From Startup to Scaleup C U Innovate BC supports entrepreneurs in all parts of the province through L T mentorship and business coaching. I V Market validation training for early-stage companies supported businesses, 70% were female-led and A T is offered through the Venture Acceleration Program 8% were Indigenous-led. This program was possible I (VAP). The program is delivered by a network of through the hard work of our BCAN partners. N accelerators (the BC Acceleration Network or BCAN) We continued to be the title sponsor of the New G and Executives-in- Residence, which Innovate BC Ventures BC Competition, which awards education, W funds and oversees. Through BCAN, Innovate BC mentorship, and prizes to B.C.’s top new start-ups. O provides high-potential companies with tailored For more than 20 years, this initiative has helped R input and assistance as to how they can best prepare shape some of B.C.’s most successful companies L and position their companies to capitalize on growth that are creating innovative tech solutions all D and industry opportunities. around the province. C In 2020, Innovate BC shifted its focus to recovery and We also formed an exciting new partnership with L resiliency, adding complementary support for B.C. the Province and Innovation Asset Collective last A businesses to get online. The Digital Economy Rapid fiscal year. Business owners and entrepreneurs in S Response + Resiliency Program (DER3) continued B.C. will have better access to intellectual property S running into 2021 to ensure maximum impact and (IP) resources to protect and develop their ideas C benefits for struggling B.C. businesses. Of the through this partnership. O M P A N I E 1,169 100M 415M 84% 1,088 S Jobs supported Revenue generated Investment generated Companies that Entrepreneurs (VAP, ScaleUp) by companies by companies indicated they trained (VAP, supported supported acquired new digital ScaleUp) skills (DER3) 2021–2022 IMPACT REPORT | 15