New Westminster – The City of New Westminster has proclaimed February 24-March 3 Innovation Week in New Westminster, to showcase New Westminster’s increasing role as a regional centre for research, technology and innovation as well as provide opportunities to learn, showcase and experience innovation in action. Innovation Week features a number of events and activities for all ages – from startups, to kids, to business leaders, to residents.

A highlight of Innovation Week is the Innovation Forum on February 28, sponsored by Vancity Credit Union and jointly hosted by Public Services and Procurement Canada and the City of New Westminster. It is a free all-day exchange of ideas and information to assist startups and tech companies find the path to private and public funding, learn how to sell to government, and network featuring representatives from the following funding organizations as well as a panel of speakers including some Angel Investors:

• Build In Canada Innovation Program
• Western Innovation Fund
• Scientific Research and Experimental Development
• Natural Sciences and Engineering Council of Canada
• Mayor Jonathan Coté, City of New Westminster
• Mike Walkinshaw, CEO of TIMIA Capital
• Jill Earthy, Chief Growth Officer, FrontFundr
• William Azaroff, ‎Executive Lead, Member Experience and Community Engagement, Vancity Credit Union + Board Chair at Modo Co-op

Registration for the forum is on Eventbrite.  Your free registration includes lunch.

“Entrepreneurs and small business owners are the drivers of our local economy. Innovation helps our communities prosper, so it's important for us to work together to help build communities that are environmentally, economically and socially sustainable,” said William Azaroff, Executive Lead, Member Experience & Community Engagement at Vancity Credit Union.

Innovation Week features a number of other events that allow businesses, investors and community members alike to engage, such as the New Westminster Business and Tech Meetup, the VANTEC Pitch Circuit, BRINK at the New Media Gallery, New West PechaKucha Volume 14, and Digital Days – a creative industry conference. Hack Our City, and the Leadership Dinner round out the week’s activities.

A full listing and details of all events are available on the City’s website at www.newwestcity.ca/innovatenw.

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Contacts:

Ruby Campbell
Intergovernmental and Community Partnerships Manager
604-515-3821 or