Celebrating Two Years

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Volume 4

I recently celebrated two years in my role at TechImpact. What a joy it is to work in this field here in Atlantic Canada. When I joined TechImpact, I knew we needed to drive a focus on three pillars that matter most to us as an organization: growing our digital workforce, driving innovation through the use of technology, and growing businesses in Atlantic Canada. They are as important now as they were 24 months ago.

With the help of our strategic partners, we’ve been doing some interesting work. The APEC Report “Digital Technology Firms: Their Importance and Role in Atlantic Canada’s Economy” was a pivotal piece of research that helped us and other stakeholders set priorities, such as focusing on technology adoption to support businesses growth and increased productivity.

In the COVID-19 reality, our TechTalks events have pivoted online to a podcast, TechTalks with Cathy Simpson, and webinar series. We will be engaging IT and business leaders throughout the region, talking about the latest trends in technology and how investing in IT boosts our economy, makes businesses more competitive and resilient and creates opportunities for people throughout the region, particularly new graduates. Check out our first podcast episode here.

Finally, just six weeks ago, we launched a pilot program to give New Brunswick businesses a digital boost to help them deploy new technology to solve problems and create new business opportunities. Not only is the program assisting eligible companies across New Brunswick, but Digital Boost also puts a spotlight on local digital firms who are able to deliver these tech projects. There is exceptional IT talent ready to help businesses throughout the region grow by implementing new technology solutions.

As we look ahead to the remainder of 2020, I remain optimistic but realistic. Our economy is going to remain unsettled for quite some time. Our board and team remain committed to our three pillars, all tied to economic growth in Atlantic Canada. We believe in the potential of our region and our IT industry.

Cathy Simpson, CEO, TechImpact

TechTalks

COVID-19 has changed a lot of things, including our TechTalks series. In response, today we’re launching a new podcast “TechTalks With Cathy Simpson,” and series of webinars to provide relevant and timely information to business owners, executives, technology managers, IT professionals and economic development officials as well as those considering a career in the IT sector. This replaces the in-person TechTalks which, before COVID-19, were delivered at universities and colleges throughout the region.

This series of podcasts and webinars will educate, inspire and engage Atlantic Canadians in new conversations about technology and how it supports economic growth, builds our workforce and IT sector and attracts talent to our post-secondary institutions and region. Our goal is to inform listeners about the opportunities and the importance of technology here in Atlantic Canada.

You can listen to the first podcast episode here.

Digital Boost Program

We are just six weeks into Digital Boost and we are thrilled with the overwhelming response from New Brunswick companies applying to the program. TechImpact, with the financial support of ACOA and the Government of New Brunswick, is giving qualifying New Brunswick businesses a “Digital Boost” to become more productive and resilient through the adoption of new technologies by working with New Brunswick IT services firms.

The program covers 75 percent of the cost of these technology projects, up to a project maximum of $50,000. To undertake a project, businesses must apply and work with a Digital Boost Qualified Technology Provider.

Companies are lining up to take advantage of the Digital Boost program to work with Atlantic Canadian IT firms to deploy new technologies to help their business survive and prosper, despite the economic challenges resulting from the pandemic.

Keep up-to-date with the latest events and announcements.

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