This program is supported by:
Why business coaching? From support in developing your idea, identifying your target market, and creating a business and marketing plan, to growth and expansion, commercializing technology, and succession planning, KRIC’s Business Coaching Program provides a unique opportunity to East Kootenay entrepreneurs. Our coaches have extensive experience in developing, growing and managing innovative science and technology-focused businesses. Their expertise is available for free and gives you access to customised, confidential and impartial business guidance. Your coach can be a sounding board for that new idea, a confidant and mentor as you overcome a certain challenge, or another set of eyes on a developing plan. “My business coach helped me put a plan in place to launch my new technology business and grow my share of the market. She kept me accountable and supported my growth with check-ins every couple of months.” ~ Luke Nichols, Purcell IT “Conversations with my business coach have resulted in several watershed moments for me. The strengths and weaknesses we’ve discussed have provided a structure for ongoing improvement to the way I do business.” ~ Sarah Bennett, Origin Brand Strategic Development (formerly Prose Art) “It can be so easy for an entrepreneur to keep busy with day-to-day tasks. Working with a business coach ensured that I made time to address important issues and strategic planning. My coach's input and new perspective helped me work through a period of transition and challenge, and helped me make smart business decisions.” ~ Kelly Beriault, KLB Engineering
Focused on innovation, science and technology Innovate: To introduce something new or make changes in something established.
The Kootenay Rockies Innovation Council is dedicated to fostering a vibrant, diverse, resilient economy through science, technology and innovation in the East Kootenay. Any business that is technology-centric or innovative in their processes, products or services is eligible to participate in our Business Coaching Program. For more information, contact us at info@kric.ca.
“Educated, technically skilled or innovative individuals should have the option to live in rural communities, like the those in the Kootenays, contrary to the centralization of the technology industry in city centres. My objective in working with KRIC is to grow the community of technology and innovation, and consequently the availability of work in this industry.� ~ Tracey Buckley, KRIC Board Director
Technology: The branch of knowledge that deals with the creation and use of technical means and their interrelation with life, society, and the environment; drawing upon such subjects as industrial arts, engineering, applied science, and pure science.
Tim Dionne Tim is the co-founder and managing partner of a successful marketing consulting firm, and former instructor of Marketing Management at SAIT. He’s held several senior marketing positions, and his specialization is in marketing strategy and segmentation. Tim’s other area’s of expertise include advertising and communication, consumer products marketing and brand development.
Andre Labine Andre is the former Vice President of Global Sales for a specialised lubricants manufacturer and marketer. He has more than 35 years of experience in sales and marketing in industrial and aviation segments, including mining, food processing, forestry and bio-energy products. Andre specializes in market analysis and segmentation, strategic planning, marketing plans, selling tactics and implementation.
Katie Wells Katie has a breadth of business experience as a former corporate manager, successful entrepreneur and not-for profit CEO. She has over 20 years of business management experience including finance, operations and human resources, as well as a background in engineering. Katie specializes in finance, problem solving and business skill development. She has direct experience in succession planning, patenting, licensing and SR&ED.
The Kootenay Rockies Innovation Council KRIC is a registered non-profit society that works to foster a culture of science, technology, innovation and entrepreneurship in the Kootenay Rockies. KRIC sees these values as central to the creation of a vibrant and resilient knowledge-based economy, and key to the region’s job creation strategy. Through information-sharing, networking events and programs such as our Business Coaching Program, we support the creation of new businesses and the expansion of existing enterprises in the region. We also advocate for science and technology in educational and economic spheres. “Years ago, when I moved to the Kootenays, I felt happily removed from the mainstream economy and big city networks. Now, with technology leading the changes, I feel as connected to the world as I would be in a large urban area. Thus all types of innovative businesses can thrive here as well, and be located in a gorgeous environment. Many more opportunities for entrepreneurship exist with the networking links in place. As an educator, I feel that the current generation of young students holds the key to the future of this region. By exciting their imaginations and celebrating the positive power of science and technology, more may choose to be innovative, entrepreneurial and dedicated to settling and working in the area. It is for this vision that I am pleased to sit on KRIC’s Board and hopefully help to inculcate a local culture of creativity and scientific pursuit.” ~ Brian Conrad, KRIC Board Director
The KRIC Team When spending time with the folks of KRIC, it’s not uncommon to hear us cheering about economic development. Or laser beams. Or robots. Like most teams, ours is diverse; possessing a range of skills, experience and interests. Coming from varied backgrounds in entrepreneurship and technology, we get excited about innovative new ideas, and all things science and tech. We’re those folks you meet at parties or on the chair lift, talking about the importance of B.C.’s small business sector, and high employment growth in knowledge industries. We’re here to connect you with the mentorship, resources and support your business needs to really take off. So go ahead, get your tech on.
We are: Larry Sparks: Executive Director Sheelagh England: Program Manager Tara Penner: Project Manager
Larry Sparks Executive Director, KRIC
Jordan Eliason (Chair) Data Network Designer
Cori L. Barraclough (Vice-Chair) Principal, Aqua-Tex Scientific Consulting Ltd
Tracey Buckley Sales Manager, Apex Wireless
Brian Conrad Regional Transitions Coordinator, College of the Rockies / School District 5
Kenneth C. Dyer
KRIC Board of Directors and Executive (L-R) Back: KC Dyer, Cori Barraclough, Brian Conrad, Larry Sparks Front: Hans Plechinger, Tracey Buckley, Jordan Eliason Missing: Bill Sanderman
I.T. Manager, Kootenay Employment Services
Hans Plechinger Entrepreneur
Bill Sanderman Vice President, Applied Compression Systems
Mailing Address: 902A 10th Avenue S, PO Box 383, Golden, B.C., V0A 1H0 Phone: 1-877-505-KRIC (5742) or 250-426-6388 Email: info@kric.ca Web: www.kric.ca