VIATeC

VIATeC is a diverse organization that focuses on multiple services and events that continue to help grow the technology sector on Vancouver Island. Economic Development is at the core of VIATeC’s goals and all programs and services are designed to further that mandate. Almost everyone is surprised to learn that the Technology Sector is comparable in size to the tourism industry on Vancouver Island with revenues close to $1 billion dollars. It is currently estimated that 800 technology companies operate in the Greater Victoria Area and that the island total is over 1100 firms. A recent survey of 200 technology firms conducted by the City of Victoria Economic Development Division discovered estimated revenues in the $400 - $500 million dollar range. We can extrapolate, from this and other studies, that the remaining 600 firms that were not surveyed would bring the total revenues to $1 billion.

Since VIATeC’s creation over 13 years ago, the growth of the technology sector on Vancouver Island has steadily outpaced the growth of other regions. The revenues from this region make up approximately 20% of all the technology firm revenues in BC. Considering the forecasted growth by local technology firms and the arrival of new operations like the call centre scheduled to open within a few months, it is likely that within just a short while Vancouver Island will be responsible for more than one quarter of all annual technology revenues in BC.

The success our region enjoys is not by accident. VIATeC has worked hard to develop entrepreneurs and grow our own success stories. Each year VIATeC hosts upwards of 90 events to provide education and networking opportunities to the technology community while at the same time providing valuable one on one advice and services.