NANAIMO - The Nanaimo Economic Development Corporation (NEDC) in collaboration with Innovation Island launched SquareOne today (ow.ly) , the region’s first technology incubator and co-working space. The space located at 38 Victoria Crescent will provide resources and programming to help the region’s start-up businesses grow and foster new entrepreneurs in our community.

“The Nanaimo region has a vibrant and growing tech community,” said Sasha Angus, CEO of NEDC. “SquareOne will be a focal point for incubating and launching new start-up businesses in the region.”

“We are excited about the launch of SquareOne and the opportunity to build on the already thriving technology community,” said Paris Gaudet, Executive Director of Innovation Island. “It is well known that technology incubators drive economic development, create jobs and sustainable communities. Innovation Island will now have a centralized hub to deliver its programs and support entrepreneurs to start, accelerate, and grow.”

"With the launch of SquareOne today, entrepreneurs and startups in Nanaimo will have a central location where they can access the resources they need to succeed," said Andrew Wilkinson, Minister of Technology, Innovation and Citizens’ Services. "I'd like to thank Innovation Island, the Nanaimo Economic Development Corporation, and the City of Nanaimo, whose hard work has made this possible."

Innovation Island has relocated their office space to SquareOne to provide onsite programming and support, including an Executive-In-Residence to help coach and mentor companies. Venture acceleration programming at SquareOne is supported by the BC Innovation Council with further programming supported by the Island Coastal Economic Trust. Resident companies pay a low monthly fee to rent a “square” and access shared meeting space as well as other resources.

The mission of the Nanaimo Economic Development Corporation is to build a prosperous community through economic opportunity.

Media Contacts:
Sasha Angus, CEO
Nanaimo Economic Development Corp.
Sasha.Angus@InvestNanaimo.com
250 713-9830

Paris Gaudet
Executive Director Innovation
Island Technology Association
Paris@innovationisland.ca
250 618-5333