The B.C. Innovation Council (BCIC) July 30 welcomed the Kootenay Rockies Innovation Council (KRIC) as a partner offering the BC Venture Acceleration Program.

KRIC in Cranbrook and the Kootenay Association for Science and Technology (KAST) in Rossland are both joining a province-wide network of partners offering a structured venture growth program to BC tech entrepreneurs.

“B.C.’s technology sector is one of the fastest growing areas of the economy,” said Minister of Technology, Innovation and Citizens’ Services Andrew Wilkinson. “Supporting the BC Innovation Council and its partners like the Kootenay Rockies Innovation Council is one way government is developing a tech-friendly business environment across the province, where new technology companies can grow into the economic engines of tomorrow. “

“KRIC is pleased to offer technology entrepreneurs the opportunity to accelerate their growth through the BC Venture Acceleration Program,” said Sheelagh England, Executive Director of KRIC. “As the catalyst for science, technology and education in the East Kootenays, we are confident the Venture Acceleration Program will help local tech startups and entrepreneurs seize opportunities in the knowledge economy.”

The Venture Acceleration Program is a structured venture growth program that helps early-stage entrepreneurs in B.C. grow their companies. It is funded by BCIC in the Kootenays in partnership with the Southern Interior Development Initiative Trust. Offered through regional partners in the BC Acceleration Network and led by a dedicated Executive in Residence (EIR), the program encourages a disciplined approach to growing a technology company. At $200 per month, the Venture Acceleration Program offers exceptional value to startups.

“The Venture Acceleration Program provides technology entrepreneurs anywhere in the province with easy access to highly qualified entrepreneurial expertise and know-how in an organized and consistent manner,” said Dean Prelazzi, Managing Director of the BC Acceleration Network. “BCIC is pleased to be working in partnership with KAST and KRIC in the Kootenays to support the growth of entrepreneurs in this region.”

Placedroid and Pancake App are two East Kootenay startups that are participating in the Venture Acceleration Program through KRIC.

“It is great to be working with these East Kootenay companies, to help them translate their innovative ideas into high growth businesses,” said Kirk Hamilton, EIR for the East Kootenay.

Along with KAST and KRIC in the Kootenays, BCIC also announced today that Innovation Central Society in Prince George is also offering the BC Venture Acceleration Program. There are now 10 partners offering the program through the BC Acceleration Network. More than 100 BC companies have taken part in the program, creating 303 jobs since the BC Venture Acceleration Program was launched last year.

KRIC is accepting applications to join the Venture Acceleration Program. For more information, go to kric.ca or bcacceleration.ca.

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