Introducing the Innovation for Defence Excellence and Security (IDEaS) program. IDEaS, is a Department of National Defence program connecting Canada’s toughest defence and security challenges with creative thinkers, and providing them with the resources and guidance they need to bring new solutions to light. Great innovations have the power to provide greater security to Canada. So keep your IP and find unique ways to solve defence challenges!

Born from the need to be agile in responding to crisis, the IDEaS program allows entrepreneurs the opportunity to bring forward their innovations at any stage. It also isn’t what you may think about when it comes to military innovation.

In this information packed session we talked about:

• The structure of The Innovation for Defence Excellence and Security (IDEaS) program
• Different IDEaS funding mechanisms
• The application process

IDEaS is looking to all innovators to solve defence challenges of the future: from your garage innovator, small and medium enterprises, academia, not-for-profits, and municipal/provincial/territorial entities.

Are you interested in greening up the military, protecting marine life, or finding ways to recruit and retain women in the Canadian Armed Forces? Do you have great ideas on ways to innovate with language retention? All of these challenges are current and past opportunities within the IDEaS program and if you answered with a “maybe” to any, then this program could be a great fit for you!

Facilitator: Cathy Burrell. Client Services, WeBC

Panelists:

• Alexander Emesh, Business Engagement Analyst, Procurement Assistance Canada (PAC) / Pacific Region
• Eric Fournier, Director General Innovation, Department of National Defence (DND)
• Julie Angus, CEO and Co-Founder, Open Ocean Robotics

The post Calling all Innovators! Get Funding to Solve Unique Defence Challenges with IDEaS appeared first on WeBC.

The Interior & Northern Work Integrated Learning (INWIL) Initiative provides easier access to expand your talent pool by connecting small to medium businesses with co-op students from UBC Okanagan, Thompson Rivers University and the University of Northern British Columbia. Co-op not only provides great support for fulfilling an organization’s short term hiring needs, but also provides the opportunity for employers to explore future long-term talent for their organization.

In February 2022, as we hosted Jessi Guercio (he/him) from Thompson Rivers University and Dawn Sheldon (she/her) from UBC Okanagan to help you uncover how you can open the door to cost-effectively hiring to increase capacity of your business while contributing to a future skilled workforce.

In this session we discussed:

• How to tap into regional student talent from 100+ academic programs through the INWIL initiative
• Different grant and funding options available to you as a small or medium-sized business for hiring co-op students
• What employer resources and supports are available through the INWIL initiative to engage student talent
• How hiring Co-op students builds meaningful and engaging learning experiences that can positively impact your organization’s goals and objectives and contribute to long-term regional economic development

While INWIL names the Interior and Northern BC, this initiative is open to businesses based in all regions across BC. Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) Co-op students in second year and up, from all different academic backgrounds, are keen to jump in head first and tackle projects, complex problems, or assist in filling a short-term (4-12 month) gap within your organization.

Facilitator: Danielle Andrews, Outreach Officer WeBC

Panelists:

• Jessi Guercio (he/him), Employer Liaison Coordinator at Thompson Rivers University
• Dawn Sheldon (she/her), Marketing & Engagement Project Coordinator at UBC Okanagan

The post Fulfill Your Hiring Needs by Tapping into Regional Student Talent appeared first on WeBC.

Myth 1: grants are readily available for underrepresented groups, such as women;
Myth 2: grants are only for large companies; and,
Myth 3: grant applications are long and complex.

Are these myths preventing you from accessing resources that could benefit your small business? The reality is: few government grants are based solely on being part of an underrepresented group; grants are available for any size business; and grants meant for small business owners often have straightforward applications!

In this webinar we discovered what grants are available to small business owners, where to find them (and more) and how you can easily apply for them:

• Demystify the common myths about government grant funding
• Identify information required to apply for hiring and training grants
• Share resources on where to access small business grants
• Review best practices to apply for grants
• Walk through a sample application step by step

You may be hard-pressed to find a government grant to cover start-up business overhead, like rent or inventory, but what about a grant for hiring help to increase capacity or give you more time to work on your business? What about a training grant to prepare yourself and/or your employees for a changing workplace? How about a grant to get your business selling online?

