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New Ventures BC (NVBC) Offering Up to $10,000 to Hire Post-Secondary Students This Summer (in Business or Technical Roles)
Tuesday, April 23, 2019
Innovator Skills Initiative to grow B.C.'s next generation of tech talent
ISI grants offer BC-based technology companies and non-profits up to $10,000 to hire students
Vancouver, BC, April 23, 2019--(T-Net)--For British Columbia-based technology organizations looking to grow amid a looming talent shortage, New Ventures BC (NVBC) is offering a unique incentive: hire post-secondary students this summer in business or technical roles and receive up to $10,000.
The Innovate BC Innovator Skills Initiative (ISI) grant program, delivered by NVBC, will provide these matching funds to qualifying startups and companies who can now apply for funds while in turn developing the next generation of British Columbia talent.
"It's not too late for employers looking to staff up this summer and provide a hands-on work experience to those eyeing a career in B.C.'s thriving tech sector," said Angie Schick, Executive Director of New Ventures BC. "The ISI program offers B.C.-based technology companies and non-profits—both big and small—that extra push to hire and train students who could one day become one of their most valued employees."
With 83,400 new jobs projected for 2027, B.C.'s technology sector continues to grow and outpace other provinces, and many organizations are struggling to recruit and retain the talent they need. Programs like ISI are instrumental in feeding the pipeline of job-ready, qualified talent for companies that are choosing to establish and grow operations in British Columbia.
"The ISI Program is focused on filling the innovation and entrepreneurial gap that is critical to creating the next wave of business leaders here in B.C.," said Raghwa Gopal, President & CEO at Innovate BC. "With our tech sector continuing to grow year over year, cultivating future technology entrepreneurs ensures that we'll have high quality talent and jobs in place to meet the needs of our growing industry."
To date, 175 students have been placed in companies across the Lower Mainland, Vancouver Island and the Interior, including GetintheLoop, Traction on Demand, LllamaZoo, and Hydra Energy, in roles ranging from UX design to software development. As a result of ISI placements, 51 students have been hired on permanently after completing their work term with the grant funding.
"Because we are a lean start-up, we often find it difficult to compete for experienced engineers and even the best students which can result in development slowdowns, said Chris Pinkerton, President of Kelowna's GetintheLoop. "ISI enables us to connect and work with the brightest students and train them in all the essential skills needed at a fast-paced startup like GetintheLoop."
Unlike some other employment-focused grants that require application and approval before hiring, ISI grants can be applied retroactively, with funding available for roles filled by post-secondary students within the last 12 months.
Tech companies, startups or non-profit tech organizations operating in B.C. qualify as long as the prospective students are:
Since 2000, New Ventures BC has recognized, encouraged and developed entrepreneurship and innovation in B.C.'s start-up technology sector through education, mentorship, networking, cash prizes and acknowledgment. NVBC has helped to create thousands of new jobs, enhanced entrepreneurial skills, increased investment, technology commercialization, and above all, strong economic growth for B.C.
To learn more about ISI grants and apply visit www.newventuresbc.com/accelerate/isi/.
About New Ventures BC
New Ventures BC runs the annual New Ventures Competition, the largest and longest-running tech competition in B.C., awarding $250,000 in cash and prizes to early-stage startups. The organization also offers a mentored, online Venture Acceleration Program focused on customer discovery and Market Validation Training, and the ISI grant program to help tech companies hire post-secondary students.
New Ventures BC is a non-profit organization that receives funding from both government and corporate sponsors.
www.newventuresbc.com | @nvbc
About Innovate BC
Innovate BC is a one stop service centre to connect innovators — large and small — with B.C. government funding, tools, resources and support. Innovate BC programs and initiatives serve and celebrate innovation in British Columbia, helping our industries grow, while ensuring the benefits of our thriving technology sector are felt by people in all regions of our province. Innovate BC is a Crown Agency of the Province of B.C.
www.innovatebc.ca | @innovate_bc
For more information, please contact:
Angie Schick
Executive Director
New Ventures BC
604-602-5202
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