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ERINnovation Nation Newsletter October 15, 2026
Help Shape Our Innovation Ecosystem - And Win Some Great Prizes!
Your voice matters! ERIN is inviting entrepreneurs, innovators, service providers, and everyone involved in Edmonton's innovation ecosystem to complete the Rainforest Scorecard Survey.
The Rainforest Scorecard helps us understand how well our innovation ecosystem is working, where we're succeeding, and where there are opportunities to improve. By gathering perspectives from across the community, we can identify gaps, strengthen connections, and make more informed decisions about how to support entrepreneurs and innovation in our region.
Why participate? Your feedback will help ERIN and our ecosystem partners better understand what's working, what's missing, and where we should focus our collective efforts to build a stronger, more connected innovation community.
Plus, you could win! Complete the survey for a chance to win one of two tickets to Upper Bound 2027, Canada's premier AI conference, or one of several other exciting prize packages!
It only takes a few minutes, but your input can help shape the future of Edmonton's innovation ecosystem.
Complete the Rainforest Scorecard Survey today and make your voice count!
EVENTS, WORKSHOPS AND MORE
Build and Grow: Take Your Business to the Next Level
Celebrate Small Business Week with an afternoon of connection, conversation and practical insights for entrepreneurs! Hear from a panel of local business owners as they share lessons from their growth journeys, connect with fellow entrepreneurs, and discover organizations and resources that can help you take your business to the next level.
Friday, October 23 | 1:30–4:00 p.m.
Heavy Metal Place, Spruce Grove
Hosted in partnership with ERIN, BDC, ATB Financial, the City of Spruce Grove, AWE, Business Link, Community Futures Capital Region and the Greater Parkland Regional Chamber of Commerce.
Space is limited—register early!
The Big Connect
October 22 | 4:30–6:30 PM
Concordia University of Edmonton
Expand your network at The BIG Connect! Join business professionals from across Edmonton for an evening of open networking, facilitated conversations, and opportunities to build meaningful relationships with potential collaborators and partners. Learn More & Register
Edmonton Tech Wednesdays
Weekly | 5:30–8:30 PM
The Pint Public House
Tech Wednesdays is a casual weekly meetup for founders, developers, designers, students, researchers, and anyone interested in tech. No pitches, presentations or formal agenda—just good conversations and community.
Future Forward Speaker Series
October 20 | 11 AM–1 PM
Strathcona County Community Centre
Join Strathcona County for the first session of its Future Forward Speaker Series, featuring Linda Hoang. Learn practical strategies for paid social media advertising, reaching your target audience, and understanding SEO and GEO.
Hot Chefs Cool bEATS
November 18 | 6–9:30 PM
Enjoy an evening of incredible food, drinks, and live entertainment featuring some of Edmonton's finest chefs! Hot Chefs Cool bEATS brings together the local culinary community for a delicious cause, raising funds for In The Weeds YEG, a nonprofit providing free mental health care to hospitality workers.
Family Violence Impacts at Work: What Businesses Need to Know
Multiple Dates | Online
Did you know businesses have legal responsibilities when family violence impacts the workplace? In this session you will learn about your obligations under Alberta's legislation and practical steps to create a safer workplace for your employees.
Member Monday
October 19 | 10–11 AM | Virtual
Join us for a casual one-hour session to meet fellow ERIN members, learn more about the network and its benefits, and make new connections across Edmonton’s innovation ecosystem.
Canada-Alberta Productivity Grant: Updates & Upcoming Webinars
The Government of Alberta has announced important updates to the Canada-Alberta Productivity Grant (CAPG), making it easier for Alberta businesses to access funding for employee training and skills development.
The program helps employers invest in workforce training to improve productivity, strengthen employee skills, and support business growth.
What's New?
Effective immediately, two significant changes have been introduced:
Expanded eligibility: Employed family members and business owners are now eligible to receive training through the program.
Increased funding support: All eligible trainees may now receive up to 75% in total government fundingtoward eligible training costs.
These changes provide greater flexibility and financial support for businesses looking to upskill their teams, adopt new technologies, and strengthen their competitiveness.
Want to Learn More?
The Government of Alberta is hosting information sessions on October 27 and November 3 to help employers understand the program, eligibility requirements, and application process.
Have Your Say: Help Shape Mental Health and Addiction Services
The Bridges to Healthy Edmonton Regional Advisory Council is seeking community input to help improve access to mental health and addiction services in Edmonton.
The council has launched a survey to better understand community experiences with accessing mental health and addiction services, including challenges navigating the health care system.
Your feedback will help the council:
Identify gaps, challenges, and areas requiring further discussion.
Establish priorities for the coming year.
Develop advice and recommendations to help improve services in our community.
37th Annual ASTech Awards Gala and Innovation Showcase
Celebrate Alberta’s science and technology community at the 37th Annual ASTech Awards Gala in Edmonton. Join innovators, researchers, funders and industry leaders as the 2026 ASTech Award winners are announced and Alberta’s leading achievements in innovation are celebrated.
November 6 | 5:00–9:00 PM The Westin Edmonton Dress: Business Formal
The evening includes the awards ceremony, innovation showcase, curated networking and a seated dinner.
Have something you want to share with the ERIN community? Submit your information through ERIN Connect!
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