Small business and innovation

CORNER BROOK – When it comes to entrepreneurship, there are two particular occasions through which we highlight and support our region's start-ups and "futurepreneurs:" Innovation Week and Small Business Week.

Over the years, the Navigate Entrepreneurship Centre, Business Incubator and Makerspace have participated fully in these important events in the cycle of our communities.

Showcasing the people who make up the entrepreneurial profile of the western region, and introducing new ways of thinking about entrepreneurship, are key interests of Navigate, part of Grenfell's Office of Engagement.

BDC Small Business Week is an annual national celebration of entrepreneurship that the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) has organized for more than 40 years. Every year, close to 10,000 entrepreneurs gather to learn, network and celebrate the people building businesses across the country.

"Entrepreneurial spirit comes from inside the builders, innovators and dreamers of our region," said Renee Wheeler, BDC senior account manager. "Without those personal goals and ambitions, our economic landscape would look very different."

Meanwhile, Innovation Week brings together the Newfoundland and Labrador's business community with youth, public and private partners through a variety of events to highlight, create and accelerate innovation in the province. Sectors as diverse as ocean technology, oil and gas, environment, health care and social enterprise are featured throughout the week. Most recently, Navigate collaborated with the United Church of Canada to host a Social Innovation Challenge. The two-day, collaborative competition aimed to support people creating social impact in their communities. The challenge culminated in a pitch competition to help participants start or grow their social enterprises.

In addition, Navigate and Grenfell Campus researchers participated in an inspiring half-day seminar titled "Local Innovation through Natural and Cultural Products," followed by lunch and networking, to discuss a variety of topics including traditional skills and cottage craft-based businesses, value-added products from local natural resources; and incorporating technology into tradition. Finally, Innovation Week participants were treated to a tour of Grenfell's Functional Foods Sensory Laboratory. The Functional Foods Sensory Lab uses various technologies to examine the health benefits beyond basic nutritional needs of natural or processed foods. It also explores the chemical determinants of consumers' sensory perceptions of taste, small, texture, colour and more.

For more information about how you can get involved with these events in future, contact allisonr@grenfell.mun.ca.