The Cowichan Valley is home to several digital animation companies, software developers, and thought-leaders in the tech industry. To accelerate and grow tech in the region, Economic Development Cowichan (EDC) has identified it as a priority for 2017.
This project consists of the development of a comprehensive strategy to attract, retain and support the tech industry. The strategy included the identification of existing companies, and defining types of new tech companies that are likely to evolve over the next decade. The strategic plan also highlights advantages, inherent in the Cowichan Valley, for tech startups and relocations, as well as an identification of industry needs that require action. This also include the role that industry associations and post-secondary institutions can play in growing human resources along with the partnerships and investment tools anticipated to advance the sector.
The project’s outcomes include retention and growth of existing tech companies in the region; attraction of new companies; creation of related tech infrastructure to support that growth; and strengthening the collaboration between regional partners to incentivize tech investment across the Cowichan Valley.
Island Coastal Economic Trust approved funding for this project in 2017 through the Investment Readiness program.
We work in reciprocal relationships with coastal communities across the ancestral territories of the Kwak̓wala, Nuučaan̓uɫ, Éy7á7juuthem, Ligwilda'xw, Pəntl'áč, She shashishalhem, Sḵwx̱wú7mesh, Hul’q’umi’num’, diitiidʔaatx̣, SENĆOŦEN, Lekwungen, and T’Sou-ke speaking peoples.
