Entrepreneur: Nevin Bannerman


I


dea: Equinect, Software to store and update medical information for horses and service providers. The need: Through work as a farrier,


Nevin realized that the time needed to locate and gather the medical information needed to properly diagnose, assess, and work on horses was becoming tedious. There was a lot of miscommunication on exact problems with horses and this solution would ultimately help everyone involved working on or with horses. The software he created is available both on mobile and desktop version and allows information to be gathered and entered in real time by those working in the equine industry. This saves time and money and gives providers an accurate history of each horse they encounter and helps with diagnosing any ailments. Technology: Development of a web-


based app allows for the easiest means of finding and entering medical information and procedures of each horse. Through research, Nevin found out that much of his target demographic also used traditional desktop computers and as he was creating the app he determined that the software would need to run fluidly on both mobile and desktop versions. Horse owners can use Equinect to create an account and register their horses and then add their farriers, veterinarians, and service providers. The service providers can then add up to date information on the work they are doing and include any other diagnoses or important notes. Validation: Most of the validation for


the idea came from identifying a gap in the communication and storing of information and then talking to the people involved in the equine industry to understand if it would be accepted. Offering free testing of the software allowed for feedback, which was very positive, and showed that the biggest advantage was being able to access information in real time and not having to sort or track through piles of forms or digital entries stored in different places. Nevin built a prototype and introduced it to the industry while always considering the feedback offered to adjust and align the app with the information and options most needed for people in the industry. He wanted to help them do their jobs more effectively.


Partnership: Nevin came to


Tecconnect with the idea for Equinect and utilized the resources there to help with his business plan and by meeting with business advisors. Part of that help also came in the form of innovation funding, as Nevin was awarded a seed and bridge voucher to help make his idea come to market. Nevin credits the guidance he received from Tecconnect, and partners of the Regional Innovation Network of Southern Alberta (RINSA) especially on the grant process, and in refining and adjusting his applications as well. Marketing: The COVID-19 pandemic


has shifted the marketing for Equinect. Initially the plan was to introduce more people to the app and this would have been accomplished by visiting trade and


13 • Lethbridge ENTREPRENEURS


‹Through work as a farrier, Nevin realized that the time needed to locate and gather the medical information needed to properly diagnose, assess, and work on horses was becoming tedious. There was a lot of miscommunication on exact problems with horses and this solution would ultimately help everyone involved working on or with horses.


horse shows to showcase the abilities of the app. Equinect’s plans have now shifted to more of a digital approach by marketing through platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and Google Ads. Nevin continues to work hard towards introducing the horse community to Equinect through his day to day work. He and his team continue relaying the benefits of his idea, and the story behind it, to those who work with horses. Nevin wants the benefits of his solution to be present in the industry as they are most importantly going to improve how horses will receive the best and most up to date care.


www.equinect.app


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20