Programs & Groups

When our members are really focused on a particular topic or practice, VIATeC is happy to work with them to create:

Peer Round Tables
These groups give the staff of local technology companies opportunities to learn from other peers in their profession. Participants share expertise & best practices, discuss practical approaches to success in the high-technology marketplace, and develop strong networks. Each group is unique and is owned by the peers themselves. Participants find information, ideas and inspirations to take away with them and often uncover & resolve common issues. 

Click here to check out the active Peer Round Tables

Business Coaching Service VIATeC offers a free Business Coaching Service to support regional innovators, business owners and entrepreneurs in knowledge-based industries via GoToMeetings, email and telephone. Do you need assistance with:

• Discussing alternatives and options;
• Identifying your primary need and your next steps;
• Business start-up and growth;
• Developing or updating your business plan;
• Information about programs, sources of funding and services for research and development;
• Identifying the gains and risks of exporting and linking to export markets;
• Assistance with human resource issues; and/or
• Partnering with other businesses within the region?

To review the bios of the Business Coaches, click here. For more information or to meet with a Business Coach, please contact Rob Bennett.

VIATeC Grow Op
Is designed to deliver a continuum of business programs and related services to help technology entrepreneurs and SME’s move from innovation to commercialization. Components are designed to feed into and support each other. The Grow Op assists company founders with finding qualified mentors (C-Harmony), then with strategizing to solve business challenges (Grow Op Advisory Council and Business Bootcamp), with finding funding (Greater Victoria Angel Network), then with exchanging best practices with peers (Round Tables).

C-Harmony
C-Harmony connects executives from growing Victoria technology companies (Mentees) with experienced executives (Mentors), using an inventory of mentor skill sets to create successful matches. Mentors act as sounding boards, sharing best practices and offering advice so Mentees can use this wisdom to successfully grow their own companies. Expert advisors, Mentors are an important resource in Victoria's innovative technology sector. Providing entrepreneurs with an experienced adviser is the first step towards success.

VIATeC Grow Op Advisory Council
The Grow Op is made up entirely of volunteers who have significant experience building technology companies in Victoria. VIATeC members have the opportunity to present their current business challenges and receive advice from savvy tech veterans who help them to overcome a variety of business challenges. Companies presenting to the panel seek a wide range of advice from securing investment to opening new markets or expanding product lines. Emerging tech companies are encouraged to present to this group to ready them for the Angel Network.

The Greater Victoria Angel Network
VIATeC and UVIC's tech transfer office, UVic Industry Partnerships (UVic IP), have partnered on this initiative to bring local investors and emerging tech companies together. This quarterly event showcases 3 to 5 companies; each company gives a concise 10 to 12 minute presentation leaving 3 to 5 minutes at the end for questions. After the session, presenters are available for networking. Investors must be Accredited or fall under the Family/Friend exemption. Companies who have successfully presented to the Victoria Angel group are encouraged to present to Vancouver and Silicon Valley angel groups – now aware of Victoria’s growing technology scene due to partnerships VIATeC has developed.

For Entrepreneurs: https://www.gust.com/angel-group/vicangels/apply
For Investors: https://www.gust.com/angel-group/vicangels/join

The VIATeC Launch Pad Program
The VIATeC Launch Pad Program provides a venue for entrepreneurs to discover and use a variety of resources to build and grow their companies.

Participation in the Launch Pad Program will assist entrepreneurs by:

• Reviewing the venture’s goals and aligning them with its strategy;
• Reviewing all aspects of the venture’s sales and marketing plan;
• Improving the “investor-readiness” of the venture by ensuring that the business plan and investor pitch is properly prepared;
• Connecting the entrepreneur with potential mentors, advisors, employees and investors; and
• Describing how the various resources provided by VIATeC can best be utilized, including Peer Roundtables, Mentor Programs, Grow Op Advisory Panel, Business Coaching services, and the Greater Victoria Angel Network.
• The Launch Pad Program is geared to work with a venture at any stage of its development, and provide assistance in a wide range of topics, issues and opportunities.

Participation is simple. Send an email to LaunchPad@viatec.ca and include the following information:

• Name of the Venture
• Name of the Principals involved (key individuals, advisors, etc.)
• Industry Sector
• Product Description
• List of Accomplishments to date
• A short description of what assistance you are looking for.

This program is supported in part by the National Research Council Canada Industrial Research Assistance Program (IRAP). 

Partner Programs

Centre4Growth Venture Services The Centre4Growth’s CEO-in-Residence program offers one-on-one coaching and advice to emerging tech companies looking for break-through success. The goal is to help entrepreneurs work through fundamental issues that may be impeding the company’s growth and to create sustainable value over the long term. Rob Bennett, the dedicated CEO-in-Residence on Vancouver island, will engage with entrepreneurs and share his expertise on a broad range of issues typically faced by emerging technology companies including:

• Guidance on business and marketing strategy
• Advice and resources to help in the fund raising process
• Identifying distribution and go-to-market strategies
• Assistance in organization design and building out an A-team
• Financial management and corporate structuring
• Creating high value relationships and nurturing strategic partnerships

This program is offered free to participating companies. If you are interested, please apply.