IN THE KNOW:
Care2Talk clinic augments virtual services
A 2020 Douglas 10 to Watch winner has expanded his virtual services to physical spaces. Care2Talk, the software technology company founded by Jordan Schley, has opened a clinic in Oak Bay and will soon open another in Qualicum Beach.
Care2Talk began as an easy-to-use video chat tool for a mobile device or tablet specifically geared to those people who are aging and who may be struggling with cognitive, vision or hearing impairments, mobility restrictions or dementia. Schley says he was inspired to start the company by his grandfather.
Since then, the company has added Health+, a healthcare platform that it says provides “a dedicated health team and tailored approach to empower your wellbeing, anytime and anywhere.”
The new clinic spaces will subscription-based private healthcare, offering both virtual calls and in-person visits with a nurse-practitioner.
Local courier company encourages holiday giving spirit
Al Hasham, owner of Maximum Express Courier stepped up when the Canada Post strike affected nonprofits, inhibiting their ability to accept donations through the mail at a time when their annual fundraising drives were in full swing.
Max Courier has been picking up cheques from donors and delivering them to charities in desperate need of the funds, at no charge.
Now, he’s also offered to support the Salvation Army Toy Drive. Hasham says anyone who wants to donate a new, unwrapped toy can call Max Courier between now and December 6 at 250-721-3278 to arrange a free pick up of the items, which will be delivered to the Salvation Army.
You can also email info@maxcourier.com for your complimentary toy pickup.
Government program promotes Indigenous food sovereignty
Provincial and federal government bodies are collaborating on an Indigenous food security and sovereignty program they say is aimed at increasing Indigenous participation in B.C.’s agriculture and food sectors.
The Indigenous Food Pathways program will support food and agriculture through projects such as micro-grants to Indigenous applicants interested in developing food and agriculture businesses and expanding successful Indigenous-led training programs as well as other initiatives to address gaps affecting Indigenous participation in the food and agriculture sectors.
Projects can receive as much as $200,000 from the governments of Canada and British Columbia.
The Province is also launching a free service to support Indigenous farmers, communities and governments in finding information and resources to start or expand work toward food security, food sovereignty and participation in the food and agriculture sectors.
The B.C. Indigenous Pathfinder Service will connect people to existing programs, services and funding opportunities to help Indigenous-led businesses and projects meet their goals for success with food sovereignty and food security.
Funding for the Indigenous Food Pathways program and B.C. Indigenous Pathfinder Service is provided through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, a five-year (April 1, 2023, until March 31, 2028), $3.5-billion investment by federal, provincial and territorial governments to strengthen the competitiveness, innovation and resilience of the agriculture, agri-food and agriculture‐based products sector.
Intersection of ocean and tech is a growing opportunity in Victoria
Victoria’s tech sector has seen substantial growth over the last few years, with a total economic impact of over $7.8 billion in 2023 (according to the VIATEC Economic Impact Study). That’s a 50.8% increase since 2017. The sector has also seen a 19.3% increase in net jobs, now employing over 20,000 people.
That growth is powered partially by a convergence of technology and sustainable ocean innovation. PacifiCan recently invested $3.5 million in eight organizations on Vancouver Island to advance innovation, expand operations, and create quality jobs in areas like ocean technology.
Open Ocean Robotics was among the beneficiaries, receiving $800,000 from to scale up the production of its solar-powered autonomous boats, which provide real-time ocean data.
The company was also recognized as part of the 2024 Accelerator cohort by Katapult Ocean, listed among the top 1% of startups assessed globally for the program. It represents a dynamic cross-section of tech sub-sectors on the island.
Another tech company also focusing its efforts in the burgeoning blue economy is MarineLabs. They’ve recently raised $4.5 million in seed funding, marking the largest investment of its kind for an ocean tech company in Canada.
This year, COAST, Centre for Ocean Applied Sustainable Ocean Technologies, also opened their first coworking facility specifically for ocean and marine companies in Victoria. It’s a good news story for Vancouver Island, further solidifying its growing reputation as a hub for technological innovation.
FROM THE PAGES OF DOUGLAS:
Anita Bhappu, the new dean of the Peter B. Gustavson School of Business shares how she’ll leverage the power of community collaboration in her new role.
MARK YOUR CALENDAR:
DECEMBER
December 19: UVic INSPIRE 2024 Year End Conference
JANUARY
January 9: Business Mixer – Destination Greater Victoria & Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce
January 26 – 29: IMPACT Sustainability Travel & Tourism Summit
January 28: Westshore Chamber of Commerce Coffee Talk: Great Start Canada Immigration and Recruitment
MARCH
March 4 – 6: Rising Economy conference
MAY
May 4 – 9: International Seaweed Symposium
