Welcome to this week’s Midweek Memo. In this issue, learn about a free business incubator program for circular economy entrepreneurs, discover who became a finalist at the Vancouver Island Business Excellence Awards, and find out what your community is saying about U.S. tariffs.

Now on to today’s briefing. It’s 611 words: a three-minute read.

-Emily, [email protected]

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‘All’s not lost’: BCSC gets musical on AI protection

You might not expect a securities regulatory agency to be putting out music videos to accompany an awareness campaign, but you’d be wrong.

The BC Securities Commission (BCSC) has launched a new campaign aiming to help British Columbians understand how to avoid falling victim to AI investment scams.

The campaign, titled “We’re Not All F**ked,” acknowledges the anxiety many individuals are feeling about AI and encourages British Columbians to pause, scrutinize, and think critically before investing.

According to the regulatory agency, AI is becoming a common tool to lure and deceive investors by making it more difficult for individuals to distinguish fact from fiction. According to new research from the BCSC, 71 percent of British Columbians are worried about AI technology being used in investment fraud and over half are unsure of where to look for information about AI investment scams.

Alongside the music video, BSCS has built a new microsite that offers unbiased tips and information for investors to identify and protect themselves from AI scams.

📰 More Victoria innovation news

⭐️ I’m your zero: Project Zero, an initiative of the Victoria-based non-profit Synergy Foundation, is looking for entrepreneurs working in the circular economy for its 2025 cohort. Applications for the free business incubator program are open until March 3.

⏰ To the end of time: The Vancouver Island Business Excellence Awards announced its finalists for the program’s 23rd edition, including the South Island Prosperity Partnership and Peloton Technologies. Winners will be announced on February 6.

🦅 Oh say, can you see: Scott Phillips — president and CEO of Island-based medical device company Starfish Medical — and Bruce Williams, CEO of the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce, shared their thoughts on the threat of tariffs from the U.S.

🕴️ Tech jobs of the week

Find your next career:

• Scientific data specialist at Ocean Networks Canada

• Accounting and compliance officer at the University of Victoria

• Technical integration lead at the BC Pension Corporation

Hiring in Victoria? Reply to this email and let us know!

📅 Upcoming events

February 20-21 | 6th Western Angel Investment Summit

Presented by Angel Forum with the support of VIATEC and the National Angel Capital Organization, the theme of this year’s Western Angel Investment Summit is “B.C. Be Bold.” Targeted at angels, founders, funds, and accelerators, the event will explore how B.C. founders and investors should be ready to take centre stage.

February 24-25 | 9th Annual BC Communications Forum

Join the BC Communications Forum, the premier gathering for communication professionals across the province. This is your opportunity to connect with industry leaders, exchange ideas with peers, and dive into the latest insights that can transform your day-to-day work.

Have an upcoming event? Reply to let us know.

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