MONEY LINKS for BC technology companies

SOURCE

LINK

COMMENTS

EQUITY CAPITAL

 Green money

 Green is for growth

 Banyan Capital Partners

 www.cclgroup.com/banyancapitalpartners

 Invests in well-managed, successful middle-market companies in various industries, that are located mainly in western Canada and northwestern US.

 BMO Capital Corporation

 www.bmo.com/bmocc

 Provides subordinated debt, mezzanine finance and quasi-equity to farm businesses, mid-sized companies and specialty businesses.

 BC Advantage Funds (VCC)

 http://www.bcadvantagefunds.com/

 Invests in emerging BC-based life sciences and technology companies that are developing proprietary products or services.

 BC Angel Forum

 www.angelforum.org/

 Introduces technology and non-technology companies seeking equity financing ($100,000 to $1 million) to private equity investors.

 BC Discovery Fund (VCC) Inc.

 http://www.bcdiscoveryfund.com/

 Invests in early stage BC technology ventures; specializes in information technology, communications, health and life sciences, and energy and envirnomental technologies.

 Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC)

 www.bdc.ca/flash.asp

 Provides Canadian small businesses with financial services, consulting services, subordinate financing and venture capital.  

 Chrysalix Energy Limited Partnership

 http://www.chrysalix.com/

 Provides financing and other services to early stage companies involved in fuel cell, hydrogen, clean coal, energy storage and other clean energy technologies. 

 CNQ Stock Exchange

 http://www.cnq.ca/

 An exchange for trading the equity securities of emerging companies.

 Discovery Capital Corporation

 http://www.discoverycapital.com/

 A venture capital investor and fund manager specializing in information technology, communications, health and life sciences, and other advanced technologies.

 ESOP Tax Credit -- BC Ministry of Economic Development, Employee Share Ownership Program

 http://www.cse.gov.bc.ca/

 (In Search box, type “Investment Capital”; click on "Investment Capital Programs," then click on “Employee Share Ownership.")

 Provides employees with a 20% tax credit for making investments in their employers' businesses. 

 Greenstone Venture Partners

 http://www.greenstonevc.com/

 Provides venture capital funding and management support to early-stage technology companies located in Canada and Western USA, and involved in communications infrastructure, semiconductors, wireless and enterprise software.

 GrowthWorks Canadian Fund

 http://www.growthworks.ca/

 A venture capital management company; investment focus is information technology, life sciences, and advanced manufacturing.

 Interface International

 http://www.interfaceweb.com/  

 A private venture capital and management partnership offering services that focus on raising capital, identifying strategic alliances, recommending mergers and acquisitions, and orchestrating makeovers and turn arounds. 

 MDS Capital Corporation

 http://www.mdscapital.com/

 A venture capital management firm that provides financial support and other services to emerging health and life science companies.

 OVP Venture Partners

 http://www.ovp.com/

 Invests capital in new companies in growing markets – enterprise software, communications and network systems, digital biology, specialized electronic systems and business services.

 Pacific Century Group Ventures Ltd.

 http://www.pcentury.com/

 Invests in start-up companies; focus is oil and gas, information and other technologies.

 Pangaea Ventures Ltd.

 http://www.pangaeaventures.com/

 Invests in early-stage advanced material, nanotechnology, energy technology and environmental technology companies.

 PenderFund Capital Management Ltd.

 http://www.penderfund.com/

 Growth Fund: invests in the information technology and communication sectors. Life Sciences Fund: an investment vehicle with tax incentives that invests in pharmaceutical companies with drugs ready for clinical trials.

 Primaxis Technology Ventures Inc.

 http://www.primaxis.com/

 Invests in early stage Canadian companies in the following sectors: communications, semiconductors, electronics, IT infrastructure, and advanced materials and manufacturing.

 RBC Technology Ventures Inc.

 www.rbcroyalbank.com/rbcv  

 Invests in biotechnology, engineering and physical sciences, agricultural science, information technology and financial services technology.

 Roynat Capital

 http://www.roynat.com/  

 Provides long-term capital and business solutions to high-growth mid-market companies (sales between $5 million and $200 million).

 TELUS New Ventures BC Competition

 http://www.telusnewventuresbc.com/

 A competition for anyone with a new technology idea, who wants to turn the idea into a profitable company; first prize is worth $60,000.

 TELUS Ventures

 www.telus.com/ventures  

 Invests in emerging businesses and technologies, especially those involved in voice, data, IP and wireless.

 TSX Group (TSX Venture Exchange)

 http://www.tsx.com/  

 Provides emerging companies with access to capital; interests include mining, oil and gas, life sciences, communication, manufacturing, technology, and financial services.

 University Medical Discoveries Inc. (UMDI)

 http://www.umdi.net/

 Provides seed funding to help develop and commercialize research done by entrepreneurs at Canadian universities, hospitals and research institutes.

 Vancouver Angel Technology   Network (VANTEC)

 www.vef.org/angels/index.html

 Introduces early stage investors and mentors to promising technology (in all fields) ventures, mainly in British Columbia.

