The BC Technology Industry Association (BCTIA) is expanding its Centre4Growth acceleration program to the District of Maple Ridge and the City of Surrey.

The BCTIA Centre4Growth, launched in Sept 2010, is a not-for-profit organization that supports technology companies in British Columbia.

To date, almost 300 companies have received coaching from its CEO-in-Residence (CIR) program, with client companies collectively growing their employment by 15 per cent (237 net new jobs), their revenue by 76 per cent ($32 million), and their investment by 24 per cent ($25 million).

"Our vision has always been to have Centre4Growth services accessible to tech entrepreneurs across Greater Vancouver and British Columbia. Having the support of Maple Ridge and the City of Surrey as our first two Centre4Growth nodes is a great first step," said Bill Tam, BCTIA president and chief executive officer.

Steady population growth in Maple Ridge and Surrey has resulted in a rapid increase in innovative companies in the area.

Companies receiving capacity building support through Centre4Growth grow faster, strengthen the local economy, and support other industries throughout the region with locally developed innovative business solutions.

"The workplace of today is very different from that of our parents and grandparents. One of the biggest factors is technology and we're proud to have so many innovative technology companies here. This initiative aligns perfectly with our economic vision, by providing tech companies in every sector the resources, expertise, insight, strategic focus and support they need to grow and compete globally," said Maple Ridge Mayor Ernie Daykin. "Together with our Invest North Fraser partners Mission and Pitt Meadows we are delighted to welcome Centre4Growth to our region. Our region was selected as a regional economic development pilot under the BC Jobs Plan, and a business innovation accelerator was a key opportunity identified for the region through the pilot process."

"In order to grow small companies into successful mid to large-sized companies, entrepreneurs need access to experienced people and resources," Tam said, "not just in major cities, but in the regions where they live. Through the expansion of Centre4Growth, entrepreneurs in Maple Ridge and Surrey need look no further than their own back yard."

In addition to the Centre4Growth CEO-in-Residence program, entrepreneurs have access to GrowthWorkshops, private Business Clinics with subject matter experts, introductions to potential investors and customers, and an e-library of 800-plus resources and tools.

The Maple Ridge launch takes place today from 3 to 5 p.m. in the Randy Herman Safety Building, Hilton Haider Room, 11960 Haney Pl.

The Maple Ridge BCTIA registration link is www.regonline.ca/C4GMapleRidge.