This non-profit is helping grow the Okanagan tech sector

A local non-profit tech accelerator is helping startups reach their goals and turning their ideas into reality.

“We support entrepreneurs through our mentorship programs, connections and community,” Thuy Tran, acting CEO at Accelerate Okanagan told Kelowna10.

“We know entrepreneurs [are] key to a better and sustained future… we have to create space to support innovation and entrepreneurship.”

Accelerate Okanagan also provides a co-working area in the Innovation Centre next to the downtown library, which allows startups to build community and share ideas.

“Our priority is to support entrepreneurs, It’s a great way for entrepreneurs to come to a space where they’re working alongside [others],” Tran said.

She said the pandemic didn’t slow down tech startups in the Okanagan. Companies such as Pela, Bananatag, and Two Hat Security, to name a few, are thriving.

“Tech is the biggest economic driver here. It’s the fastest growing industry,” she said. “We also saw mainstream businesses rapidly adopting technology during the last 18 months."

Through the Advisor Access program, the organization has supported over 200 businesses in the Okanagan with digital strategies.

As a non-profit, Tran said they rely on funding from federal and provincial governments, as well as through partnerships, sponsors, and program fees.

In January, OKGN Angel Summit, which is a 10-week program that brings together angel investors and entrepreneurs, will begin again. The top six finalists get to pitch to investors, and the winner receives the investment.

At the event earlier this year, TechBrew Robotics won nearly $150,000 to help build their company.

Like many other organizations, COVID-19 forced Accelerate Okanagan to restrict access, but Tran said they’re excited to start welcoming back the public soon.

“We know that entrepreneurship can be a lonely journey, so we want to be able to bring back the in-person events where those connections can be made,” she said.