On-the-ground support to grow tech companies and create jobs

October 24, 2012 Vancouver, BC – The BC Technology Industry Association (BCTIA), today announced plans to expand its successful Centre4Growth acceleration program to the District of Maple Ridge and the City of Surrey.

The BCTIA Centre4Growth, launched in Sept 2010, has proven to be a successful delivery model in the growth and acceleration of BC technology companies. To date, almost 300 companies have received coaching from its CEO-in-Residence (CIR) program, with client companies collectively growing their employment by 15% (237 net new jobs), their revenue by 76% ($32 million), and their investment by 24% ($25 million).

“Our vision has always been to have Centre4Growth services accessible to tech entrepreneurs across Greater Vancouver and British Columbia. Having the support of Maple Ridge and the City of Surrey as our first two Centre4Growth nodes is a great first step,” said Bill Tam, BCTIA President and CEO.

Steady population growth in Maple Ridge and Surrey has resulted in a rapid increase in innovative companies in the area. Companies receiving capacity building support through Centre4Growth grow faster, strengthen the local economy, and support other industries throughout the region with locally developed innovative business solutions.

“The workplace of today is very different from that of our parents and grandparents. One of the biggest factors is technology and we’re proud to have so many innovative technology companies here. This initiative aligns perfectly with our economic vision, by providing tech companies in every sector the resources, expertise, insight, strategic focus and support they need to grow and compete globally,” said Mayor Ernie Daykin, District of Maple Ridge. “Together with our Invest North Fraser partners Mission and Pitt Meadows we are delighted to welcome Centre4Growth to our region. Our region was selected as a regional economic development pilot under the BC Jobs Plan, and a business innovation accelerator was a key opportunity identified for the region through the pilot process.”

“Providing this type of relevant, practical support to entrepreneurs can bridge the gap between having a great idea and growing a profitable, job generating company,” said Mayor Dianne Watts, City of Surrey. “Entrepreneurs play an important role in creating local jobs for the future and helping build a resilient economy – I’m excited to have BCTIA’s Centre4Growth as a partner in supporting their success. I’m also proud to say that SFU Surrey is a partner in this initiative, which will complement their existing entrepreneurship programming.”

“In order to grow small companies into successful mid to large-sized companies, entrepreneurs need access to experienced people and resources,” Tam observed, “not just in major cities, but in the regions where they live. Through the expansion of Centre4Growth, entrepreneurs in Maple Ridge and Surrey need look no further than their own back yard.”

In addition to the Centre4Growth CEO-in-Residence program, entrepreneurs have access to GrowthWorkshops, private Business Clinics with subject matter experts, introductions to potential investors and customers, and an E-Library of 800+ resources and tools.

To learn how your technology company can receive Centre4Growth services, please join Mayor Ernie Daykin, Mayor Dianne Watts, and the BCTIA Centre4Growth team at the formal launch and information sessions, as detailed below.

October 30 – District of Maple Ridge Launch details:
Time: 3:00pm – 5:00pm
Location: Randy Herman Safety Building – Hilton Haider Room
11960 Haney Place, Maple Ridge

Maple Ridge Registration Link: http://www.regonline.ca/C4GMapleRidge

December 7 – City of Surrey Launch details:
Time: 8:30 am – 10:30 am
Location: Simon Fraser University – Surrey Campus
250-13450 – 102 Ave, Surrey

Surrey Registration Link: http://www.regonline.ca/C4GSurrey

To download the complete media release, click here.