November 29, 2013 - 5:57am
Nanaimo is one of five cities in Canada – and the only BC city - selected as a 2014 Startup Canada Community.
Startup Canada is a national non-profit grassroots network that partners with community organizations and institutions to give entrepreneurs the tools, resources and networks they need to help new businesses succeed.
“This is exciting news for Nanaimo,” says Kelsey Wolff, a student in Vancouver Island University’s (VIU) Master of Business Administration (MBA) program and leader of Startup Nanaimo.
Wolff spearheaded Nanaimo’s Startup Canada application with two other VIU students, Monica Shore in the Masters of Sustainable Leisure Management program and Melinda Mollineaux in the MBA program, with guidance from Dr. Ken Hammer, a VIU Tourism professor.
“Over the past six months, there’s been incredible collaboration among Nanaimo-based entrepreneurs and community groups,” says Wolff. “We submitted our application with the support of key individuals and organizations including VIU, the Greater Nanaimo Chamber of Commerce, Nanaimo Economic Development Corporation, Young Professionals of Nanaimo, City Council, the media, business owners, Ignite Nanaimo, Inspire Nanaimo, Innovation Island, the Downtown Nanaimo Business Improvement Association, and local entrepreneurs.”
The idea for Nanaimo to become a Startup Canada community was borne out of a reading circle formed last spring, which according to Wolff, included like-minded organizations and individuals who want Nanaimo to become a hub of entrepreneurial growth and innovation.
“We asked everyone in the group to read the book Startup Communities by Brad Feld,” says Wolff. “VIU’s Vice-President Academic, Dr. Dave Witty, provided funding for 25 copies. Our goal is to put the city on the map as an up-and-coming community that not only attracts new talent but retains the talent that is already here. We know the impact that Startup Canada can have on Nanaimo. The potential is huge.”
She points to 15 Canadian communities, including Prince George, Langford, Winnipeg and Smithers, which were selected for Startup Canada’s pilot program in May 2013.
“You can see how these cities have grown and changed,” Wolff says. “Startup Canada opens doors and gives communities access to funding, mentors, and ideas that help transform a city.”
Startup Canada connects entrepreneurs from the bottom up, fueling a culture of entrepreneurship and innovation that helps business startups become sustainable, high-growth ventures.
Since May 2013 Startup Winnipeg developed a rapid prototyping MakerSpace in the heart of the city. Startup Fredericton ignited an Atlantic Canada Festival celebrating the strength of Atlantic entrepreneurialism, and Startup Smithers is in the process of creating a venture capital fund with BC Forest Councils to invest in rural entrepreneurship.
“Startup Canada’s philosophy is that a stronger national network of entrepreneurs starts with robust local networks,” says CEO and founder Victoria Lennox.
“Just as we need roads for transportation and broadband to connect to the Internet, networks are vital for entrepreneurs. Soon Startup Communities will be as much a cultural staple as a post office, library or community centre. This is how we can truly build Canadian entrepreneurial competitiveness.”
Besides Nanaimo, four other cities selected this year as Startup Canada Communities include Calgary, Niagara, Peel and Waterloo.
Going forward, Wolff says Startup Nanaimo will solidify its goals and partner with local community organizations and institutions committed to connecting entrepreneurs locally and across Canada.
“In coming weeks, we’ll be talking to Startup Canada about moving forward. Our immediate plan is to launch a website and engage local entrepreneurs through seminars, networking events and other initiatives.”
Entrepreneurs will be invited to share their stories on social media and once a month, Startup Canada community leaders will convene online to exchange ideas, discuss mutual challenges and share best practices.
“Nanaimo is on the cusp of something big,” says Wolff.
-30-
About Startup Communities
Startup Canada is the first in the world entrepreneur-led, grassroots program linking entrepreneurs with local resources, mentors, funding, and space through a hyper-connected network that also links communities coast-to-coast both online and offline.
Since its initial launch in May 2013, Startup Canada has become one of Canada’s most followed and active national entrepreneurship organizations, with more than 55,000 registered entrepreneurs and more than 400 partner organizations and other groups that support entrepreneurs through mentorship, space, funding and resources.
Startup Canada’s sponsors include Microsoft, Gowlings, ScotiaBank, McMillan LLP and LeBarge Weinstein LLP.
Visit www.startupcan.ca/communities for more information or contact Kathryn Forrest at 1-226-376-1895 or kathryn@startupcan.ca.
Tags: In the Community
