👋 Welcome back to VTJ’s Midweek Memo: the Vancouver tech events and opportunities newsletter you can’t miss.
This week, our newsletter is themed around funding. First, join us for our #VTJTalks event this month to get practical strategies for fundraising.
Then, check out a session on how not to leave government money on the table, and stop by our opportunities section for funding for female founders, mining tech, healthtech, and gaming.
VTJ EVENTS
🗓 Thursday, October 24 | 🎟 Register
Join leaders from Vancouver’s entrepreneurial ecosystem for a first-hand guide on how to raise money.
This gathering will feature experienced local founders sharing their success stories and practical strategies for effective fundraising.
Attendees will gain valuable insights into crafting compelling pitches, building meaningful investor relationships, and using Vancouver's unique resources to secure capital.
Panelists:
Carlyn Loncaric, founder and CEO, Vodasafe
Kaylee Lieffers (Astle), founder and CEO, Blanka
Cory Sivell, co-founder and CEO, RetreatsandVenues
🚨 Want 50% off this event? 🚨
Members get all VTJ events half price. Check your members-only Slack channel for your 50% off discount code.
Not a member yet? Sign up today for only $8.25. It pays for itself with just one event, plus you get a whole load of extra perks too.
SPONSORED BY COAST, AN INITIATIVE OF THE SOUTH ISLAND PROSPERITY PARTNERSHIP
An (almost) fully-funded ESG course for ocean companies
COAST is delighted to provide a new microcredential (along with a serious scholarship) through online learning hub Blue Pathways—ESG Blue: ESG and Impact Fundamentals for Ocean SMEs.
This microcredential program is offered by the University of Victoria, and equips teams at small and medium-sized ocean companies with practical tools to manage ESG impacts, enhance resilience, attract ESG-driven investors, align with global sustainability and climate goals, and contribute to Indigenous reconciliation.
COAST member companies who sign up for ESG Blue through Blue Pathways are eligible for a significant bursary that covers the majority of course costs.
Learn more about ESG Blue here, and sign up for COAST membership here to access bursaries and application info. The course starts October 24, and runs through December 12.
OTHER UPCOMING EVENTS
🗓 Wednesday, October 16 | 🎟 Register
In a field that can often feel male-dominated, it’s crucial to foster a strong sense of confidence and community among women in tech. This event between the Vancouver JavaScript community and ThriveUp is designed to inspire, connect, and uplift women.
The event will feature a combination of an inspiring talk, engaging discussions and networking, all aimed at providing the tools and support needed to thrive in your tech career.
Speakers include:
Conny Lin, PhD, development director, Electronic Arts
Talwinder Kaur, software engineer, Amazon
Najeong (Lea) Im, UX designer II, Microsoft
Annie Wang, software engineer, Google
Bibi Souza, software engineer, TrustFlight
🗓 Thursday, October 17 | 🎟 Register
Are you missing out on funding? Join an insightful event focused on government funding programs to understand what options are available to you and why you should take control of the process.
From SR&ED to IRAP to other tax credit programs, discover what you can do yourself, and when you might consider external support to maximize the benefits.
This event is tailored for companies new to applying, as well as experienced companies seeking to maximize their funding options.
🗓 Friday, October 18 | 🎟 Register
The ProductBC Conference will bring together the product community across B.C. and highlight the importance of unifying new tools and technologies, such as AI, with valid business problems.
This theme encompasses the resurgence of in-person events, the integration of remote and hybrid interactions, and the evolving role of product management in a rapidly changing market.
The conference aims to foster connections within remote, in-person, and hybrid environments, leveraging the prevalence of remote work and events to offer professional opportunities across provinces, countries, and internationally.
SPONSORED BY FORESIGHT CANADA
Unlocking Canada's forest bioeconomy potential
Canada is the world’s second-largest forest products exporter. Innovation in this sector represents a renewed opportunity for economic growth through the proliferation of engineered wood products, biofuels, biochemicals, biomaterials, and more.
Learn more through our FREE Ventures to Value Chains: Forest Bioeconomy report.
🤝 NEW OPPORTUNITIES
🗓 October 21 | 🎟 Apply
Apply for Genome Alberta and Genome BC’s new funding program. It focuses on implementing research that will advance genomics infrastructure and tech, with the goal of improving healthcare within each province’s health system.
🗓 November 4 | 🎟 Apply
Apply for a funding program designed to support and grow B.C.-based gaming studios.
🗓 November 22 | 🎟 Apply
Take home $1 million for a solution that reduces greenhouse gases and carbon intensity when mining for base and precious metals.
🗓 December 13 | 🎟 Apply
Learn about impact measurement, due diligence, and more. Selected founders will be invited to continue to the next stages in the Challenge, culminating in a pitch finale where one company takes home an investment of approximately $100K.
SPONSORED BY TAP NETWORK
Are your tech salaries competitive? Find out.
With in-depth compensation data from 200+ tech companies, TAP Network’s 2024 Tech Sector Salary Survey provides a clear picture of salaries in Canada’s tech sector.
🤝 VANCOUVER TECH JOBS
Whether you're looking for a dream role or a dream employee, Vancouver Tech Jobs has you covered, with open jobs including:
TikTok is hiring an IT Support Engineer - Vancouver
Workday is hiring a Software Development Engineer
Lululemon is hiring a Project Manager - B2B Technology
Simon Fraser University is hiring a Director, Technical Operations
University of British Columbia is hiring an Operations Manager, Learning Technology Ecosystems
Growing your team? Post a job with us »
SPONSORED BY THE BURNABY BEACON
One weekly update on local news, events, food, and people in Burnaby! Join 16,000+ locals and subscribe to the Burnaby Beacon.
👋 YOUR COMMUNITY
🗣 VTJ Community Slack | Can’t make it to any in-person events? Network and chat with your friendly neighbourhood tech professionals using our dedicated Slack.
🤝Vancouver Tech Jobs board | Looking for work? Looking for your next hire?
🗓️Vancouver Tech Events Calendar | All local events in one place.
💪 Become a VTJ Corporate Member | Get your brand in front of thousands of tech professionals, investors, decision makers, and leaders. Get in touch today.
That’s it!
If you have anything interesting to share, fundraising news, hiring, product announcements, or anything else, please reach out anytime! Just reply back here or email us.
And before you go, we’d love feedback to help us improve!