FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Vancouver, December 8, 2015 – The BC Chamber of Commerce welcomes today’s announcement of a $100-million venture capital fund for B.C.’s technology sector, building on the continued momentum found in the BC Jobs Plan for one of the fastest growing industries in the province. “Today’s announcement further strengthens our province by continuing to diversify B.C.’s economy. The multi-billion dollar tech sector is a huge economic driver in B.C. and a major employer in many regions across the province,” said Jon Garson, President and CEO of the BC Chamber of Commerce. “Building upon this success, the provincial government is laying the groundwork to foster future growth in this sector.”
This $100-million venture capital fund provides entrepreneurs and start-up tech companies needed access to capital funding, enabling them to become future job-creators and thus strengthening communities in our province.
“The tech sector is growing rapidly in British Columbia, in many cases faster than the overall provincial economy, and facilitating a channel for more opportunities in this sector is the right move at the right time,” added Garson. The new BC Tech Fund is the first pillar, along with enhancing the talent pool and increasing access to markets, which will all be unveiled in the complete BC tech strategy in January. Building on support for start-up tech companies, such as the digital animation and visual effects tax credit, this fund is great news for a sector of the economy that can help push for greater productivity and innovation.
The BC Chamber is the largest and most broadly-based business organization in the province. Representing more than 125 Chambers of Commerce and 36,000 businesses of every size, sector and region of the province, the BC Chamber of Commerce is “The Voice of Business in BC.”
For further details, please contact:
Jon Garson
President & CEO
BC Chamber of Commerce
T 604.638.8110
E jgarson@bcchamber.org
Carly Hunter
Manager, Communications
BC Chamber of Commerce
T 604.638.8114
E chunter@bcchamber.org