Vancouver Island entrepreneurs will have new opportunities to grow their enterprises, thanks to an investment of $120,000 by the Government of Canada designed to strengthen the Island’s technology sector through leading-edge business mentoring programs.

The announcement was made at the Vancouver Island Advanced Technologies Society by the Honourable Gary Lunn, Minister of Natural Resources, on behalf of the Honourable Rona Ambrose, President of the Queen’s Privy Council for Canada, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs and the Minister of Western Economic Diversification.

“The Linx program will deliver a series of modules for entrepreneurs and emerging technology companies that will provide the tools and support network needed to succeed and grow in the competitive marketplace,” said Minister Lunn. “Through focused and strategic investments in science and technology innovation, the Government of Canada is creating a competitive advantage for Canadian businesses.”

The business mentoring program has been created specifically to meet the needs of technology entrepreneurs and companies in B.C. Known as Linx, the program includes three modules: MentorLinx, IdeaLinx and TalenLinx. The full program requires individuals to complete all three modules and is designed to stimulate the exchange of ideas and create synergies between early-stage technology companies who face common challenges during the growth of their enterprises.

"This program will help VIATeC connect local innovators with the resources and information they need," said Dan Gunn, VIATeC Executive Director. "We’re delighted to be able to help Victoria’s $1.7 billion advanced technology sector."

The Vancouver Island Advanced Technologies Society is a not-for-profit organization established to promote and enhance the development of the advanced-technology industry on southern Vancouver Island, home to the second largest such cluster in B.C.

The Government’s funding initiative is being delivered through Western Economic Diversification Canada, a department that works in partnership with the provinces, industry associations and communities to stimulate and encourage diversification of the western economy, as well as to represent the interests of the West in national decision-making.

For additional information, contact:

Karl Yeh
Communications Advisor
Western Economic Diversification Canada
(604) 666-4714

Dan Gunn
Chief Operating Officer
Vancouver Island Advanced Technologies Society
(250) 493-3214