Oct. 30 was a great day for tech entrepreneurs across our region as the BC Technology Industry Association (BCTIA) held an event here to mark the expansion of their successful Centre4Growth (C4G) to the North Fraser communities of Maple Ridge, Pitt Meadows, and Mission.

Some of the ways that the BCTIA C4G helps companies to grow include – increase revenues, expand into new markets, negotiate deals, access opportunities, and accelerate growth.

Local companies have benefited from participation in the C4G program in the past – but this is the first time they have offered services in our region.

Entrepreneurs who attended the kickoff session emphasized how important this. It not only gives them access to much-needed coaching and resources, but it allows them to stay in the region so they aren’t away from their business for extended periods of time to attend sessions in Vancouver.

It’s easy to get started – companies interested in the BCTIA C4G CEO in Residence program simply go online to apply.

The online application process takes just a few minutes and is the first step to helping tech entrepreneurs accelerate the growth of their companies: www.bctia.org/Centre4Growth/Apply-for-CEO-in-Residence-Services.

We’re working with our economic development offices, chambers of commerce, and other business organizations, via social media and articles such as this in our local media to get the word out and ensure that companies are registering to take advantage of the program.

Technology spans all sectors of our economy.

That’s one of the reasons the timing of this program for Maple Ridge couldn’t be better, as the outcomes of the program can impact our entire region.

It is also a great first step in helping us achieve our longer term goal of establishing a centre of excellence and innovation – identified as one of nine priority projects for the North Fraser region as part of the BC Jobs Plan regional pilot www.bcjobsplan.ca.

Strong response to the C4G opportunity will help demonstrate the level of local interest and demand for these services, and give the economic development offices, industry, and government the information they need to continue to work together to fund additional programs and services to help ensure businesses have what they need to thrive.

Companies who are not part of the CEO in Residence program can still access a wide range of industry resources, as well as attend seminars that will be held locally from time to time.

Is your company as SMART as it could be?

BDC helps entrepreneurs get the most from technology with their SMART TECH initiative. Do you know how well your company is doing on the tech front? Find out today by taking the BDC free online web and ICT assessment www.bdc.ca/smarttech.

Top investment town, again

On Nov. 8, the Real Estate Investment Network (REIN) www.reincanada.com released their Top BC Investment Towns 2012 – 2016 report that once again ranks Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows #2 on their list of top towns.

The report analyzes the current and future prospects for real estate investment opportunities in the province and identifies the top regions that will outperform in the coming decade.

To order a copy of the complete Top British Columbia Investment Towns research report visit www.topbctowns.com.

Incentives attracting investment

Maple Ridge Town Centre Investment Incentive Program (www.mapleridge.ca) is another way we’re helping attract investment to our downtown.

The projects underway will become home to many new companies that will help Maple Ridge meet the forecast jobs growth target of 48,000 jobs; and with all the multi-family housing under construction many of those workers will live within walking distance of their jobs with the convenience of shops and services nearby.

The Maple Ridge commercial industrial report, outlining current and future supply and demand for commercial and industrial development, was presented to council and the economic advisory commission in late November.

A report from staff will be coming to council early in the New Year, after which there will be opportunity for public input that will help shape the future of our community.

– Sandy Blue is Manager for Strategic Economic Development for Maple Ridge. Contact her at sblue@mapleridge.ca.