Tecconnect: A Centre of Excellence for


Entrepreneurship and Innovation


what was going on. In one breakout room there would be the team from Output Media, meeting with a new client about a video project. In the room right next door is Eyren Uggenti, the RINSA (Regional Innovation Network of Southern Alberta) Program Manager on a video call with an entrepreneur from a remote area of Southern Alberta along with a business advisor who knows the best way to help this entrepreneur take their idea to market. In the big board room, an Emerging Tech Solutions for Business webinar is taking place and the discussion is focused on how blockchain technology will help revolutionize the agriculture industry. The WeSTEM (Women Entrepreneurs in Science Technology Engineering and Math) team is hard at work planning their next virtual learning opportunity to help underrepresented people in our region gain knowledge to help them on their entrepreneurial journey. And finally, the quiet room remains…quiet, but ready for those who need a break to relax, rejuvenate and regain their thoughts. The hub for new ideas, start-ups, entrepreneurship and innovation is unknown to some, but to those who know what goes on at Tecconnect, the walls of the building are bursting at the foundation as it becomes a player not only in Southern Alberta, but across Canada and internationally. The connectivity offered in the incubator allows those who use it the opportunity to work and interact with businesses worldwide. The touchpoints throughout the world that tie back to Tecconnect can be seen by the people who use it for launching new ideas and businesses every day. Nigeria, Germany, Silicon Valley are just a few of the locations entrepreneurs hail from, work with and visit as their work becomes part of a global economy. One of the best parts of the Tecconnect


O


story, is the use of local graduates from Lethbridge post secondary institutions since 2011. Over 50% of the


n a regular day if you were to walk through the doors at 3582 30 St. N, you would be amazed at


entrepreneurs and innovators who work at Tecconnect have come through Lethbridge College and the University of Lethbridge, a stat not lost on Renae Barlow, VP Entrepreneurship & Innovation, Economic Development Lethbridge (EDL). “Retaining these smart, confident, forward-thinking entrepreneurs is key to the success of our region. Our entrepreneurs are not scared to try new methods and technologies to push the envelope. We’re not afraid to be different and that mentality is evident throughout our entrepreneurial eco- system here in Southern Alberta.” The opportunities for entrepreneurs are


endless at Tecconnect, an initiative of EDL since 2011. Courses ranging from Demystifying Technology, Entrepreneurship, Marketing, Financing and even pivoting your business during a global pandemic, run throughout most of the year. Curriculum is taught by industry experts, business advisors and through many of the partnerships that Tecconnect has created and fostered over the past decade.


Speaking of a global pandemic,


Tecconnect has shifted to offer entrepreneurs and the business community in general a place to count on to keep their businesses viable during these uncertain times. The installation and upgrading of a robust AV system allows for more virtual conferencing and meticulous safety and cleaning precautions allow clients and visitors a safe space if requested. The evolution of Tecconnect will continue to meet demands of a “new” workforce and workplace as the world moves through COVID-19. The regular day mentioned at the top


still happens…just not in the actual building right now. But the spirit, drive and innovation displayed in the staff, partners, entrepreneurs, and innovators that use Tecconnect and call it home is still evident virtually. It is a great place to talk and explore ideas and having a wealth of knowledge and experience comes in handy too. If you think your ideas need to be heard, reach out, we want to hear all about them.


5• Lethbridge ENTREPRENEURS


‹The opportunities for entrepreneurs are endless at Tecconnect, an initiative of EDL since 2011. Courses ranging from Demystifying Technology,


Entrepreneurship, Marketing, Financing and even pivoting your business during a global pandemic, run throughout most of the year.


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