This week, Western Economic Diversification Canada announced $2.2M in federal funding to help some of BC’s most innovative companies grow, create jobs, and recover from the impact of COVID-19. As part of that, the Discovery Foundation received $95,000 from Western Economic Diversification Canada to support the resilience programming of its delivery partner, Spring Activator. This summer, Spring Activator launched the first online, long-term Business Resilience Program across BC to enable small business recovery post-COVID-19 and to help boost the economy. With this financial support, we will continue expanding the already extensive online course program and adapting it to meet needs against the ever-changing course of the global pandemic. 

“The Discovery Foundation is delighted to partner with the Government of Canada on this important program to improve business resiliency and help to foster the development of healthy regional technology ecosystems as we build back better. With our valued agent, Spring Activator, and their talented team we will provide much needed education and mentorship with a focus on equity, diversity, and inclusion to create a vibrant economic future in BC.” – Dr. David G. Harper CEO, The Discovery Foundation

 

Funding comes at a critical time when the path to recovery looks slow and uncertain for our province. With many business owners in BC anticipating stagnant or decreased business performance, it is instrumental to ensure small businesses and entrepreneurs are equipped with the tools and resources necessary for business growth and resilience. 

“Spring helps the business and entrepreneur community survive and thrive in the face of business adversity – and from the outset of this pandemic we began working on programming to help in recovery efforts, and to help navigate future crises,” said Keith Ippel, Spring Activator Co-Founder and CEO. “With the support of the Discovery Foundation and Western Economic Diversification Canada, we can continue to adapt our program to reflect the current environment, and rally behind the small communities and businesses that will be pivotal in our recovery efforts.”

SME’s and entrepreneurs are already playing a major role in helping our economy come back strong and in supporting growth across the province. Since launching the Business Resilience Program, we have expanded with two additional partners, including Coast Capital Savings, and we have helped +250 entrepreneurs take necessary action to thrive once again. 

The Business Resilience Program has grown to include 20 online courses with a certification of completion for each. With new courses being added every week, participants are able to acquire as many certifications as they choose. Courses are supplemented with additional tools and resources including:

• Bi-weekly live Masterclasses + Q&A sessions
• One on one Entrepreneur in Residence support calls for the participants
• Access to comprehensive resources for each topic 
• Access to the Community Hub, an online community platform of curated resources, local entrepreneurs, as well as Economic Development and partner members

Learn more about the Business Resilience Program here.