Federal funding to elevate women entrepreneurs and investors

Plus, 11 other stories you may have missed.

December 11, 2022

TOGETHER WITH

Welcome to this week's Sunday Briefing. In this issue, read about a new program to support women in business, a $250K startup challenge, a $3.75M venture fund from UCalgary, and more. Have a great day. We'll see you again Thursday.

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New funding to elevate women in business

Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan) is partnering with two local organizations to provide training that will boost women’s participation in Alberta’s economy. The federal agency announced an investment of $861,980 for two Calgary-based initiatives focused on growing small businesses through targeted support for women entrepreneurs and investors.

Movement51, an affiliate of The51, is receiving $486,350 to deliver financial literacy workshops and coaching to 550 women investors across the Prairies. The Calgary Immigrant Women's Association is receiving $375,630 to launch a new business incubator program for immigrant women in Alberta to build entrepreneurial knowledge and skills, create business plans and access start-up financing.

In total, the initiatives are expected to directly assist more than 600 women entrepreneurs and investors according to a government statement.

🤝 Funding, Deals + Partnerships

  • $250,000 is up for grabs for Western Canadian startups at OKGN Angel Summit – deadline is December 16 to apply to participate. Calgary Tech Journal.

  • The University of Calgary and Innovate Calgary announced UCeed, a $3.75M venture fund that will invest in Canadian research-driven startups. UCalgary News.

  • Tetra Trust Company and MeetAmi Innovations Inc. is partnering to offer the ability to invest in digital assets and hold the asset base with a qualified Canadian custodian. Read more.

  • BMO officially closed its acquisition of Radicle, which specializes in carbon credit development and emissions measurement capabilities. LinkedIn.

  • Fintech Neo Financial is partnering with Air Miles to join its Reward Program. Prince of Travel.

  • Katipult Technology Corp is partnering with Cormark Securities, Red Cloud Securities, and Sprott Capital Partners to enable the automation of financing syndication across multiple investment dealers to streamline the entire new issuer investment lifecycle. Read more.

  • Edmonton-based IronSight announced a raise from ARC Financial to scale-up its SaaS product that helps energy industry companies manage data and operations. Read more.

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📰 News To Know

  • Platform Calgary and Strathcona-Tweedsmuir School are teaming up to create unique learning opportunities for students and immerse them in the Calgary tech scene. LinkedIn.

  • Venture builder studio Harvest Builders has announced the appointment of Graeme Harrison as its new president. BetaKit.

  • Jan Bradley, director and chief information technology officer for Calgary, says the city is "actively trying to build up our smart cities team.” IT World Canada.

  • 50 Plug and Play Alberta grads are ready to execute. Taproot.

  • New smart manufacturing exhibition coming to Alberta in 2023. Canadian Plastics.

🎟️ Meet IRL

  • Are you the type of person who enjoys hands-on learning? InceptionU's full-stack developers build great outcomes, not just great code. Join their Virtual Open House on Thursday, December 15th at 12 pm to learn more about their 6-month program, meet their facilitation team, discuss funding options and resources to further your career. Learn more and register.

💡 POV: Ideas and Insights

  • Canadian companies, founders, investors and leaders are always less covered than their American counterparts. The Hard Part is changing that. Join Calgarian and podcast host Evan McCann, an e-commerce founder and early-stage tech employee, as he interviews the most interesting Canadian business leaders. Listen now.

  • Five questions with Jobber co-founder and CEO Sam Pillar. Council of Canadian Innovators.

📸 Photo Of The Week: Plug and Play

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