A new program is underway in the Prince George region to foster innovation in the north, especially for the north.
With a focus on youth, Ignite the North hopes to inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs by initiating conversations on innovation and collaboration in business. The first of these meetings was held Oct. 1 in Vanderhoof with a slate of other towns joining the direct conversation in the weeks ahead.
"We need more innovation and to get our kids to start thinking about how to build and create things and add value to them," said Albert Koehler, who is an entrepreneur and inventor with many patents to his name.
As a board member and executive committee member of the Omineca Beetle Action Coalition, a group dedicated to diversifying the economic profile of beetle-affected areas, Koehler was made chair of this project and provided with seed money. Shauna Harper, cofounder of the business startup community in Prince George, came on board as project leader.
"Entrepreneurs who share their stories about their journey (the success and the challenges) help to inspire the next generation of innovative thinkers," said Harper. "We need to share that it is okay to make mistakes along our journey and that the action of 'trying' will spark the best ideas and birth new innovations."
Although youth is the focus, it is inclusive of the full range of entrepreneurs. At each town's event, the second half of proceedings is dedicated to everyone sharing as a community, regardless of age or level of business. Leaders and participants, whether that be in government, not-for-profit agencies or in the private sector are asked to share their experiences, insights and suggestions on how to inspire the next generation as well as find ways for the businesses in the community to be more collaborative and innovative.
Tonight, Ignite the North holds its community conversation in McBride. On Wednesday it moves to Valemount. Prince George is next on Nov. 12, followed by Burns Lake, Houston and Smithers on Dec. 2, 3 and 4 respectively. Tentative meetings are being scheduled in Fraser Lake, Fort. St. James and Mackenzie for the early new year.
"The goal of the project is to build resiliency, create jobs and develop thriving communities in the north using innovation as a tool," said Harper.
Other partners involved in Ignite the North include: UNBC, CNC, BC Innovation Council, Integris Credit Union, Futurpreneur Canada, Startup Canada, local Community Futures Development Corporations, and local Chambers of Commerce.
