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Q: What is ERIN’s role within the ecosystem?
A: We are a coalition of organisations in the Edmonton region that support innovation, technology, and knowledge-based startups and enterprises. Our mission is to help entrepreneurs start and grow innovative businesses.
Q: How does ERIN decide which programs to fund or launch? Is this mandated by the Alberta Innovates grant or is there discretionary funding?
A: If members of the network want to use our funding for startup programming, they need to demonstrate validated demand from entrepreneurs. All of our current programming is designed to address the top priority areas using tactics suggested by the community: capturing innovation from the post-secondary environment, mentorship and coaching from seasoned entrepreneurs, and service provider alignment. We incorporated many of the 60 tactics recommended in the Innovation Compass report by entrepreneurs to address gaps in the programming landscape. We also conducted our own survey of 50 entrepreneurs and facilitated a community tactical meeting on 9 January 2020 to gather input from the community on the application. We are currently working on a framework for groups to be able to bring their existing or new programming forward for consideration. We have a single program director whose job is to help ensure all of our members’ programming is working in concert for the benefit of entrepreneurs. Our current funding envelope consists of four programs that we validated with the community prior to submitting the proposal to Alberta Innovates. There are also dollars set aside for the support of community initiatives. Demonstrated community need and support from entrepreneurs are key in any proposal.
Q: How are the programs chosen and funded?
A: Each of our major priorities are currently being led by a Sub-Committee of volunteers selected from the community as well as a service provider who operates the program (Program Operator). The Program Operator meets regularly with the Sub-Committee to ensure the success of the program. Each program will re-launch on an annual basis.
The Expert on Demand program is operated by Edmonton Unlimited and modeled after a pilot project TEC Edmonton launched in 2019. Their pilot has received fantastic reviews from participant companies and achieved marked results. Currently, they have a backlog of companies waiting to get into the program. We have allocated a budget to enable Edmonton Unlimited to support an additional 20 or more companies per year. 100% of ERIN’s contribution will be allocated towards compensation for the experts working with the companies.
The Expert on Demand program is delivered by Edmonton Unlimited with financial support and strategic oversight from the ERIN. It is open to any qualified startup in the Edmonton region. A volunteer Sub-Committee has already put in dozens of person-hours into the design of this program.
Q: How are ERIN members involved in decision making? Can they put forward proposals for new innovative initiatives to ERIN?
A: ERIN members will be consulted monthly through community meetings as well as invited to participate in Sub-Committee meetings for the topics that interest them. We are committed to including at least three entrepreneurs on every Sub-Committee. These Sub-Committees are content specialists and executive advisors to ERIN’s Steering Committee. For programming, we are currently working on a framework for groups to be able to bring their existing or new programming forward for consideration.