 Ventures West

 http://www.ventureswest.com/

 Invests in four sectors: biotechnology, communications, cleantech, and information technology.

 Working Opportunity Fund

 www.growthworks.ca/funds/wof

 A venture capital fund British Columbians can invest in; invests in BC companies involved in information technology, life sciences, and advanced manufacturing.

 WUTIF Capital (VCC) Inc.

 http://www.wutif.ca/

 Co-invests with angel investors in new technology companies, such as those based on technologies developed at BC universities and institutions; interests include communications and information technology, health and life sciences technologies, physical sciences, energy and fuel cells.

 XITO Capital Corporation

 http://www.xitocapital.com/

 A venture capital firm that provides specialized investment banking services to leading private and public small capitalization companies.

 Yaletown Venture Partners

 http://www.yaletown.com/  

 Invests time and money in seed and early-stage technology companies; focus is Western Canada’s energy technology and information technology clusters.

 SUBSIDIES & GRANTS

(Golden money)

(As good as gold!)

 BC Innovation Council

 http://www.bcinnovationcouncil.com/ 

Provides a one-stop point of access and support to high technology companies, educational institutions, technology industry awareness groups, federal science and technology agencies and university research labs.

 BC Knowledge Development Fund

 www.aved.gov.bc.ca/bckdf

Enables public post-secondary institutions, teaching hospitals and affiliated non-profit research agencies to invest in BC’s research infrastructure; priorities are agriculture, alternative energy/power technologies, health/biotechnology, forestry, high tech, indigenous studies and ocean sciences.

 Canada Foundation for Innovation

 http://www.innovation.ca/

 Funds Canadian research infrastructure (state-of-the-art equipment, buildings, laboratories, and databases); focus is Canadian universities, colleges, research hospitals and non-profit research institutions.

Canadian Institutes of Health Research

 http://www.cihr-irsc.gc.ca/    

Supports the work of health sciences researchers and trainees in universities, teaching hospitals and research institutes across

Canada.

 CANARIE Inc.

 http://www.canarie.ca/

Mission is to accelerate Canada’s advanced Internet development and use; supports the development of new Internet applications and technologies.

 Export support programs

 Canadian Commercial Corporation    

 http://www.ccc.ca/

 Export Development Canada

 http://www.edc.ca/

CCC: gives Canadian businesses access to international opportunities

EDC: provides financing, insurance and bonding solutions to Canadian companies that export goods and services, or invest in other countries.

 Human Resources and Social Development Canada

 www.hrdc-drhc.gc.ca/en  

 Various financial assistance programs for employers seeking to recruit and/or train employees.

 Industry Canada (Strategis)

 http://www.strategis.gc.ca/

Industry Canada web site; provides valuable information on trade, investment, sectors, economic analysis statistics, research technologies, innovations, legislation and other topics relevant to businesses, as well as guides to starting a business, exporting, researching markets and other activities. 

 National Research Council’s IRAP Program (BC & Yukon)

 http://irap-pari.nrc-cnrc.gc.ca/bcandyukon_e.html

 Helps small and medium-sized Canadian firms build their capacity in technology and innovation; offers access to technical assistance, the latest technological advances, expertise, facilities and resources, as well as cost-shared financing of innovative technical projects.

 Natural Sciences Engineering Research Council (NSERC)

 http://www.nserc.ca/

 Helps Canadian companies by jointly funding collaborative R&D projects with university scientists and engineers.

 Precarn Incorporated

 http://www.precarn.ca/

 Supports the pre-commercial development of leading-edge technologies.

 Scientific Research & Experimental Development (SR & ED) Tax Incentive Program

 www.ccra.gc.ca/sred

A federal tax incentive program to encourage Canadian businesses of all sizes and in all sectors to conduct research and development (R&D) in Canada that will lead to new, improved, or technologically advanced products or processes.

 Western Economic Diversification

 http://www.wd.gc.ca/

 Helps small businesses and new entrepreneurs acquire the skills and resources they need to succeed; focuses on improved business productivity, trade and investment, industry collaboration and access to capital.

 DEBT CAPITAL

 (Red Money)

 (Red helps – in moderation!)

 Customers & suppliers

These are among the best and easiest financing options. Getting supplier credit and up-front advances from customers can go a long way in addressing cash flow needs. Don’t be shy. Ask!

 Bank of Montreal

 http://www.bankofmontreal.com/

 Offers investment and corporate banking, advisory services, treasury and market risk management, institutional investing and research

 Bond Capital

 http://www.bondcapital.ca/

 Provides mezzanine debt and equity to small and medium-sized  enterprises in Western Canada and the USA.

 Business Development Bank

 http://www.bdc.ca/

 Provides small and medium-sized businesses with flexible financing, affordable consulting services and venture capital.

 Canadian Youth Business Foundation

 http://www.youthbusiness.com/

 Offers start-up mentoring, financing, and business resources to young entrepreneurs (18 to 34 years old).

 Chittenden Commercial Credit

 http://www.chittendencredit.ca/

 Provides lending solutions that allow companies to grow their businesses and expand their opportunities.

