It’s shaping up to be a busy fall for Okanagan entrepreneurs.
Last month, we reported that Accelerate Okanagan was conducting an analysis of lagging regional technology sectors.
According to the AO, understanding how the tech sector contributes to the Okanagan economy will help expand expertise and growth opportunities, which the organization says is critical to attracting talent and investment.
In 2017, the last official economic impact study, the Okanagan region was home to approximately 700 technology companies and a tech workforce of more than 12,000 people, generating $1.7 billion in economic impact.
The 2024 report is expected to be released this fall, around the time AO’s “Acceleration Stack” hits full speed.
The Acceleration Stack consists of “a series of programs that support startups at critical stages of venture development with mentorship and resources,” giving entrepreneurs access to growth opportunities, experts, and networking.
AO’s Stack is supported in part by Innovate BC and National Research Council Canada and is based on five core programs: Venture Validation, Market Ready, Fundable, Okanagan Angel Summit and ThreeSixty.
Venture Validation is a three-month group mentorship program designed to coach early-stage entrepreneurs to rapidly validate, iterate, and develop. The program is delivered in-person from Kelowna, with the option to join weekly sessions virtually.
Market Ready is also three months long and is designed to provide much needed strategy, mentorship and support to early stage founders as they work to effectively position their product, connect with early customers and gain commercial traction.
Meanwhile, the 10-week Fundable program is aimed at entrepreneurs who want to learn about potential funding options, explore avenues for external funding and develop investable ventures.
The Okanagan Angel Summit is an annual, eight-week, competitive-style program for entrepreneurs and accredited investors that awards $200,000 in prize money to the winning startup. (Check out our coverage of this year’s event.)
Last but not least, ThreeSixty offers entrepreneurs a customized support system as they prepare to raise growth capital: Founders are paired with members of AO’s Executive-in-Residence and Investor-in-Residence teams, each of whom fills a customized support role.
If you’re not sure which program is best for you, we’ll be running a free information session in August where we’ll introduce you to the entire Acceleration Stack and outline the minimum requirements, ideal profile, and key benefits of each program.
The session will take place on August 8th, just before applications open on August 12th.
