British Columbia Innovation Council

Did You Know

  • In 2009, there were 38 green technology companies from BC listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) with a combined market capitalization worth $1,128 million. Read more

B2B Technology Commercialization & Business Planning Workshop

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Testimonials

"As a start-up it is easy to get caught up in the work at hand (and the building of "things") rather than the chess-moves needed to land a good customer and a solid contract. I think about strategy more often now than ever before.
- Founder & CEO, Electric Vehicle Tech Company

"Combined with the one-on-one mentoring, this commercialization workshop strengthened our business strategy and probably advanced our market entry by 6 months."
- Founder & CEO, Clean Agricultural Systems Company

"This program is extremely valuable and very helpful to our business. Now we have a much better understanding of the challenges we are facing. I wish we could have taken this program a year earlier. I highly recommend Mark Dance's workshop."
- Founder & CEO of Battery Technology Company
"Course was excellent and very helpful in focusing on the REAL critical issues of Marketplace Economics and Key Milestones for entrepreneurs...Thanks!"
- Serial Entrepreneur & Founder of Hydrogen Fuel CompanyAn intensive and hands-on workshop that compels the entrepreneur to think critically about the true value, commercialization potential and positioning of their business idea. It covers critical elements of business planning and product management such as sustainable differentiation, pricing, sources of capital, market and expansion strategy.

The workshop is taught by Mark Dance, an experienced tech leader who was instrumental in the growth of Creo, one of the most successful BC grown tech companies.

Who should apply?

You're an entrepreneur, founder and/or CEO building a new or early-stage BC-based technology company.

Course Components:

  • Three full day workshops: Friday February 3, 10 & 17
  • Upon completion of the last workshop there is a final project, which forms the basis of three hours of one-on-one mentorship, where Mark will work with each company independently.
  • Coaching Session Dates: Friday March 2, 16, 30

Cost

  • $269 per company (value = $4,000)
  • Registration includes space and materials for two lead company representatives. Additional representative = $125 (max: 1)

Workshop Topics

Using a classic product management approach, the following topics will be covered:

  • Value analysis and the role of a business
  • Valuation and financing
  • Market analysis
  • Market strategy
  • Product management I & II
  • Go-to-market
  • Operations and business projections

Workshop Outcomes

  • Critical analysis of the value of your idea and how it can be captured and protected
  • Selection and analysis of target market(s)
  • Development of market penetration and acquisition strategies necessary to secure early customers or partners
  • Development of a refined business and cash projection model
  • Creation of critical elements for your business plan and investment proposals
  • Identification of key risks and plans for mitigating those risks
  • Networking and relationships with other like-minded entrepreneurs

APPLICATION DEADLINE EXTENDED TO WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 18TH

To apply or for more information, please download the brochure and application form or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it at BCIC

- Please Note: Workshop capacity is eight companies. Selected companies will be contacted once the deadline has passed and all applications have been reviewed. Five $1,000 travel bursaries will be awarded to select participants.

About Mark Dance:

Mark Dance worked at Creo, one of the most successful BC grown tech companies, from 1994 to 2005, when it sold to Kodak for over $1.2 billion. In 1998, Mark was appointed COO and in 2000 took on the additional portfolio of President, Graphic Arts. In 2002 he assumed the role of both COO and CFO.

Mark has vast experience working with many local early-stage tech companies as both an investor and board member. He has helped numerous tech companies in the areas of business strategy, distribution and partnerships, financing, pricing and product strategy, operations and more. Mark is currently on the Boards of Allnorth Engineering and CopperLeaf Technologies, and the Advisory Boards of Evoshift Communications, Awesense Wireless, Urbanstream, Crosswind Power Technologies and Allocadia Software, all of whom are BC-based companies in various stages of growth.

The Commercialization & Business Planning Workshop is a BCIC program in partnership with: