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Venture Capital Statistics

Wed, 09 May 2012 15:06:00 -0700

Comprehensive Venture Capital and Buyout Investment Data by calendar year. Produced by the CVCA. Canadian and USA data broken down by region, sector, source, et cetera.

Positioning Statement & Value Proposition

Mon, 07 May 2012 10:45:00 -0700

You often see these terms used interchangably. Although they are technically different, they both address core needs: What is special about YOUR product/service and why does your client/customer NEED it?

1) Value Proposition:

what do you offer and how do you offer it?
what value does your product/service have? reduced cost? time savings? revenue increase? customer experience?
how is the value generated?
why it is different from your competition?

2) Positioning Statement is sometimes referred to as: Brand Strategy, Positioning Strategy, Brand Positioning Statement, although some people will argue semantic differences. Many are derived from the "Crossing the Chasm" book by Geoffrey A. Moore (Harper Business Essentials, 1991, Revised 1999).

Your 'Value' and 'Positioning' are very useful for determining what, if anything, is special about your product/service. If, after completing this exercise, you discover that there is little compelling about your product/service, you now have the opportunity to make improvements.

Support Programs for Canadian Clean Tech Companies

Thu, 12 Apr 2012 15:52:00 -0700

This material was presented in collaboration with SDTC. Additional material is available from the SDTC Website HERE

This is a summary of the major support programs available in Canada and British Coloumbia.

Predictions for ITC by IDC

Wed, 04 Apr 2012 16:13:00 -0700

International Data Corporation (IDC) is the premier global provider of market intelligence, advisory services, and events for the information technology, telecommunications, and consumer technology markets. IDC Canada is part of a network of over 1000 analysts providing global, regional, and local expertise on technology, industry opportunities and trends with more analysts dedicated to understanding the Canadian market than any other global research firm.

HR Workshop Feb 2012

Mon, 02 Apr 2012 13:40:00 -0700

HR Workshop: Employee attraction & compensation. Getting the best return on your investment.

Changes in Federal Government Funding for Innovation in Canada: Budget 2012

Thu, 29 Mar 2012 00:00:00 -0700

March 2012 - Today the Federal Government announced their 2012 federal budget entitled "Jobs, Growth, and Long Term Prosperity." Overall, the budget is reasonably balanced. While the government is running an annual deficit of $24.4B, it is significantly smaller than previously forecasted. As such, the reductions in spending are less than anticipated and the government has continued its commitment to keeping taxes low.

Board of Directors and Advisors Compensation

Fri, 23 Mar 2012 17:08:00 -0700

There is often debate about how much a Board of Directors or Board of Advisors should be compensated. We conducted some primary and secondary research and came up with these results.

Funding

Fri, 02 Mar 2012 11:21:00 -0800

There are many ways to fund a technology start-up, all with advantages and disadvantages. The perfect situation is where you can maintain 100% ownership and control AND maximize revenue via fast market penetration.

The longer it takes to develop your technology before you see profit, the more likely you will need to get outside money. Sources of support include: friends and family, business associates, government programs and tax credit, debt financing, and outside investors.

BCTIA Letter to BC Securities Commission (Feb 2012)

Tue, 28 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0800

Letter from the BCTIA to the BC Securities Commission regarding BCN 2011/29 Request for Comment - CSA Staff Consultation Note 45-401 Review of Minimum Amount and Accredited Investor Exemptions

2012 BC Budget: Fiscal Prudence

Tue, 28 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0800

February 2012 - Under the theme of fiscal prudence, the BC Government released a budget last week that attempts to return British Columbia to balanced budgets by 2013-2014. While decidedly not an election budget, this budget has the Province of BC maintaining a steady course: offering few spending increases while making only modest tax increases to bolster revenues.

For BC’s technology industry, this budget neither offers large opportunities, nor will it cause undue hardships. The main impact that will affect member companies will involve small rollbacks in corporate tax cuts. In addition, there will be the overall impact of returning to the Provincial Sales Tax (PST), which the Province has now clarified will happen on April 1, 2013.

TechTalentBC Labour Study 2012

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0800

The TechTalentBC 2012 highlights summarize findings from the fourth wave of the BCTIA’s TechTalentBC Labour Demand Study. This study is a follow-up to three previous waves released in 2007, 2008, and 2010.

Following a stronger than expected rebound in 2011, the BC technology industry appears optimistic about its future prospects. However, this optimism is tempered by a number of concerns, most notably that troubles in Europe will prolong the economic recession in the US, which is the industry’s primary export market.

SEO - Search Engine Optimization

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 11:40:00 -0800

This is a starting point for those who will benefit from having their web-site easy to find by Search Engines.

