KELOWNA — Accelerate Okanagan (AO) is proud to announce the launch of Ascend BC, a $3.98 million initiative designed to support scale-ready tech companies across communities in the interior of British Columbia. Federal economic development agency, PacifiCan has contributed $1,980,500 to Ascend BC through its Business Acceleration Pilot (BizAP).
Provincial leaders, Innovate BC, and ETSI-BC have also come on board to financially support the initiative.
“Through tailored programs like the Business Acceleration Pilot, PacifiCan is serving the unique needs of British Columbian entrepreneurs so that they can turn their ambition into reality,” said the Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada (PacifiCan). “By partnering with organizations such as Accelerate Okanagan, PacifiCan is helping B.C. businesses grow here at home and compete on a global stage.”
This ambitious three-year project, which kicked off in 2024, addresses unique challenges faced by high-growth businesses by providing entrepreneurs with access to tailored mentorship, fractional executive services, and peer and capital networks. Ascend BC aims to generate high-quality jobs, grow competitive industry clusters, and accelerate globally successful businesses that will ultimately strengthen BC’s economy.
Ascend BC is a collaborative effort that brings together regional innovation hubs and Indigenous partners, including:
● Hubspace
● Okanagan Indian Band
● Westbank First Nation
● Central Interior Business Accelerator (Formerly Kamloops Innovation)
● Kootenay Association of Science and Technology
“It is more important than ever to champion made-in-Canada solutions and support scale-ready companies in overcoming growth challenges, accessing resources, and building their capacity to succeed in local and global markets,” said Brea Lake, CEO of Accelerate Okanagan. “This initiative will empower entrepreneurs to scale sustainably while fostering innovation, inclusivity, and economic development across the province.”
Ascend BC aligns with the Government of Canada’s inclusive growth objectives by prioritizing support for rural and remote communities. In addition, by partnering with Indigenous organizations such as Okanagan Indian Band and Westbank First Nation, the project will facilitate workshops and create tailored opportunities for Indigenous entrepreneurs to lead and learn.
Accelerate Okanagan has a proven track record of delivering impactful programming and measurable outcomes for high-growth potential businesses. Recent projects, such as the Scaleup BC initiative co-led with VIATEC in Victoria, exceeded targets by supporting 391 companies, generating $131 million in revenue, and creating 410 High-Quality jobs.
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