1. Open and Inclusive Membership

ERIN membership is free and open to organizations and individuals who contribute to or benefit from the Edmonton innovation ecosystem. This includes municipalities, service providers, post-secondary institutions, investors, small businesses, innovation-based companies, founders, campus innovators, and others seeking support from the innovation community.

2. Active Participation

Members of ERIN are expected to stay engaged by attending meetups, supporting ecosystem growth, and maintaining good standing within the community. Active participation strengthens connections and enhances the impact of ERIN’s collaborative network.

3. Core Values and Ethical Conduct

Members agree to uphold and embody the core principles that define ERIN’s collaborative ecosystem, inspired by Rainforest Alberta: Trust, Diversity, Free Help, Pay It Forward, Fairness, Listening, Honesty, Team Sport, Sharing, and Role Modelling. These values ensure a supportive, ethical, and thriving innovation community.

4. Ambassadors of the Ecosystem

Members are expected to serve as ambassadors, evangelists, and supporters of the regional innovation ecosystem. This includes actively promoting collaboration, advocating for ERIN’s mission, and uplifting fellow members through meaningful engagement.

5. Ethical Networking 

ERIN membership is intended to foster collaboration, connection, and ecosystem support. While members may share information about their products, services, or opportunities in a respectful and relevant manner, high-pressure sales tactics, aggressive recruitment, or adding individuals to mailing lists without consent are not permitted. Unwanted solicitation that disrupts the spirit of the network may result in dismissal from ERIN. Members are expected to prioritize authentic relationship-building over transactional interactions.

6. Commitment to a Safe and Respectful Community

ERIN members are expected to foster a welcoming, inclusive, and respectful environment. Discrimination, harassment, or any form of inappropriate behavior will not be tolerated. Every member has a role in ensuring that ERIN remains a space where diverse perspectives are valued and collaboration can thrive.

7. Collaboration Over Competition

ERIN operates on the belief that collective success strengthens the entire innovation ecosystem. Members are encouraged to share knowledge, resources, and opportunities in the spirit of collaboration rather than competition. By working together, we build a stronger, more connected community that benefits everyone.

8. Transparency and Integrity

Honest and open communication is essential to ERIN’s success. Members are expected to act with integrity, share information transparently, and engage with others in good faith. Trust is the foundation of a strong network, and members should uphold ethical standards in all interactions.

9. Client-Centered Support

ERIN members share a common interest in helping entrepreneurs and ventures ("Clients") start and grow their businesses efficiently. To best serve Clients:

• Members should openly share resources and guidance across the network.

• It is acceptable to promote individual services, but members should also recommend programming, events, and resources from other ERIN members that align with a Client’s specific stage of development.

• The success of Clients is a shared achievement, and ERIN members should work together to provide the best possible support.

10. Ecosystem Alignment and Continuous Improvement

Members and their services will evolve over time, and ERIN will adapt alongside them. As a collective, we will:

• Coordinate efforts to reduce duplication of services and programs.

• Use public funds efficiently and reduce confusion for Clients.

• Publicly and privately support one another, addressing concerns or conflicts in a timely and professional manner.

• Align as a network to deliver more effective and seamless support to Clients.

11. Commitment to the Broader Alberta Innovation Ecosystem

ERIN members recognize their role in contributing to the broader Alberta innovation ecosystem. By actively engaging beyond the local network, we strengthen regional and provincial innovation efforts, ensuring a thriving and sustainable environment for entrepreneurs and businesses.

12. Confidentiality

Members may, from time to time, be exposed to sensitive information relating to the business, affairs, or companies associated with ERIN. While ERIN, as a community organisation, supports the principles of transparency and accountability, members should give due consideration to the information shared with the general public.

13. Reporting Concerns

Members who become aware of conduct that may violate ERIN’s membership principles are encouraged to report their concerns to the ERIN Manager or another authorized ERIN representative. ERIN is dedicated to maintaining a respectful, inclusive, and collaborative environment, and addressing issues promptly and constructively is essential to upholding the integrity of our network.

All reports will be managed by the ERIN Manager, who will notify the Steering Committee as appropriate. Appeals will be considered on a case-by-case basis by the Steering Committee, at its discretion, and in alignment with ERIN’s established policies and procedures.

14. Personal Information Protection and Privacy (PIPA Compliance)

ERIN is committed to protecting personal information in accordance with Alberta’s Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA) and follows PIPA as a best-practice framework for the responsible collection, use, retention, and disclosure of personal information.

By completing and submitting this form, the Applicant provides informed consent to the collection, use, and disclosure of their personal information for purposes that are reasonable and directly related to ERIN’s mandate and operations, including but not limited to membership administration, communications, programming, reporting, the operation of the ERIN member directory, and participation in ERIN ecosystem activities.

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The Applicant understands that:

• Personal information will be used only for purposes that are reasonable and related to ERIN’s mandate and operations and retained for a reasonable period of time consistent with those purposes, in accordance with Alberta’s Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA).

• The Applicant has the right to request access to their personal information held by ERIN and to request corrections or updates to that information.

• The Applicant may withdraw consent at any time, subject to legal or contractual restrictions, including by requesting removal of their ERIN membership. Withdrawal of consent may limit ERIN’s ability to provide membership-related services.

• Applicants are encouraged to review Alberta’s Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA) for further information on their privacy rights and ERIN’s obligations under the Act.

Questions, requests, or concerns regarding personal information, privacy practices, access, corrections, or consent withdrawal should be directed to:

ERIN Administrator

admin@edmontonrin.ca

ERIN will respond to privacy-related inquiries in accordance with the timelines and requirements set out under Alberta’s Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA).

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Agreement & Acknowledgment

By checking the box below, you confirm that all information provided is accurate and truthful. You also agree to abide by the guiding principles of ERIN, including active engagement, ethical conduct, and a commitment to fostering a collaborative and respectful innovation ecosystem.