Are you a non-profit organization or an innovative tech company facing the global challenges of our time? A tech-agnostic version of Experts on Demand will have you sorted out. Fully funded by Edmonton Unlimited, this program aims to support locally owned tech companies willing to showcase their innovation in work and business models. Experts on Demand will help your company or business with much-needed support by showcasing numerous business models. This initiative is aimed at finding global solutions to the challenges facing businesses today. On November 17, 2022, ten awards were given to companies and innovative businesses for their contributions to the innovation space.
Criteria for Applicants:
- Your innovative business or non-profit organization must be in Edmonton.
- Your business should have displayed traction towards commercialization.
- You must be ready to grow your business.
- You are willing and able to commit much of your time to acquire the knowledge needed to run your business.
- Your business or non-profit organization is tech-enabled. This means that it is scalable through technology and has the ability to expand beyond what your skills can manage in terms of availability and locations.
- Your business must be innovative. This means that it is based on a product that cannot be duplicated.
Once your business has met these requirements and is considered successful, you will be connected to your expert of choice, who will provide you with quality information on moving your business to the next level. No costs in the form of fees are incurred because Edmonton Unlimited pays the expert.
Benefits for Successful Applicants:
While not all businesses and organizations will be fortunate enough to meet the eligibility criteria, there are many reasons why those who do can celebrate. Successful applicants will be connected to an expert who will provide them with up to 100 hours of business-specific one-on-one coaching. The operational topics to be covered within the 100 hours will include the following:
- Restructuring the company
- Developing opportunities for business growth
- Establishing corporate goals and tracking performance
- Spearheading the creation of company plans and corporate strategies
- Collaborating with the executive team to ensure efficient cash flow management
- Assisting in acquiring lead clients or partners in the business
- Organizing a strategy for protecting and reviewing intellectual property
- Helping with hiring and onboarding of executives, board members, and staff
- Perhaps most importantly, helping you secure financing for your business
One of the most incredible things about this program is that it provides opportunities for students, startups, running businesses, and even those with business ideas. In the accelerator program, Edmonton Unlimited, in partnership with three levels of government, is providing funding to startup businesses and existing businesses aimed at boosting their growth.
In addition to being part of the team of innovators, your company is eligible for awards recognizing its contribution to the innovation ecosystem. For instance, in 2022, categories such as Most Promising Startup Entrepreneur of the Year, Tech Deal of the Year, Digital Talent of the Year, and ATB Impact Award, among others, were awarded to the best companies.
Application Process:
Tech-Agnostic Experts on Demand is currently a pilot program accepting applications from those who meet the criteria explained above. It is meant to assist startup tech companies with innovative ideas. You need to meet the criteria provided above. Application forms are available on their page. Qualifying for the Edmonton Unlimited program is based on a competitive application where a community panel selects those who qualify. Areas of interaction in the company include connection to the community and complementary support. To qualify, you do not need prior experience with the Edmonton programs. Applications are ongoing to benefit from this program, which is currently in the pilot stage.
In conclusion, businesses face myriad challenges in the current world. Many startup businesses lack the knowledge and have limited capital to sustain them through hard economic times. It is reassuring to have a willing partner to provide these startups with both the knowledge and funding to help them thrive. Thanks to Edmonton Unlimited for spearheading this initiative, likely to be the global challenge solution. Best-performing companies in various categories have won awards, including Tech Deal of the Year and Digital Talent of the Year, among others.
