Is your business stalled by lack of capital?  Is money the only thing standing between you and a major breakthrough?  Overcoming financing challenges and growing a successful business is never easy, but a series of upcoming webinars in September can boost the chances for science, technology, and innovation entrepreneurs.

The Kootenay Association of Science and Technology (KAST) is pleased to announce the Access to Capital Program, a provincial initiative in partnership with the BC Regional Science & Technology Network (BCRSTN), a not-for-profit society whose members represent the eight regional councils within the Province.

Within the regions of BC, access to capital is a key barrier to the growth of innovative companies as many businesses are stalled by the lack of capital, and overcoming this challenge and growing a successful business requires additional support.  A major drawback for many companies is a limited knowledge of funding sources for start-up, research, development and expansion.

In partnership with the BC Regional Science & Technology Network (BCRSTN), KAST is offering an Access the Capital webinar series.  The Access to Capital Program was created by the Mid-Island Science, Technology & Innovation Council (MISTIC) and developed in consultation with Tom O’Flaherty, former President of Bedford and Richmond Software (Maximizer).  This program has proven to increase the chances for entrepreneurs by assisting in identifying appropriate funding sources, preparing for various funder requirements, developing a properly prepared plan, and creating linkages with peers and investors.  The program will be facilitated by Tom and delivered as a series of four webinar sessions using GoToWebinar as the program delivery platform.  

The Accessing Money: How to Beat the Odds is the first webinar of the Access to Capital Program, which will be presented in a 1 hour live session.  During this webinar session, participants will be able to identify the appropriate source of funding they can access based on the type and stage of their business.  Tom will deliver the Accessing Money: How to Beat the Odds webinar and discuss overcoming financing challenges to grow very successful companies.  The webinar will also include who/what are the main sources of financing; what does each source of capital look for in an investment; and how to match up your business’s needs with suitable financing options.

The next three webinars, Becoming Investable: Business Plan and Targeting Your Market; Becoming Investable: Corporate Matters; and Becoming Investable: Valuation, Projections, Exit, will be presented as three 1 hour live webinar sessions.  These webinars are for entrepreneurs that have identified that they are ready to access outside money.  The session will provide entrepreneurs with information to assist them with preparing for investor presentations to access outside funding, including venture capital.  


Upcoming LIVE Webinar Dates

September 2010

• Webinar Session #1 – Accessing Money: How to Beat the Odds - Tuesday, September 14, 2010 | 12:00 – 1:00pm

• Webinar Session #2 – Becoming Investable: Business Plan and Targeting Your Market -Thursday, September 16, 2010 | 12:00 – 1:00pm

• Webinar Session #3 – Becoming Investable: Corporate Matters - Tuesday, September 21, 2010 | 12:00 – 1:00pm

• Webinar Session #4 – Becoming Investable: Valuation, Projections, Exit - Thursday, September 23, 2010 | 12:00 – 1:00pm

February 2011

 

• Webinar Session #1 – Accessing Money: How to Beat the Odds - Tuesday, February 15, 2011 | 12:00 – 1:00pm 

• Webinar Session #2 – Becoming Investable: Business Plan and Targeting Your Market -Thursday, February 17, 2011 | 12:00 – 1:00pm

• Webinar Session #3 – Becoming Investable: Corporate Matters Tuesday, February 22, 2011 |12:00 – 1:00pm

• Webinar Session #4 – Becoming Investable: Valuation, Projections, Exit - Thursday, February 24, 2011 | 12:00 – 1:00pm

Entrepreneurs participating in these webinar sessions will receive an electronic copy of the comprehensive resource manual once they register and pay for the session.  The cost of each webinar is $15 per participant.  If you are unable to participate in the live webinar sessions, entrepreneurs can register to view the archived version.  The cost of each archived webinar is $15 per participant.

Also included with the Access to Capital Program is individual business coaching assistance from a KAST Business Coach, to assist the business owner with developing a properly prepared business plan and presentation utilizing the information received from this webinar series.  If entrepreneurs wish, a review panel made up of successful business mentors will provide feedback regarding your Executive Summary and investor/funder presentation.

