BC’s largest and longest running tech competition is back. Applications for the 20th annual New Ventures BC Competition, presented by Innovate BC, are now open. Over the past 20 years, the New Ventures BC Competition has become a rite of passage for any BC tech startup who wants to become “one to watch”.
Here are the top 5 reasons why your early stage BC tech startup should enter the 2020 New Ventures BC competition.
5. Startup essentials
Learn from the pros at over 30 hours of complimentary workshops and seminars. Not in Vancouver? We broadcast live and record our educational seminars.
“We learned new things that helped us refine the message and avoid common mistakes. The seminars are packed full of information that will help guide your business and the networking sessions offer you a chance to meet all the right people to help move your business forward” – Awesense Wireless, 2011 BC Hydro Sustainability prize winner
4. Receive mentorship
Make it to Round 2: get feedback on your business plan from our jurors. Advance to the top 40 in Round 3 and Top 10 in Round 4: get a mentorship team, feedback, and pitch practice.
“The New Ventures BC Competition really helped us get investor-ready. We’re a bootstrapped company, and that’s taken us from 2 to 18 staff in less than 2 years, but that won’t last forever. The Competition was great because it forced us to take a step back and look at our business holistically and ask really important questions about our model. That, and the feedback we’ve received from the judges, seasoned investors and entrepreneurs, has been invaluable.” – NiceJob, 2019 Innovate BC Second Prize winner
3. Get connected
Meet the tech community. Network with fellow startups, investors and our mentors at networking events throughout the six month Competition.
“The New Ventures BC Competition, is a great training ground for technology entrepreneurs. The education component provides valuable training, and the program provides mentors and enables helpful connections. It also provides a sense of community for struggling entrepreneurs who can learn from each other and support each other as they face the challenges of creating and growing a successful tech company. – CRM GeoTomography Technologies, Inc., 2018 BC Resource Industry prize winner
2. Gain exposure
At every stage of the competition we recognize and promote the startups that have advanced to each round. Making the Top 25 means you’re a startup to watch. Additionally, the Top 10 finalists and winners have increased their profiles to investors.
“As a result of placing in the competition, we’ve received unsolicited offers of investment, we’ve had meetings with venture capitalists and we’ve got meetings set up with big competitors that are interested in what we are offering”. – Jane Software, 2016 Second Place Winner
1. Did someone say cash?
We are giving away $250,000 worth of cash and in-kind services to accelerate your startup.
“The most valuable and well-run program we have participated in – a simply must do for any BC tech entrepreneur” – MyBestHelper, 2012 Third prize winner
New Ventures BC Competition 20-year impact at a glance
Over the past 20 years, the New Ventures BC Competition has supported 2700 BC tech startups that have created over 3800 jobs and have raised $305 million in financing. Meet our past winners.
Learn more and apply
Find our more about the New Ventures BC Competition, upcoming Competition events and to see if your startup meets the eligibility requirements. Questions? Email us: contact@newventuresbc.com
Apply by April 7th
