At our Paul Kedrosky mentor event on November 19, we announced a BCIC/Bootup partnership before Paul’s talk. Since then, the ink has dried and I have had the pleasure of interacting and working with many members of the BCIC team including “the Deans,” Lin Kishore and Lindsay Thom.  Both organizations are committed to helping build a strong startup ecosystem that encourages innovation and offers digital media entrepreneurs the potential for long term success.

“Bootup Entrepreneurial Society fulfills an instrumental role in the acceleration of technology start-ups to competitively position British Columbia in today’s global technology space,” said Dean Rockwell, CEO of BCIC.  “BCIC is dedicated to develop entrepreneurial talent and to drive the commercialization of technologies and we are pleased to partner with BES in their efforts to make our province a desirable place to found and build digital media start-ups.”

Through this partnership, BES plans to expand its International Mentorship Program to include regular talks and workshops by leading business development and marketing experts. In addition, BES will work closely with BCIC to raise awareness of BC’s burgeoning digital media startup community locally and abroad.

Wantit.bootup.ca
On top of that, we really want to hear from you.  We started wantit.bootup.ca last month to get your feedback and suggestions.  Two of the ideas posted on the Wantit site are already in motion:

• Mentor Speed Dating – Mack Flavelle of Compass Engine has come forward to organize a Mentor Speed Dating event on February 10.  If you are interested in being a mentor or looking for mentorship, please sign up at mentors.bootup.ca and Mack will get in touch with you.
• University Connect Program – Jon Chui is working on a plan to support student entrepreneurs. More information to come.

Go to Wantit.bootup.ca if you want to add or vote for your favorite suggestion.  If you want to help make some of these things happen like Mack and Jon, please contact me or comment below.