate job creation and long-term economic impact in the region. Recipients receive up to $45,000 in investment to implement their personalized growth plans to expand into new markets.

To qualify for investment, technology businesses must demonstrate traction and product-market fit (or explain their path to significant traction) and meet thresholds on project impact, and economic benefits for the sector. Eligible organizations must be located in Greater Victoria and collaborate with a suitable external resource, such as an industry expert, fractional executive or other subject matter expert.

“PacifiCan’s collaboration with VIATEC is creating exciting opportunities for Greater Victoria’s entrepreneurs,” said the Honourable Gregor Robertson, Minister of Housing and Infrastructure and Minister responsible for Pacific Economic Development Canada. “This round of BOOST will further strengthen Victoria’s tech ecosystem and its contribution to a strong and resilient Canadian economy.”

“We built BOOST to meet companies where they are,” said Dan Gunn, CEO of VIATEC. “Instead of forcing them into a one-size-fits-all program, we give them the freedom and investment to pursue their own growth strategies, with the right support behind them. BOOST is for companies that already show strong potential, to help them scale faster, create more jobs, stay rooted in this region and break through to the next level.”

About VIATEC

VIATEC’s (Victoria Innovation, Advanced Technology and Entrepreneurship Council) mission is to serve as the one-stop hub that connects people, knowledge and resources to grow and promote the Greater Victoria technology sector. Technology is Victoria's #1 industry with a $5.87 Billion Annual Revenue, a $7.87 Billion Economic Impact and over 20,000 employees across 1,172 high-tech companies - and growing!

About PacifiCan

PacifiCan (Pacific Economic Development Canada) is the federal economic development agency dedicated to British Columbians. PacifiCan works with partners who are building innovative businesses, creating quality jobs, and supporting inclusive growth throughout our province.

Through the Business Acceleration Pilot, PacifiCan is providing funding for organizations to deliver tailored support for growth-oriented businesses. This includes providing them with access to the investment capital, customers, and expert advice they need to grow.

Business Acceleration Pilot projects were funded through an open call for proposals from both not-for-profit and for-profit organizations, including business accelerators, angel networks, Indigenous-led or owned organizations, and industry associations.

For media inquiries related to VIATEC

Dan Gunn, CEO
dgunn@viatec.ca
250-882-2820
VIATEC
www.viatec.ca

Tessa Davies, Director of Communications and Events
tessa@viatec.ca