Let’s face it, it’s not easy to take an idea and turn it into reality. Being an entrepreneur is hard because it’s all on you! Success is on you. Results are on you. Making the call is on you. Worst of all, doing the things you don’t like to do… also on you.

The reality is that being an entrepreneur will test you in ways you didn’t think possible but we want you to pursue it anyway. We also want you to know, you’re not alone. There are a ton of support services and funding opportunities available to entrepreneurs in the Okanagan looking to take the plunge.

The recently re-launched Innovator Skills Initiative Grant delivered by New Ventures BC in partnership with the BC Innovation Council is an opportunity to access up to $10,000 in funding if you are looking to hire a student this year. That’s right, $10,000.

To qualify you must be a BC-based tech company willing to hire a post-secondary student from an accredited institution in BC (we’re looking at you CATO, UBC Okanagan, and Okanagan College). The student’s role must be a business or technical in nature (this is not a coop position).

What’s the catch? You will need to match the grant funding in cash or a combo of cash and up to 25% in-kind. You will also need to provide entrepreneurial training and mentorship. Oh, and there is a small amount of survey homework.

Applications for the summer session are open now, so jump on it!

Want to learn more about funding and support resources? Connect with me and let’s find funding and support that will work for you and your business.