27 May 2021 Startup support builds as BC Tech launches sequel to entrepreneur training program
VANCOUVER, B.C. – The BC Tech Association (BC Tech) is now welcoming applications for its second HyperStart Entrepreneurial Bootcamp. Running over a four week period, the free program will guide 25 budding entrepreneurs through the process of successfully setting up and launching their own businesses. The deadline for applications is Friday, Sept. 18.
“Building and supporting BC’s entrepreneurial community is essential to post-pandemic economic recovery, and May has been a great month in that regard,” said BC Tech CEO Jill Tipping, pointing to the buzz surrounding Vancouver Startup Week and the recent Launch Academy announcement of $100,000 in scholarships to as many as 300 aspiring entrepreneurs impacted by COVID-19. “The province’s tech ecosystem is rallying around its future leaders, and I expect to see even more support for startups in the coming months.”
Delivered in partnership with the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade (GVBOT) and jointly funded by BC Tech and the provincial government, HyperStart’s 2021 cohort will focus on entrepreneurs from new immigrant backgrounds. “As a driver of investment, job creation and opportunity, vibrant entrepreneurship has always been a key aspect of B.C.’s economy,” said GVBOT President and CEO Bridgitte Anderson. “By giving new Canadians the skills and knowledge to succeed as entrepreneurs, HyperStart is helping our province to emerge from the pandemic stronger than ever.”
Dan Box, Vice President Strategic Growth at EA Games commented: “Every big company – including EA – was once a small company, founded by entrepreneurs out to change the world. As a BC Tech Board member, I’m delighted the organization will support the launch of 25 new BC startups and as a key player in BC’s tech ecosystem I’m excited to see the new businesses that emerge.”
Thomas Ligocki, Founder of Clevest has first-hand experience with the challenges newcomers face when starting a business. “HyperStart provides a great combination of expert lead instruction and one-on-one mentorship to help individuals start and grow their own businesses,” said the finalist for BC Tech’s 2019 Person of the Year award. “For unemployed newcomers this program will accelerate their learning curve on starting a business and increase the likelihood of success.”
Like its inaugural 2020 edition, HyperStart will be delivered through live webinars and online workshops – enabling participation from anywhere in the province – and will include weekly mentorship sessions. The full-time course will cover topics ranging from idea validation and business planning to budgeting and capital raising options.
“The HyperStart program helped me learn the necessary entrepreneurial skills to take my idea from the proof-of-concept stage to production,” said Ali Cakil, Rocket Science Technology Inc. “I have refined my go-to-market strategy and learned a lot from my mentors. I would highly recommend the HyperStart program to anyone who wants to start their own business.”
About the BC Tech Association
BC Tech is a non-profit dedicated to the growth of BC’s tech sector, increasing tech jobs, and advancing technology and innovation across every sector of BC’s economy. By supporting small and medium sized businesses to understand and adopt technology, BC Tech builds business resilience, accelerates growth and empowers BC’s economic recovery. To learn more visit wearebctech.com.
Media Contact: Kathleen Reid at media@wearebctech.com or 604-724-1242