Facilitator: Kim Yuen, Business Advisor, WeBC

The post Demystifying Government Grants for Small Businesses appeared first on WeBC.

Are you a business owner looking for funding options but finding yourself overwhelmed?

With all the funding options out there, it can be difficult to sift through what’s available and find the best fit for your business. If you want to discover what you didn’t know about Canadian funding opportunities, then this session is for you!

Jacqueline Gustafson, Director, Tax Incentives Practice at KPMG LLP walks through the Canadian funding landscape from application to end, so you can spend less time searching for opportunities and more time growing your business.

In this webinar you’ll learn:

• What Government programs are available for businesses, including
  • Grants
  • Loans and incentives
  • Tax credits and deductions
• About application processes including expectations and process timelines
• How to strategically prepare your application for government funding
• What assistance is available to help you on your journey

No matter what stage of business you are in, there are funding options to fit everyone.

Facilitator: Melanie Rupp, Senior Director, Loans & Advisory Services, WeBC

Panelist: Jacqueline Gustafson, Director, Tax Incentives Practice at KPMG LLP

October 28, 2021

The post Funding Masterclass: Finding the Right Model for Your Business appeared first on WeBC.

Key Resources for Women Entrepreneurs

• Funding and Grants – Access financial support tailored to entrepreneurs, including funding programs and grants for women-owned businesses.
• Training and Skills Development – Build your entrepreneurial skills with training programs that enhance leadership, financial literacy, and business management.
• Employer Resources – Use tools and guides to tackle business challenges, such as strategic planning, hiring, and operations.
• Career Transition Support – If you’re transitioning to entrepreneurship, WorkBC provides career services to help you make the leap with confidence.
• Regional Employment Services – WorkBC Centres offer personalized, local support and connections to help you thrive.
• Research and Labour Market Insights – Make informed business decisions with access to up-to-date research and labour market information. Explore industry trends, wages, and employment opportunities to plan your next steps effectively.

Additional Services Offered by WorkBC

• Job Search Support: Access job boards, resume tips, and employment programs to find skilled talent for your business.
• Apprenticeship and Training Support: Get help with apprenticeship programs and subsidies to build your team’s skills.
• Create an Inclusive Workplace – Learn how to make your workplace a more accessible, inclusive and welcoming environment.

WorkBC is here to support your entrepreneurial goals with a wide range of services, tools, and expert guidance.

Explore WorkBC Resources and take the next step in building your business!

The post WorkBC: Empowering Women Entrepreneurs appeared first on WeBC.

This thorough and comprehensive guide will guide you on how to raise seed capital.

It answers many common questions with regards to seed capital, including:

• What type of company do investors want to invest in?
• How do I raise seed capital?
• Who should I raise from?
• How do I find investors?
• …and more!

The post The Comprehensive Guide to Raising Good Seed Capital appeared first on WeBC.

Key Features of Angel Forum:

• Investor Networking: Offers exclusive opportunities for investors to connect with vetted startups in various industries.
• Entrepreneur Support: Provides startups with guidance on preparing for investment, including pitching and business plan refinement.
• Workshops and Events: Hosts regular events, such as investor forums, educational workshops, and networking sessions, to facilitate meaningful relationships.
• Experienced Community: Members benefit from a well-established network of seasoned investors and innovative entrepreneurs.

Whether you’re a business looking to secure funding or an investor seeking new opportunities, Angel Forum provides a supportive ecosystem to help you succeed.

Visit Angel Forum to explore opportunities, attend events, and become part of a thriving entrepreneurial community in Western Canada.

The post Angel Forum: Connecting Entrepreneurs and Investors in Western Canada appeared first on WeBC.