NVBC’s new gold sponsor, BCIT, has programs to complement the NVBC competition.
“We recognize that NVBC has one of the best models in the province for spurring entrepreneurship,” says Kyle Gruen, a BCIT business development associate. “We have several program areas that complement NVBC’s goals, including our new Commercialization Assistance Program, and the long-running Peter Thomson Centre for Venture Development.
BCIT’s Commercialization Assistance Program, funded through Western Economic Diversification, offers free business assessments and advice for product concepts. A key benefit is referrals to local experts who can help businesses in areas such as marketing and technical evaluations or product development.
“The program has a broad mandate to support economic growth in British Columbia by connecting entrepreneurs to both BCIT and the BC industry resources they need to succeed,” says Gruen.
For almost 25 years, the BCIT School of Business Peter Thomson Center for Venture Development has offered full-time, part-time, online and custom-designed courses to help entrepreneurs develop their research and marketing skills, create business plans, and grow their businesses. One example is the Venture Program -,
with an intake starting in September 2010.
“We can help prepare entrepreneurs for the NVBC competition or give past competitors support to fill in the gaps that will increase their chance of commercial success in the future,” says Gruen.
And, of course, the BCIT School of Business also offers several relevant programs for NVBC competitors or would-be competitors, including its flagship BBA degree program and applied diploma programs in entrepreneurship, marketing communications and professional sales.