Manufacturing and Technology Sector Initiative (MATS)

MATS is a two-year Columbia Basin Trust initiative supporting economic diversification and development in the Columbia Basin, with a focus on the manufacturing and technology sectors. Currently underway or in-the-works are several of the key components of MATS:

• Business Retention and Expansion (BR&E) Initiative
  BR&E is an action-oriented and community-based approach to business and economic development which helps communities learn about the issues, concerns, and opportunities for local businesses, and set priorities for projects to address these needs.
  
  In the Fall of 2012, more than 200 manufacturing and technology-related businesses in the Columbia Basin were interviewed regarding their investment and expansion plans, sales trends and labour needs. The data analysis is currently underway and the summary reports will be available in late January or early February 2013. + More


• LEAP! (Leaders and Entrepreneurs in Action) Program
  LEAP! is a 6 month program that offers entrepreneurs a low-cost and effective way to increase business knowledge, fine-tune business goals and strategies, grow business networks, enhance business skills and propel business growth.
  
  Recently completed, LEAP has proved to be a very successful model. Read more about this round of LEAP in our recent success story. To express your interest for the next round now, contact us at pac@kric.ca.  + More


• Virtual Incubator
  Currently under development, this web-based resource will complement our Business Coaching Program; encouraging and enabling Kootenay entrepreneurs to further develop their businesses. More information about the Virtual Incubator will be coming in the Spring of 2013.


• Workshops and Events
  Several workshops and events have and will be held over the course of MATS. From networking events for technology professionals, to workshops on commercialization and managing scope creep, KRIC and KAST are dedicated to providing professional development opportunities and networking events for entrepreneurs in the Columbia Basin. 
  
  Check our events page for upcoming opportunities!
  
  
• Conferences
  In October of 2012, KAST held its Business & Innovation Conference, in conjunction with their Innovation Awards. KRIC is currently deep into the planning for its conference, which will be held on Thursday, June 6 at the College of the Rockies in Cranbrook. More information will be coming early in February of 2013.

Business Coaching

From support in developing your business idea, identifying your target market, and creating a business and marketing plan, to growth and expansion, human resources, and succession planning, KRIC’s Business Coaching Program provides a unique opportunity to East Kootenay entrepreneurs. + More.

Livewire: Harness your power!

Livewire, which recently wrapped up, provided an energetic and supportive environment for entrepreneurs and business owners to practice their pitch and fine-tune their business strategies.

Eligible participants had an opportunity to present their business case to KRIC dragons, and compete for targeted skills training funds and a chance to attend CETAC West's exceptional Entrepreneur to CEO workshop in February of 2013.

An announcement regarding the program (and the winner!) will be coming early in 2013.  + More.

Other Events and Activities

Over the course of each year, KRIC becomes involved with a variety of other workshops, conferences, events and opportunities as we are able. To read about everything that kept us busy during the past year, check out our 2011-12 Annual Report.