 CIBC

 http://www.cibc.com/

 Offers a suite of small business financial products, including assistance with business plans.

 Export Development Canada

 http://www.edc.ca/

 Provides Canadian exporters with financing, insurance and bonding services, as well as foreign market expertise.

 The Interface Financial Group

 http://www.interfacediscounting.com/

 Provides working capital for small and medium businesses through a version of factoring known as "invoice discounting."

 North Point Capital Corp.

 http://www.northpointcapital.com/

 Offers equity, convertible debt and subordinated corporate debt to established mid-market companies.

 Northstar Trade Finance Inc.

 http://www.northstar.ca/

 Supports Canadian exporters by offering financing to credit-worthy buyers of eligible Canadian goods and services.

 Pyx Financial Group Inc.

 http://www.pyxfinancial.com/

 Provides small companies with the cash and help needed to solve their business problems and capitalize on their opportunities.

 Royal Bank of Canada

 http://www.royalbank.com/

 Offers a variety of financing options to Canadian businesses, including federal government guaranteed loans.

 Roynat Capital

 http://www.roynat.com/

 Specializes in long-term capital and business solutions for high-growth firms with sales between $5 million and $200 million.

 TD Bank Financial Group

 http://www.td.com/

 Offers a full range of financial products and services.

 Vancity Capital

 http://www.vancitycapital.com/

 Provides growth capital to fast-growing small- to medium-sized businesses based in BC.

 Western Economic Diversification  Canada

 www.wd.gc.ca/finance/xnetwork_e.asp

 Supports a network of organizations that offer business information or small loans, or assist with access to small-business financing.

 Women’s Enterprise Centre

 http://www.wes.bc.ca/

 Offers women entrepreneurs skills development, lending services, business guidance, business resources, networking opportunities and events.

 OTHER INFORMATION

 AlbertaVenture

 http://www.albertaventure.com/

 A good source of information on Alberta industries, special events, advice on how to build a business, new ideas, etc.

 BC Medical Technology Industry Association (BC MedTech)

 http://www.bcmediabc.com/

 Promotes development of the medical device industry; informs members and the medical community about regulatory and other industry issues; facilitates the exchange of scientific, technological and business information within the industry.

 BC Ministry of Economic Development

 http://www.ei.gov.bc.ca/

 Offers various guides related to starting a small business, plus reports, industry reviews, web links, news, etc.

 Canada’s Venture Capital & Private Equity Association (CVCA)

 www.cvca.ca/membership/directory

 Represents most of Canada's venture capital companies; members provide venture capital and private equity investment.

 Canadian Financing Forum

 http://www.financingforum.com/

 Matches North American corporate and VC investors with serious entrepreneurs looking to build world-class technology companies.

 Community of Science (COS)

 http://www.cos.com/

 Provides information critical to scientific research and other projects across all disciplines – re funding sources, research, researchers, potential collaborators; universities, corporations, non-profits.

 eBusiness Connection

 http://www.e-bc.ca/

 Offers e-business information and services to help BC  businesses remain competitive in our changing information economy.

 High Tech in BC

 http://www.hitechbc.com/

 A gateway to all high technology resources, web sites, companies and organizations in BC (mainly!).

 Industry Canada

 http://www.strategis.ic.gc.ca/

 A source of business support services, financing information, advice, small business tax information, etc.

 National Venture Capital Association (US)

 http://www.nvca.org/

 A trade association that represents the US venture capital industry; also of some interest to Canadians. 

 Simon Fraser University, University/Industry Liaison Office

 www.sfu.ca/uilo

 Connects companies with SFU technologies and resources; facilitates university-industry R&D partnerships and the commercialization of SFU-based research results.

 Small Business BC

 http://www.smallbusinessbc.ca/

 Connects small companies to BC business resources and websites

 Stock exchanges

 Toronto – http://www.tsx.com/

 NASDAQ – http://www.nasdaq.com/

 OTC Bulletin Board – http://www.otcbb.com/

 Stock exchanges allow the public to invest in companies; listing rules and criteria vary; best to find a “sponsoring” broker or underwriter.

 Telus New Ventures BC Competition

 http://www.newventuresbc.com/

 A BC competition for anyone with a business idea involving a technology product or service; involves networking, seminars, meeting experts, etc. and developing a business plan; first prize worth $60,000.

 Thomson Financial

 http://www.canadavc.com/

 An information source on Canadian venture capital and private equity markets.

 T-Net Capital Connector

 www.bctechnology.com/     

 Click on “Financing”; connects technology entrepreneurs and companies to qualified investors.

 University of BC, University-Industry Liaison Office

 http://www.uilo.ubc.ca/

 Facilitates the commercialization of UBC research and formation of university/ industry R&D partnerships; connects companies to UBC innovations.

 Vancouver Enterprise Forum

 www.vef.org/web/about.asp 

 Connects you to money sources, networking opportunities, industry associations, business resources, technology transfer opportunities, S&T links, government resources, etc.