To Register Online CLICK HERE

For more information about the Access to Capital Program or to register for the webinar sessions, please call the KAST office at 250-483-5052  

CASC’s first application deadline  is August 13th, 2010, and funding is only available until March 31st 2011. Science Interns Outreach Project details and forms are available on the CASC website at : http://www.canadiansciencecentres.ca/home/?n=28-193&lang=1

Background

The Canadian Association of Science Centres (CASC) builds capacity for its members to inspire a creative and prosperous Canada through science and technology engagement. It is  a non-profit organisation governed by an 11-member Board of Directors. Members of the association include science centres, science museums, nature centres, planetariums, outreach organisations and supporters in the field of informal learning.  More than 8 million people visit CASC member organisations annually to learn about science and technology.

Natural Resources Canada’s Science and Technology Internship Program began in 1997 following the announcement of the Youth Employment Strategy led by Human Resources and Social Development Canada. In tandem with CASC, NRCan also has funding available for internships.  For more information about that program and available funding, please visit the program on NRcan's website http://nrcan.gc.ca/carecarr/stip-psst/index-eng.php .

CONTACT
Tracy Ross
Executive Director
Canadian Association of Science Centres
613-566-4247
ross@sciencenorth.ca
www.canadiansciencecentres.ca

Clean Energ y for a Green Economy is intended as an introduction to the wide range of clean energy strategies and green economy opportunities for rural communities in British Columbia. Rural communities can reap substantial benefits by leading the
development of clean energy and energy efficiency, and the transition to a green economy. Primary benefits include:

• improved air quality

• local economic development through attracting investment, clean energy job reation, infrastructure development and keeping energy dollars circulating locally

• increased local energy reliability, resilience and security.
In addition such projects can result in significant greenhouse gas (GHG) reductions, hich support local, provincial and global climate objectives.

Clean Energy for a Green Economy is written primarily for local governments and band ouncils, elected officials and staff, to support an active local government and band role n the development of clean energy and a green economy. It may also be useful to local
economic development officers and others with an interest in clean energy and the reen economy. The document has been written primarily for rural BC communities:those outside urban centres of the Lower Mainland and Capital Region.

Please see attached file for the full guide

Attachment	Size
Clean Energy for a Green Economy.pdf	1.15 MB

This is to advise you of a current opportunity

1) Public Works and Government Services Canada (PWGSC), on behalf of the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade (DFAIT) is soliciting proposals from bidders, with respect to the supply and delivery of an IP Telephone System on an as and when requested basis.

It is intended to result in a 5 year contract plus five one-year irrevocable options.  The Notice of Proposal Procurement (NPP) is subject to the Agreement on Internal Trade (AIT).

This NPP CLOSES 2010-08-23 02:00 PM Eastern Daylight Saving Time EDT

Please Visit MERX (www.merx.com) for full document.
Reference Number:  PW-$$EO-013-21606
Solicitation Number:  08324-070651/C

Please feel free to contact me if you have any general questions.  Our office can not answer any questions directly related to the posted government opportunity; those questions should be directed to Millie Taylor at, (819) 956-3418.



The Office of Small and Medium Enterprises makes it easier for suppliers to access government business opportunities.

Our office offers workshops and general information on "How to Sell to the Government of Canada,"  "MERX," and "The Bidding Process." These sessions are open to all businesses across the province, and information on these sessions is available at http://www.sb.gov.bc.ca/seminars-list.php or by request from your organization.

SolarRating OnLine gives you the information needed to confirm solar technology at your home is a smart investment - one that protects the environment but also reduces YOUR long term energy costs. Green Power Labs' innovative site assessment tool, SolarRating OnLine determines a homes' suitability to solar technology used either to heat water or to generate electricity. Suitability refers to the amount of energy it is possible to produce at a home using solar technology to reduce a family's long term energy costs by replacing a part of the current energy source - oil, gas, propane or grid electricity - with energy taken from the sun.

SolarRating OnLine gives each home a color-coded rating and is the first step in understanding how solar technology might be used to reduce your family's energy costs.

Let's get started calculating your share of the Sun!

http://www.solarrating.ca/

BCIC is pleased to announce that applications are now being accepted for the 2010 BCIC Awards. The annual awards recognize exceptional achievements in, or potential for, commercialization of technology and honour outstanding technology innovators.
The recipients of the 2010 BCIC Awards are among BC's brightest in their fields, and their outstanding contributions continue to drive innovation in the province.

