Start in Vancouver with VEC
By: Canada Unleashed
Tags: Founders, Economy, Canada, Vancouver, Startup

“We could have gone anywhere in the world, and we picked Vancouver.” -Microsoft Canada President Janet Kennedy

If you ever need support in growing your business in Vancouver or relocating a startup in Vancouver, or maybe you are an investor seeking investment opportunities. The Vancouver Economic Commission (VEC) is the go-to agency for business opportunities in Vancouver.

The VEC provides a variety of services to local and international businesses, investors and talent.

VEC, governed by the Societies Act, is the economic development agency for the City of Vancouver collaborating with business, academia, and government organizations, positioning Vancouver as a global destination for creative, innovative, and sustainable business. VEC strengthens Vancouver’s thriving economy by;

Helping existing businesses

Attracting investment

Researching the business environment

Making policy recommendations

Visit VEC in Downtown Vancouver with their office address at Suite 1500, 401 West Georgia, Vancouver, BC. Their website is https://www.vancouvereconomic.com/ where more information about how they can help you with your startup in Vancouver can be found.

Founded in 1996, VEC has helped multiple local businesses and startups in Vancouver that started small but are now considered the world’s most ethical companies and are certified B Corporations, including Patagonia, Hootsuite, Eminence Organic Skin Care, Fairware, Bullfrog Power, SMAK Food, Kickstarter, Method Products, Ben & Jerry’s, and the BDC.

This just shows that you too, can not be far away from finding your success with your own startup in Vancouver. VEC offers different programs designed from the best economic and business practices to help entrepreneurs and startups prosper and contribute to Vancouver’s economic growth.

Among the beneficial programs previously offered for entrepreneurs was the Capital Mentorship Program; a program that addresses the burning issues entrepreneurs experience as they raise a round, and the Impact 6 Pack; a program that helps entrepreneurs understand the importance of why a business should have an impact plan. And below is the recent program you may want to join with.

Project Zero — is the latest program offered focused on one of VEC’s KEY SECTORS which is improving a greener economy. It achieves this through a focus on material reuse, repair, and recycling, and by limiting inefficiencies and closing gaps within the production and consumption system itself.

Throughout the month of October, Vancity and the Vancouver Economic Commission co-hosted a three-part series on Vancouver’s growing circular economy. Titled Success and Opportunity in Vancouver’s Circular Economy, the webinars highlighted key local organizations and businesses leading the way, convened businesses and community support for circularity, with presenters making the case for new circular ventures and for existing businesses to transition to circular practices.

The webinar series promoted the 2021 expansion of Synergy Foundation’s circular incubator, Project Zero, from Vancouver Island to the Lower Mainland. The third webinar featured businesses from previous Project Zero cohorts, including Ergo Eco Solutions, Flipside Plastics, and SUPPLY Victoria.

The incubator program will happen from April to November 2021. Individuals with new circular business ideas may apply to join Project Zero in 2021. Below are a sample of business categories that could be a good fit for the program.

Upcycling waste materials into new products

Products designed with a closed-loop and/or waste-free cycle

Renewable energy

Clean technology that reduces energy or waste

Repair economy

Sharing economy

Product as a service model (leasing to reduce waste and extend the life of products)

For eligibility to join the program, please refer below;

The entrepreneur is based on Vancouver Island, the Gulf Islands, or the Lower Mainland.

The entrepreneur is planning to develop an organization in one of these regions.

The entrepreneur’s business is at the concept stage or has made under $500,000 in revenue.

The application for Project Zero will be open until January 6, 2021, and can be found here. Project Zero will have all the top applicants be invited to participate in the eight-month incubator program. Applicants will be notified in late January about their application status.

If you have any questions or are unsure if your business model would be a good fit for the program, we encourage you to reach out to projectzero@synergyfoundation.ca to inquire ahead of time.