Accelerate Okanagan gets $2.1 million injection to help grow startups

A $2.1-million investment by the governments of Canada and British Columbia, through the BC Innovation Council, will help Accelerate Okanagan increase the number of technology companies that start and grow in the region. The funding was announced this week at the official opening of Accelerate Okanagan, a technology-focused not-for-profit organization.

“The Government of Canada is committed to paving the way for the success of emerging sectors in the Okanagan,” said Ron Cannan, Member of Parliament for Kelowna – Lake Country, on behalf of the Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification. “Today’s investment will provide small and emerging businesses, which are pivotal for our economic success, with the tools they need to grow and create jobs in our region.”

“Our BC Jobs Plan pinpointed technology as one of the eight key sectors that has a competitive edge and has huge potential to bring dollars into our economy from our most important trading partners,” said Dr. Moira Stilwell, Parliamentary Secretary for Industry, Research and Innovation. “Through BCIC, we’re making sure that potential is realized across the province, especially in the Okanagan, where the industry is already showing increased strength thanks to the work of Accelerate Okanagan.”

The organization’s latest program, the Jump:Start Challenge, attracted applications from more than 40 companies, 15 of which were new startups.

“Accelerate Okanagan’s programs provide the key elements needed to ensure the success of technology companies,” said Accelerate Okanagan CEO Jason Neale. “This includes individualized needs assessments, hands-on coaching, mentorship, and access to world-class expertise, as well as providing key connections provincially, nationally and internationally.”