Eleven Victoria-based tech ventures are getting an extra leg up this month as they pursue more ambitious projects.
VIATEC (Victoria Innovation, Advanced Technology and Entrepreneurship Council) is providing additional funding to local tech initiatives, hoping to accelerate their growth and unlock new opportunities – furthering the B.C. economy.
The funding comes from VIATEC’s new BOOST initiative, designed to help Victoria companies grow faster and stronger.
BOOST focuses on supporting local startups and scale-ups that show high potential by connecting them with expert advisers, targeted resources and customized growth plans.
“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. These are companies that already show strong potential, and BOOST is about helping them scale faster, create more jobs, stay rooted in this region and break through to the next level.”
Funding for the program comes from the federal government through Pacific Economic Development Canada (PacifiCan). The agency is supporting VIATEC with a $2.5-million investment to deliver BOOST through the Business Acceleration Pilot, which is designed to accelerate job creation and long-term economic impact in the region. Recipients will receive $45,000 to implement their personalized growth plans and expand into new markets.
“Through PacifiCan’s Business Acceleration Pilot, we’re supporting entrepreneurs who are ready to scale their businesses and reach new markets. Together, we’re driving innovation, creating good jobs, and building a stronger, more resilient Canadian economy,” said Gregor Robertson, Minister of Housing and Infrastructure, when congratulating the first BOOST recipients.
Companies were selected for funding through a screening process that assessed their growth potential, leadership team, market opportunity and ability to scale. The funding is intended to help them 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 list of selected companies includes: Appreciation Engine Inc., Button Inc., Care2Talk Technologies Ltd., Category 12 Brewing Inc., CultureFoundry, Ergro Eco Solutions Inc., Fast Moving Software, GECCO Green Edge Computing Corp., joni, Limbic Media and VoxCell BioInnovation Inc.
