Innovation Central Society (ICS) has innovated itself. A new executive director has now taken the helm at the business and technology booster agency. Robert Quibell is moving the organization forward, which he sees as moving the entire community forward.
"Our job is to foster new business, to help the best entrepreneurial ideas in the region come to fruition, to transform the economy from within, so I'm really excited to be able to play a part in that," said Quibell.
He was once on the other side of the ICS desk. Quibell has been involved in a number of business ventures over the years, the latest being Vortex Social Marketing. He knew the founding executive director of ICS, Ernest Daddey, before Daddey moved on to other ventures and was part of some ICS development sessions. Quibell appreciated the help ICS provided so much that when the chance came to lead the organization himself, he jumped at it.
"I think the mandate is awesome," he said. "If you had asked me right out of university what my dream job would be, I'd have described this one. I think the amount of potential in Prince George is absolutely phenomenal and it's an honour to be involved in seeing that growth happen for people."
The mission of ICS is to develop innovative ideas into successful business ventures, with specific focus on technological ventures. Some of the ICS offerings include:
- access to government grants and funding;
- connections to strategic partners;
- preparation for "angel investment";
- portfolio development as a marketing tool for sales;
- assistance in positioning of local, regional and international business opportunities, acceleration and market penetration;
- assistance with revenue generation and jobs creation.
They hold dry runs to train entrepreneurs how to best represent themselves in "dragon's den" pitch sessions, they have a Venture Acceleration Program to teach specifics of taking an early idea and getting it ready for the open market, access to mentors who can share real-world tips to startup business owners or inventors of new products/services, and many other resources.
"We aren't about people who want to work their 40 hours a week for somebody and collect a paycheque. That is fine for a lot of people, but we are about those folks who want to turn an invention or business idea into a business," Quibell said. "Now I get to do this all day long - connect those people with other people or programs or learning opportunities to get those innovations up on their feet and running. When that happens, it creates jobs in our community, it diversifies our local economy, and it breaks ground for more business startups and inventors."
Quibell has a Masters of Business Administration from UNBC and he has been an employment counsellor. His first degree was in kineseology, he has worked for others and worked for himself.
Quibell can be reached at his office in the Community Futures complex (1566 Seventh Ave.) or by calling 250-562-9622 x108.
