The British Columbian Innovation Council (BCIC) and ACETECH, have partnered to create a mentoring program for early stage technology entrepreneurs.
The program aims to help CEOs and founders of new technology ventures who want to improve their business skills and increase their chance of building a successful business.
Participants will develop their entrepreneurial talent under the guidance of mentors with a “strong professional reputation, qualification and experience in the tech industry”. Modeled on MIT’s Venture Mentoring Service; the program aims to help entrepreneurs in this unusually fast-moving and competitive business sector.
Starting in Vancouver and Kelowna, the program aims to rollout in Victoria and other regions by Fall 2011. Since the program launched last fall, over 40 mentors have been accepted into the program, from across the Lower Mainland.
How to Apply
Applications for the program must be received through one of the four Participating Organizations:
While each of the Participating Organizations has its own criteria to assess eligibility, the criteria typically includes participation in one of the development programs offered by that organization.
To find out more visit the Innovate BC – Connect with Experts.
Don’t Think You’re Eligible?
There are many other mentoring programs happening across the province for small business owners. Below are just a few of the programs we have heard about:
- Women’s Enterprise Mentoring Program
A four part mentoring program including forums, mentoring groups, one-to-one mentoring and Take the Stage®. - YWCA Mentorship Program
Free mentoring program for unemployed women in Vancouver who are aged 19 and over who are entering or re-entering professional and skilled careers. - Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce Youth Mentoring Program
A program focussed on developing the next generation of leaders in the Tri-Cities area. - Wired Woman Mentorship Program
A six-month yearly program to support women in science and technology. - Immigrant Services Society of BC Mentoring Connections
An initiative which brings together Vancouver based professionals with new immigrants from the same professional area. - Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of BC Mentoring Program
Open to APEGBC members to help progress the path towards professional registrations as an engineer or geoscientist.