New Westminster – New Westminster City Council has proclaimed February 23 to March 3, 2018, Innovation Week in the City of New Westminster. In its second year, Innovation Week will showcase New Westminster as an avid participant in conversations around research, technology, and innovation. This year’s program delivers a diverse array of opportunities for the community to experience the City’s innovation in action.
“New Westminster is proud to host Innovation Week events for a second time. In particular, the partnerships and collaborations that this robust week offers are immeasurable, as they extend far past the ‘Week’ itself and have lasting impacts in our community,” said Mayor Jonathan Coté. “Innovation Week is one more initiative New Westminster has undertaken to help position our city as a livable, vibrant, and progressive place live and do business.”
Of particular note is the Innovation Forum, a recurring free program sponsored by Landcor Data Corporation and presented in partnership with Public Services and Procurement Canada, on February 27 at Anvil Centre. This program provides start-up, tech, and research firms with extensive guidance on how to secure government funding. Mark Betteridge, former CEO of Discovery Parks and an angel investor in technology firms in their early stages, will moderate an afternoon panel on Angel Investing.
New Westminster Chamber of Commerce’s Business Expo, on February 28 and sponsored by Vancity credit union, is another must-see event, which affords businesses the means of promoting themselves at both the local and regional level while discovering new products, services, and technologies. The Business Expo’s Child and Youth Entrepreneurial Area offers inspiration to the next generation of innovators.
“Entrepreneurs and small business owners help us build prosperous communities. Their innovative thinking and creative ideas drive our local economy,” said William Azaroff, Vancity credit union’s vice-president of community business and investment.
Innovation Week kicks off on February 23 with an opening reception at City Hall. Another feature element is the Transportation Forum on March 1, as well as many more occasions for businesses, investors, and members of the community to engage and connect, such as New West Pecha Kucha Volume 18, Child and Youth Workshops, and numerous arts-based events.
Innovation Week’s schedule and further information on all events are available on the City of New Westminster website at www.newwestcity.ca/innovatenw
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Contacts:
Ruby Campbell
Intergovernmental and Community Partnerships Manager
City of New Westminster
604-515-3821 or