Submissions are now being accepted for the following awards:
BCIC Ripples of Hope Award in Biotechnology & Entrepreneurship The BCIC Ripples of Hope Award in Biotechnology & Entrepreneurship supports a graduate student, postdoctorate fellow or postgraduate collaborating on an entrepreneurship initiative in the biotechnology industry in BC. Award Value: $35,000 Guidelines | Application Form
Emerging Technology Award The Emerging Technology Award recognizes a new venture at the pre-investment stage that has developed an innovative technology in BC. The technology must demonstrate proof of concept and have strong potential for global commercialization. Award Value: Up to $25,000 towards commercialization services Guidelines | Application Form
Entrepreneurship Fellow Award The Entrepreneurship Fellow Award recognizes a faculty member at a BC postsecondary institution who is a leader in technology innovation and commercialization. Award Value: $25,000 for entrepreneurship education or commercialization initiatives Nomination Form.

Why Apply?

 

Secure the funding you need to support the advancement of your technology innovation. Gain recognition as a pioneer who sets the bar for future innovators. Establish valuable industry connections.
How to Apply: The deadline to submit applications or nominations is 5:00pm Monday, July 26, 2010.

Presentation of the 2010 BCIC Awards: The Awards will be presented at the New Ventures BC Competition Awards Ceremony at the SFU Segal Centre in Vancouver on Thursday, September 23, 2010.

For more information about the BCIC Awards, contact Dawn Wood at dwood@bcic.ca

Are you:

1. A Canadian SME or researcher?
2. Wanting to work with a foreign partner?
3. Looking to solidify a international partnership for future R&D collaboration?

If you said "yes" to the all the questions above - then Going Global Innovation funding is right for you.

Going Global Innovation

Going Global Innovation (Going Global) is the innovation, science and technology pillar of the Global Commerce Support Program (GCSP). The GCSP provides a client focused consolidated approach for accessing funding sources from DFAIT in order to attract foreign direct investment, increase Canadian innovation and commercialization opportunities and to increase Canada's business share in foreign markets.

The objective of Going Global is to promote and enhance Canada's international innovation efforts by supporting Canadian companies and/or researchers in pursuing international R&D collaborative opportunities through the development of partnerships with key players in other countries/economies.

Who is Eligible?

Canadian researchers from

•    private Canadian small and medium sized enterprises,
•    universities, and
•    non-government research centres

What are the eligible costs?

Going Global provides assistance by contributing up to 75% of the eligible expenses.

Eligible expenses include:

  Travel and related costs
Other non-research expenses

• airfare,
• local transportation
• accommodation
• meals and incidentals
• other related costs
• meeting costs (workshop or seminar expenses, hospitality),
• participation at targeted exhibitions and conferences,
• pursuit of large scale projects (such as EU Framework),
• development of legal documentation to solidify partnership,
• translation services
• photocopies or printed material,
• pursuit of financial support

Expenses for travel, accommodations, meals and incidentals are as per Treasury Board guidelines.

Are there limits on the funding?

Applicants must request, from Going Global, a minimum of $5,000.00 in order for the proposal to be considered. The maximum payable to any organization for an approved project is $75,000.

How Do I Apply:

Complete an application package(application (doc, html) and budget) which must be submitted at least eight weeks prior to the commencement of the project.

Applications are to be sent via email to innovation@international.gc.ca

How do I receive the funding?

Financial assistance is in the form of contributions, and payments are made upon completion of the project activities by the recipient. Final payments are not considered until the project lead has submitted a Project Report to the Going Global Innovation pillar administration which includes the following:

• a narrative report (doc, html)indicating: a list the participants; the project's objectives, activities and achievements; an analysis of the activities and achievements; any downstream international R&D collaboration expectations; lessons learned; conclusions and recommendations
• a financial statement (excel) showing planned and actual itemized costs and all sources of funding for eligible expenses; and
• an invoice from the institution.

Final reports and associated documentation are to be sent via email to innovation@international.gc.ca

Please consult the Going Global Innovation Handbook (html or pdf) for more information.

Info on how to administer the Harmonized Sales Tax can be found at the Canadian Revenue Agency. It is aimed at ensuring that businesses get the information they need to transition to the federal administration of the HST. More info

 

 With the support of KAST, West Kootenay Boundary Regional Science Fair winners Israel Miller and Megan Bursey both of Stanley Humphries Secondary School won the opportunity to compete at the Canada Wide Science Fair.

