Dr. Moira Stilwell, Parliamentary Secretary for Industry, Research and Innovation, praised Accelerate Okanagan’s Partners: “They all contribute dollars, as well as professional services, advice and mentorship.” Speaking at the funding announcement for Accelerate Okanagan on November 5th, Dr. Moira Stilwell, Parliamentary Secretary for Industry, Research and Innovation – representing the Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Innovation – praised Accelerate Okanagan’s Partners for their support of the organization.
Dr. Stilwell characterised Accelerate Okanagan as “the first organization outside of the Lower Mainland” to provide support services for entrepreneurs, including coaching, mentorship, networking, and programs that help entrepreneurs learn “the nuts and bolts of how to build a business“.
“I’d like to acknowledge AO’s Partners and corporate sponsors … including Alma Consulting, Grant Thornton, KPMG, Pushor Mitchell and Whiteboard Law,” Stilwell said as part of her formal remarks.
“They all contribute dollars, as well professional services, advice and mentorship to clients and members.”
“They are vital partners in helping Accelerate Okanagan boost the technology sector’s growth here in Kelowna, and up and down the valley,” Stilwell said.
Acknowledging that “we want the knowledge economy to continue to grow in the Okanagan, as well as the rest of British Columbia”, Stilwell said that “technology is a huge part of our future, in the Okanagan, across B.C., and around the world”.
“Now, with Accelerate Okanagan to give them a hand, talented entrepreneurs can build their businesses faster in the Okanagan”.
“I look forward to hearing about their successes in the coming months and years,” Stilwell said in conclusion.
Accelerate Okanagan CEO, Jason Neale, echoed Stilwell’s praise and offered his sincere appreciation to the organization’s private sector Partners – KPMG, Grant Thornton, Pushor Mitchell, Whiteboard Law and Alma Consulting “for their generous support of our various programs and initiatives that encourage the growth of the local tech community and help Accelerate Okanagan increase the number of technology companies that start and grow in the region.”