Helping Connect Small And Medium Businesses Who Want To Enter Or Expand Into The “Digital Economy” Now And Post – COVID19
DER3 PROGRAM OVERVIEW
In partnership with Island Coastal Economic Trust (ICET), Innovation Island Technology Association (IITA) has launched the Digital Economy Rapid Response Recovery Program (DER3) that will start to tackle the economic impact of the COVID-19 crisis. As the region’s technology accelerator, with support from Innovate BC, Innovation Island has been asked to help with the mounting challenges facing small-medium sized businesses to restart the local economy.
This rapid recovery initiative will provide one-to-one business & technical expertise and actionable resources to companies that need to consider changes to their business models and/or best-practices on how to better engage with entering or expanding in the digital economy. With decades of experience in the tech sector, and a deep understanding of digital ecosystems, we are ready to help!
“This situation is a major call to action for many businesses to make a swift and smart shift to the digital economy. “We’re dealing with a Black Swan event that, at least in the short term, will change many consumer behaviours,” said Graham Truax, Executive Director of IITA.
WHAT IS IT?
The Digital Economy Rapid Response Recovery Program (DER3) is a free service (for small and medium businesses) on Vancouver Island, North of the Malahat, on the Sunshine Coast, or Gulf Islands. DER3 offers one-to-one business and technical consultations for businesses that are considering entering or expanding their online presence or putting technology-based tools in place to better serve their needs. When required, the program will also match businesses with regional service providers (digital service providers and subject matter experts) who can deliver contracted solutions.
WHO IS IT FOR?
Small & Medium Sized Businesses (SMB) – Is your business closed or running at below normal capacity? Do you have alternative sales or other income that will help you weather this crisis? Are you currently doing business online, or would you like to do more? Is it time to consider a pivot or change to your business model? If so Click Here.
Digital Service Providers (DSP) – Do you provide online services to help people and businesses to enter and/or expand into the digital economy? If so Click Here .
Subject Matter Experts (SME) – Have you ever been a mentor, business advisor, consultant or investor? Are you a technician, engineer, scientist, artist, photographer (or guru in any field) currently working or retired? You know what you know, and it’s probably a lot, so maybe now’s the time to give back? More or less, free or fee, this program could use your help! If so Click Here.