The Kootenay Association of Science and Technology (KAST) is a major sponsor of district, regional and Canada-wide Science Fairs, along with our partners and sponsors including the school district supported Regional Science Fair Committee, Fortis and the Columbia Basin Trust.

Terry Van Horn of KAST was fortunate enough to be a delegate at the Canada-wide Science Fair an outstanding level of science, academic achievement and student interaction. As a delegate she participated in many seminars and workshops ranging from; how to fundraise, making your science fair a success and acceptable youth internet behaviour. KAST is hoping to incorporate some of the lessons learned from this well organized event into our region.
74 students from across BC and the Yukon received a total of 87 awards and scholarships at this year's Canada-Wide Science Fair held in Peterborough, Ontario, from May 15 -23, 2010.

A total of 497 students with 407 projects participated in the event and competed for $1 million in prizes. The competitors were 54% girls with 58% from grade seven and eight, 28% from grades 9 and 10 and 14% grade 11 and 12 seniors. The event itself was a $3.5 million endeavour.

Participating in a variety of categories from earth and environmental sciences to engineering and automotive, the students received two gold, nine silver, 19 bronze, 13 honourable mentions, six special awards and 38 scholarships for a total of $84,150 in scholarships, awards and prize money. At the same time, an additional five British Columbia students, members of Team Canada, attended the Intel Science and Engineering Fair in San Jose, California.

British Columbians also came out to support science students by participating in the PMC-Sierra Science Fair Fun Run on Sunday, May 30, 2010. The Fun Run is the largest timed 5K race in BC and is one of the technology industry's largest fundraising events. All proceeds went to The Dr. Michael Smith Endowment Fund to support the promotion and development of Science Fair Programs throughout BC.

For more info, visit the Science Fair Foundation of BC website.

Leaders of Facebook and Google among elite list of expected attendees for metabridge British Columbia event hosted in Kelowna June 10-11, 2010

Central Okanagan / Kelowna - an impressive list of VIP participants for June 2010 edition of the metabridge event series will be the largest and most impressive to date. The metabridge organizing committee are excited to host over twenty senior technology leaders from California's Silicon Valley and abroad, including high profile companies such as Trinity Ventures, British Sky Broadcasting and PCMAG. Three of the participants also include Sam Odio from Facebook, Jeremy Geiger from Tomorrow Ventures (Google CEO Venture Capital Fund), and Owen Matthews from Wesley Clover.
Sam Odio the Co-founder of Divvyshot, a group-sharing photo site, recently sold to Facebook. Divvyshot was in the midst of raising an angel round of financing when Facebook swept in with a better offer. In 2007 Sam graduated from the University of Virginia with a Masters in Accounting and now continues the development of industry leading photo-sharing services as Product Manager at Facebook Headquarters .

Jeremy Geiger a deal screener for Tomorrow Ventures, a venture capital firm in Palo Alto, California created by Eric Schmidt the CEO of Google will be in Kelowna looking for new and innovative technology start-ups to invest in. Geiger has more than fifteen years of business development experience in software & services industry in the Silicon Valley and recently founded a new start-up in the Bay Area called RetaiLigence
Owen Matthews is the Executive Vice President for Wesley Clover a private equity investment firm with a $100 million fund. Owen is intricately involved in the strategic and business development activities around Wesley Clover holdings, both domestically and internationally. Wesley Clover specializes in the networking and telecommunications industry.

The two day event will consist of interactive presentations, round table discussions, and multiple VIP networking occasions for technology start-ups across British Columbia. CEO's and Founders of BC's technology community will have exclusive access to the VIP's over the two day period to pitch and seek advice from some of the brightest minds in technology. Event tickets for the two day event as well as single tickets to our industry wide reception on June 11th are also available. Tickets and event information can be found at http://www.metabridge.ca/  

Metabridge is a unique British Columbia wide initiative that provide technology companies with direct connection and access to key international technology partners for investment, joint strategic partnerships, mentorship and advisory opportunities, will be held in Kelowna on June 10-11, 2010. The program is supported by The Central Okanagan Economic Development Commission (CO EDC) in partnership with the British Columbia Innovation Council (BCIC) and with support from the Okanagan Science &Technology Council (OSTEC).