GLOBE-Net, September 24, 2011 - If your company
is an emerging Canadian business in the cleantech sector, and the
U.S. is your target market, an upcoming initiative can help you
refine your business models and make the connections you need to
grow.
The Technology Growth Initiative (TGI) is a business opportunity
for start-ups and emerging Canadian technology companies in the
ICT, Cleantech and Life Sciences sectors.
Through four phases, surrounding a one-day TGI
educational and pitching program held across Western Canada,
companies are provided with value-added industry knowledge,
strategic business coaching and key business contacts.
The one-day TGI program is divided into morning presentations by
U.S. and Canadian industry experts, a networking lunch, and
afternoon pitching sessions. Companies may choose to participate in
the TGI as competitors, by pitching their technology to a panel of
expert judges, or simply as attendees, by watching the competition
and attending the morning events.
Competing companies are provided with individualized coaching
through our regional offices, both before and after their pitch.
Judges also provide competing companies with valuable feedback and
advice to further improve their pitching skills and business
strategies.
Those with the highest scores following the pitching
competitions will benefit from international exposure through
tailor-made initiatives offered by a number of U.S. posts. These
initiatives will serve as launching pads for Canadian companies
into dynamic U.S. markets.
Key dates:
- Registration deadline for TGI attendees: Wednesday,
October 12, 2011
- One day TGI:
- Vancouver, Monday, October 24, 2011
- Saskatoon, Tuesday, October 25, 2011
- Winnipeg, Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Register as a TGI attendee to benefit
from: Online training webinars
- TGI morning presentations by industry experts
- TGI networking lunch, and
- A seat to watch the TGI competitors pitch in the afternoon
The four phases of TGI
1. Access Online Training Webinars (Before
attending)
All competitors and attendees obtain access to a series of business focused webinars featuring
leading Canadian and U.S. industry experts who will discuss
everything from intellectual property, to alternative financing
models, to marketing technology companies and influencing key
business technology and financial decision makers. These webinars
serve as important tools to help both competitors and attendees
prepare for the TGI.
2. Attend a Coaching Session (Before the pitching
session)
Trade commissioners, located in regional offices throughout
western Canada, and their local partners, will offer a coaching
session to top-qualifying companies in order to prepare TGI
competitors for the pitching sessions.
3. Compete for an entry point into the U.S. marketplace
(In 3 cities, from October 24th to 26th, 2011)
Competitors and attendees will have access to a series of
morning presentations by industry experts and the networking lunch.
In the afternoon, TGI competitors will compete by pitching their
technology to a panel of industry experts, in front of an audience
composed of TGI attendees and other industry players. Industry
experts attending, presenting and judging during the TGI include
venture capitalists, consulting firms, academics, entrepreneurs and
more.
4. Specially Designed U.S. Market Technology Initiatives
(Winter 2011 and Spring 2012)
TGI competitors who receive top scores during the pitching
sessions will gain access to Specially Designed U.S. Market
Technology Initiatives. These specially tailored
initiatives, also called pipelines, offer privileged coaching,
mentoring and match-making by industry decision makers, technology
partners and venture capital entrepreneurs in key U.S. markets such
as: Boston, Buffalo, Denver, Los Angeles, Minneapolis, New York and San Francisco.
Furthermore, DFAIT regional offices will continue supporting TGI
competitors through personalized service to further improve their
business strategies and connect to markets.
This initiative is made possible through funding from the North
American Platform Program (NAPP) partnership as well as through the
TGI Corporate Partners.
Program Partners
Miller Thomson
Western
Economic Diversification Canada
KPMG