ENTREPRENEURIAL ECOSYSTEMS
Spring is a Vancouver-based company with a global reach, operating in more than 30 countries. The company offers resources and programs to support businesses at all stages of growth—from incubation to acceleration and beyond—and has helped hundreds of entrepreneurs launch their businesses.
We spoke with Keith Ippel, Spring’s co-founder and chief executive officer, about some of the team’s strategies for creating healthy entrepreneurial ecosystems. Keith outlined how entrepreneurs benefit from having access to capital, training, a supportive community and maker spaces.
1. Access to Capital
“Grants, loans and investment money must be accessible to entrepreneurs for them to start their journey.”
2. Training Opportunities
“Bringing in workshops, enlisting mentorship programs and creating access to those pools of knowledge from around the region is incredibly important.”
3. Community
“Facilitate growth by expanding the community to include other experts, industry and non-industry leaders with experience. This is essential for an entrepreneurial ecosystem to thrive.”
4. Maker Spaces
“A community hub for ‘tinkerers’ and entrepreneurs to gather and network with one another while pursuing their passion.”
These four strategies help to create an environment in which businesses can thrive, which in turn provides economic benefits to the community at large.
“It’s important to realize that, especially in smaller communities, this system benefits almost any business in any industry within the community,” says Keith. “As the ecosystem grows, so does PR for the region, which filters down to hotels, restaurants and other locally-owned businesses.
Wherever you are on your entrepreneurial journey, the City of Campbell River’s Economic Development team is here to help!
Keep an eye on our events page, or visit us on Facebook and Instagram, to learn about the programs, services and events we offer.
Find information about the community and economy on our investment portal and the City’s website.
Discover how you can become involved with Campbell River’s own NexStream Tech Competition.
Connect with us by phone (250-286-5738) or email (Rose.Klukas@campbellriver.ca). We welcome any opportunity to talk about Campbell River and our innovative business community.
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