IN THE KNOW:
Victoria companies receive BOOST funding through VIATEC
Eleven Victoria-based, high potential technology ventures will form part of the first cohort of VIATEC’s BOOST program, designed to accelerate proven local tech companies, unlock new opportunities and achieve higher levels of growth.
They include Appreciation Engine Inc, Button Inc, Category 12 Brewing Inc., CultureFoundry, Ergo Eco Solutions Inc. (Ergo), Fast Moving Software, GECCO Green Edge Computing Corp., and Limbic Media as Douglas 10 to Watch alumni Care2TalkTechnologies Ltd, VoxCell BioInnovation Inc. and joni.
The new initiative focuses on supporting local startups and scale-ups that show high potential by connecting them with expert advisors, targeted resources, and customized growth plans.
Qualifying companies are selected through a comprehensive screening process that assesses their growth potential, leadership team, market opportunity, and readiness to scale. Those selected receive funding to implement self-designed growth strategies—giving them the flexibility to focus on what they need most, whether that’s hiring, product development, customer acquisition, or operational improvements.
The Government of Canada, through Pacific Economic Development Canada (PacifiCan), is supporting VIATEC with a $2.5-million investment to deliver BOOST through the Business Acceleration Pilot (BizAP), which aims to accelerate job creation and long-term economic impact in the region. Recipients receive up to $45,000 in investment to implement their personalized growth plans to expand into new markets.
“We built BOOST to meet companies where they are,” said Dan Gunn, CEO of VIATEC. “Instead of forcing them into a one-size-fits-all program, we give them the freedom and investment to pursue their own growth strategies, with the right support behind them. These are companies that already show strong potential, and BOOST is about helping them scale faster, create more jobs, stay rooted in this region and break through to the next level.”
June Labour Force Survey shows B.C.’s resilience in face of US tariffs
British Columbia is posting strong job numbers despite the ongoing US-Canada tariff war, according to the latest Labour Force Survey.
B.C.’s unemployment rate stands at 5.6%, the third lowest in the country and well below the national average of 6.9%. The province leads the nation in full-time job growth for 2025, adding more than 50,000 positions so far this year, and boasts one of the highest average hourly wages in Canada.
This resilience is attributed to BC’s diversified economy and proactive measures to offset the impact of US tariffs, like accelerating trade diversification efforts in Asia and Europe, removing internal trade barriers to boost interprovincial business, prioritizing Canadian suppliers for government procurement and restricting purchases from certain US states.
These steps, alongside targeted support for affected sectors, have helped B.C. businesses maintain momentum, even as other provinces like Alberta have had to rely more heavily on energy exports and direct supports to weather the tariff storm.
Cellulotech secures seed funding to scale green packaging tech
Victoria-based Cellulotech has raised seed funding to accelerate the commercial rollout of its solvent-free cellulose functionalization technology, which offers a recyclable alternative to plastics and harmful chemicals.
The round was led by Neglected Climate Opportunities, part of the Jeremy and Hannelore Grantham Environmental Trust, with support from Meliorate Partners. Cellulotech’s patented process transforms cellulose into a cost-effective substitute for plastics and PFAS, targeting industries like packaging, hygiene, textiles, and construction.
The company will expand production to bring its sustainable materials to market, with the goal of making green alternatives more affordable and accessible for global supply chains.
Uber drivers unionize in Victoria
Uber drivers in Greater Victoria have achieved a significant milestone for the region’s gig economy by successfully forming a union under UFCW 1518.
This certification marks the first time ride-hailing drivers in the area have gained formal collective bargaining rights, setting a new precedent for platform-based workforces in B.C. and underscoring a growing trend of gig workers seeking greater stability and representation.
Controversial Quadra McKenzie Plan moves to next round
The District of Saanich has announced that a revised Draft Quadra McKenzie Plan (QMP) will go back to the public for further input this fall.
The Plan has come under close scrutiny from the public. Over 10,000 public comments have been shared, and a July 7 Saanich council meeting became highly contentious, drawing a large, vocal and aggressive crowd.
Key revisions include reducing the number of properties designated as Corridor (6-storeys), primarily in Quadra North, scaling back building heights and the area covered by Corridor Hubs; and re-designating more parcels as Urban Townhome and Apartment (3 to 4-storeys).
It also removes design concepts for vehicle travel lanes on McKenzie Avenue, to be considered separately through a future process in collaboration with BC Transit.
An additional round of public engagement will be launched to gather feedback on the revised Draft Plan. It’s anticipated Phase 4 engagement will run from August to October 2025. A combination of in-person and online engagement tools will be used to share the revised Draft Plan and gather feedback from the public and stakeholders. Detailed information on these engagement activities will be shared on the District’s website and on HelloSaanich once finalized.
FROM THE PAGES OF DOUGLAS:
Victoria’s video-game industry is key component of the city’s flourishing tech sector. Meet the people behind the design and learn how they’re ensuring the sector remains robust.
JULY
July 16: Westshore Chamber Summer Social
AUGUST
August 21: Victoria Chamber Mixer
August 24 – 26: Victoria Forum
OCTOBER
October 28 – 30: VIEA ‘State of the Island’ Economic Summit