BCTIA Member Forum: BCSC Exemptions (Feb 2012)

Mon, 20 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0800

The BCTIA hosted a Member Forum to discuss proposed changes as part of the BC Securities Commission and the Canadian Securities Administrators review of the minimum amount exemption and the accredited investor prospectus exemption contained in National Instrument 45-106.

Valuation Primer

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 14:09:00 -0800

There are a number of ways to calculate the value of an early stage company. Included are some introductory resources and examples.

Offering memorandum for a private placement

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 09:47:00 -0800

Do not be intimidated by the officious forms because the concept is simple: Inform investors of their rights, who owns what, what the business is, and what the risks are, et cetera.

There are three 'Exemption' classes in British Columbia.

Close Personal Friend and/or Close Business Associate Exemption
Accredited Investor Exemption
Private Placement Exemption

In this section are links to the guides, forms, and rules. In British Columbia (and New Brunswick and Newfoundland & Labrador) you may be able to use the Basic OM, otherwise you need the 'Enhanced' OM. In other provinces you must use the Enhanced OM. Ontario has its own forms and does NOT recognize the same exemptions. If you are raising money in Ontario, you should seek legal advice.

British Columbia Hiring and Training Fund

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 09:02:00 -0800

The Youth Skills BC Workplace Pilot Program offers BC employers a $2,000 Hiring Incentive when they hire an eligible youth between the ages of 15 and 29 (minimum 3 months, 30 hrs/week). Employers can also take advantage of a $1,000 Training Fund to purchase training for their new employee. The Training Fund will ensure your new hire has the skills/certification required to perform their job duties.

One Page Business Plan

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 17:18:00 -0800

The "one page business plan" interpreted for hi-tech start-up companies.

BCTIA Annual Review - 2009/10

Sun, 18 Dec 2011 23:12:00 -0800

View pdf of BCTIA Annual Review

BCTIA Annual Review - 2008/09

Sun, 18 Dec 2011 23:10:00 -0800

View pdf of BCTIA Annual Review

BCTIA Annual Review - 2007/08

Sun, 18 Dec 2011 23:07:00 -0800

View pdf of BCTIA Annual Review

BCTIA Annual Review - 2006/07

Sun, 18 Dec 2011 23:05:00 -0800

View pdf of BCTIA Annual Review

BCTIA Annual Review - 2005/06

Sun, 18 Dec 2011 22:56:00 -0800

View pdf of BCTIA Annual Review

Leveraging Trade Commissioners

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 16:51:00 -0800

A service of the Canadian Government. Whether you're looking to export, invest abroad or seek technology and R&D partnership, there are international business professionals, market intelligence and expert advice available when you need it.

Presented by Ross Bailey, President, Greenlight Innovation

Leveraging OEM Relationships

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 16:46:00 -0800

Learn how to help your partner(s) sell your product via incentives, training and other methods.

Presented by Michael Silmont, COO, Empower

Lead Generation Through Education

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 16:42:00 -0800

Generate sales leads by being an industry leader and then communicating that knowledge to potential customers.

Presented by Derek Pettingale, Former Director of Business Development, Cadex

Getting Involved in the Defence Sector

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 16:27:00 -0800

This is a great story of how a small Canadian company can enter into a complex and highly regulated industry. These lessons are easily applicable to similar industries beyond the defence sector.

Presented by Carman Upshaw, Senior Director of Sales, NGRAIN

Driving Global Standards

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 16:23:00 -0800

Set the bar that everyone else has to meet.

Presented by Stephen Joyce, CEO, Rezgo

Doing Business in BC

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 16:16:00 -0800

Hear from Stephen Joyce (Rezgo), Michael Silmont (Empower Software), Katryn Harris (Open Box), Ross Bailey (Greenlight Innovation), David Dossot (Dossot Software), Myles Degenstein (Ostara Nutrient Recovery), Carman Upshaw (nGRAIN), Derek Pettingale (Cadex Electronics).

Building Global Reach as a Freelancer

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 16:11:00 -0800

You do not need to be a large corporation to have a global reach. Included in this video are some tips on how to reach out to the broader community.

Presented by David Dossot, Principal Consultant

Building Credibility Through Leadership

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 16:07:00 -0800

How to become a thought leader and leverage that status for marketing and market share.

Presented by Stephen Joyce, CEO, Rezgo

Affordable Intelligence

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 15:29:00 -0800

Discover materials and methods avaliable for conducting free and very low cost Market and Competitive research and how to turn it into actionable Intelligence.

Presented by Steven Thomson, Principal Consultant, SL Thomson & Associates Consulting

10 Tips for Leads and Sales

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 15:23:00 -0800

Tested and proven methods for getting in front of leads and turning them into sales -- without becoming a pest and driving them away.

Presented by Mac Macintosh

Successful Sales & Strategic Business Relationships

Thu, 08 Dec 2011 11:52:00 -0800

Whether your focus is on product development, marketing, sales and distribution, sales growth, brand recognition, promotion or improved credibility, strategic business relationships are an important part of success.

This workshop focuses on: Developing a Strategic Business Plan (and why it's important to have one_. Identifying Potential Strategic Partners and Companies, Scheduling and Managing a Successful Meeting, and Contract Negotiation.

PitchCamp

Thu, 08 Dec 2011 11:48:00 -0800

Do you have trouble explaining what you do?
Are you having trouble getting investors or customers excited about your product?

Walk through a clear, step-by-step framework that will help you perfect your pitch.

International Business

Thu, 08 Dec 2011 11:10:00 -0800

For Canadian companies, "going global" means both increased opportunities (eg. new markets, customers and production locations) and an increase of foreign competition operating abroad and within Canada. This workshop provides insights, ideas, real success stories and strategies to help you sell and succeed in the international marketplace.

BCTIA Annual Review - 2004/05

Thu, 01 Dec 2011 00:00:00 -0800

View pdf of BCTIA Annual Review

BCTIA Federal R&D Review (Nov 2011)

Wed, 30 Nov 2011 00:00:00 -0800

Throughout November 2011, the BCTIA reviewed the recommendations of the Federal R&D Review panel and consulted with member companies in order to formulate feedback. In a letter to Minister Goodyear, the BCTIA provides its feedback on the effectiveness of R&D programs.

BCBC Economic Forum

Thu, 24 Nov 2011 10:16:00 -0800

BCTIA's presentation on the growth and success of BC's technology industry.

Federal Panel Recommends Changes to SRED for SMEs

Tue, 01 Nov 2011 00:00:00 -0700

October 2011 - Last week, the expert panel leading the Review of Federal Support to R&D in Canada tabled its recommendations to the Government of Canada. While much of the report echoes the concerns and positions of the BCTIA and its members, a few of the recommendations, most notably those around changes to SR&ED tax credits for SME’s, and changes to the structure of the National Research Council are more controversial.

Public Works Canada Pre-Qualified Supplier partners

Tue, 04 Oct 2011 13:49:00 -0700

Public Works and Government Services Canada (PWGSC) is making available Pre-Qualified Supplier Data on Buyandsell.gc.ca. The Pre-Qualified Supplier Data can help inform businesses as to what the Government of Canada buys in their industry or assist them to find a partner to sell to the Government of Canada.

https://buyandsell.gc.ca/pre-qualified-supplier-data

Response from Minister of Finance Regarding Stock Options (Sept 2011)

Tue, 27 Sep 2011 00:00:00 -0700

Response letter to the BCTIA from the Honourable Jim Flaherty, Minister of Finance, regarding the taxation of employee stock option plans.

Web Site Testers

Wed, 31 Aug 2011 16:12:00 -0700

Free web-sites that test YOUR website for deadlinks and error messages.

The Funding Portal

Wed, 31 Aug 2011 11:07:00 -0700

THE FUNDING PORTAL is the one-stop go-to site for businesses to search and access the Canadian public funding marketplace.

We are Canada's largest resource for public funding programs. With 15 years’ experience assisting companies to find and apply for public funding, we launched THE FUNDING PORTAL in 2011 to make life simpler for your business.

Our four simple steps—Find It, Apply for It, Score It and Advance It—make it easy for your business to find and secure public funding.

BCTIA Supplemental Submission to Federal R&D Review Panel (Aug 2011)

Wed, 17 Aug 2011 00:00:00 -0700

Further to the BCTIA's submission to the Federal R&D Review panel, the BCTIA conducted a series of supplementary consultations with technology companies specifically in regard to the role of SR&ED in supporting R&D in British Columbia.

Profit and Loss Income Statements

Fri, 29 Jul 2011 16:24:00 -0700

Here are four links listed in increasing detail describing Profit and Loss Statements (a.k.a. P&L statements or Income Statements).

The difference from a Balance Sheet is that a P&L is a period of time rather than a single point in time.

Building global reach as a freelancer

Tue, 21 Jun 2011 11:37:00 -0700

You do not need to be a large corporation to have a global reach. Included in this video are some tips on how to reach out to the broader community.

Lead generation through education

Tue, 21 Jun 2011 11:28:00 -0700

Generate sales leads by being an industry leader and then communicating that knowledge to potential customers.

10 tips for leads and sales

Tue, 21 Jun 2011 11:24:00 -0700

Here are tested and proven methods regarding how to get in front of leads and turn them into sales without becoming a pest and driving them away.

Selling through large partners

Tue, 21 Jun 2011 11:08:00 -0700

Bringing on a large partner is similar to hiring a large sales team that requires extra training. Here are some tips to understand and manage a large partner.

OEM Relationships

Tue, 21 Jun 2011 10:53:00 -0700

Finding a partner is only the beginning. Actively support your partner to get maximum mutual benefit.