Announcing the Inside Edge Innovation Challenge 2011

Submitted by James on 7th June '11

Inside Edge Innovation Challenge 2011

SQUAMISH, BC, May 31, 2011 - Inside Edge is challenging local non-profit organizations that serve the Sea-to-Sky community to imagine an Innovative way to increase their positive impact on our community. In October, members of Inside Edge will donate their time to help turn an innovative idea into reality.


Christine Bennett, Business Coordinator, and Inside Edge Innovation Challenge Committee Chair explains, “The value of the time, expertise and resources that Inside Edge members will contribute during the Innovation Challenge could easily top $25,000 or $30,000. We are a small, tight-knit community, and we care about our neighbors. Local non-profit organizations play a critical role in making our community what it is today. The outcome of the Innovation Challenge will provide significant support to a local non-profit organization contributing value to our community.”
There are only two criteria for the qualifying project: it must be innovative, and it must provide benefit to the community. Examples of qualifying projects may include: developing a business plan to create a local cooperative for bio-diesel distribution; developing a smart phone trail management app; or developing a mentorship program to help local at-risk youth start a successful business of their own.


David Crewson, Chairman of Inside Edge, explains that, “The economy is a big concern for everyone that lives here. We believe that a strong social infrastructure and a culture of innovation will be key elements in growing a local economy. The Sea-to-Sky corridor has a lot of innovative and talented people, and we want to help turn that collective innovation into a local industry. We really hope that this event will challenge everyone involved to think about new ideas and ways to work together. “


Inside Edge members are businesses and residents of the Squamish community representing a broad scope of skills, including IT Professionals, Project Managers, Marketing and Media Experts and Producers, Engineers, Business Coaches and Consultants, and so much more. The Innovation Challenge allows members to help our community, and demonstrates the incredible talent and resources that are locally available.


According to James Morris Principal of VentureWeb Design Ltd., “I’m not sure if many people realize the incredible wealth of knowledge and skills within Squamish, and I’m hoping that this event will shine a spotlight on our local talent. In addition to increasing local innovation, I’d love for this event to make people aware that all the resources needed to support that innovation are available locally - and to know that Inside Edge can help people locate those resources”.


Christine McLeod, A successful local entrepreneur and founder of Impact People Practices, sees another benefit to the Innovation Challenge 2011, “I joined Inside Edge fairly recently. It’s been really helpful for my own business to connect with so many other innovative entrepreneurs. Working on the planning for this event with other Inside Edge members, I’ve been able to see what they’re capable of and this has helped me find good partners and resources for my other projects. Being around so many innovative people has also really sparked innovation in my own business. I’d recommend that anyone looking to become more innovative or looking for some great contacts to join Inside Edge and get involved”.
For more information and to apply for the Innovation Challenge, visit www.insideedgebc.org/InnovationChallenge

About Inside Edge
 

A Culture of Innovation
Inside Edge is an industry-funded not for profit organization that encourages and supports business, entrepreneurs, and ideas in Squamish’s emerging Knowledge Based Industry. Our network of 100+ participants represents a wide variety of industry sectors, and stimulates the local creative economy through enterprise diversification and job growth.


Local industry participants meet at the monthly Connect! events to inspire, share and learn. The events are held on the third Thursday evening of every month at various locations in Squamish.
Inside Edge is committed to the growth and prosperity of local business that produce knowledge technologies, tools and products. By supporting new enterprise, ventures and ideas, Inside Edge is a catalyst for transforming Squamish to a recognized and respected knowledge based economy.