TOGETHER WITH

Welcome to this week’s Sunday Briefing. In this issue:

Now on to today’s briefing.

-Emily, [email protected]

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SPONSORED BY COAST

The COAST Hub is now welcoming coworking, meeting and event bookings from the business community.

With a choice of private offices, hot desks, and open areas for up to 140 people, COAST Hub’s configurable spaces are ideal for everything from coworking to board meetings, workshops, networking events and creative off-sites.

Reliable high-speed internet, advanced video conferencing and AV, plus a soundproof podcast studio with top-tier recording equipment, make it easy for companies to connect with clients or teams remotely or in Victoria.

Extras like natural light, modern design, complimentary coffee and tea, and easy catering help create a welcoming atmosphere. Book a tour and ask about competitive rates for both locals and visiting professionals.

In 2002, I got my first smartphone: the BlackBerry. A whole computer in the palm of my hand: group chats, email, and brick breaker. It was revolutionary. 

Then came the iPhone. 

Suddenly, BlackBerry’s keyboard and trackball were outdated next to Apple’s touch screen—and fast forward to now, BlackBerry is among the scrap heap of inventions from Nokia, Motorola, and Kodak, among others. 

This province can learn from their mistakes: because these companies didn’t fail because they refused to change—they failed because they refused to evolve. 

British Columbia isn’t BlackBerry. 

Industries like lumber, minerals, natural gas, and coal have long been the bedrock of our economy—our keyboard and trackball, if you will. Now is the time to innovate them. Resource industries are not going away—I’m aware—but we cannot base our entire economies on them. A smarter, more resilient economy needs to, and can, emerge. 

BC’s economy is no longer dominated by resource extraction alone. While natural resources still contribute a substantial $31.6 billion to provincial GDP, according to the Fraser Institute, sectors like construction ($25.4B), professional and technical services ($19.8B), and transportation ($16.1B) play a major part too. 

Yet the narrative of B.C. as a resource-centered economy persists. 

With rising tariffs, global competition, and increasing scarcity, it’s time to shift the mindset. In today’s economy, standing still is the same as falling behind. Innovation isn’t optional—it’s the way forward. 

Keep reading.

SPONSORED BY REED POPE

Reed Pope Business Lawyers is a leading business law firm based in Victoria, offering top-tier service to a wide range of clients involved in local, national, and international transactions. For over 18 years, Reed Pope lawyers have served as trusted counsel to entrepreneurs, start-ups and emerging companies, established businesses, high-net-worth individuals, investment funds, and other investors. The firm has deep expertise in entity formation and structuring, capital raising and investments, acquisitions, exit transactions, and general start-up advisory services.

Reed Pope is proud to support the local and provincial tech sector and is excited to partner with Victoria Tech Journal to help increase visibility for innovative start-ups, scaling technology companies, and the broader ecosystem. Learn more.

🌊 Take a chance on me: COAST launched its application process for the 2025 Pitchfest competition, offering Canadian ocean tech startups the opportunity to pitch for $10,000 at an October 29 event in Victoria.

📜 The times they are a-changin': The South Island Prosperity Partnership unveiled Canada's first Possibility Charter and its Rising Economy 2030 strategy, urging the region to prioritize hope and innovation over complacency in shaping its economic path.

🩸 We are the champions: Victoria's Joni climbed to 19th out of 400 companies on The Globe and Mail's fastest-growing companies ranking while reaching the milestone of one million donated period care products.

Find your next career:

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

October 16 | IP Pathways

Canadian businesses have generated over $8.6 billion through exporting technology. Turn your innovations into valuable assets with the IP Pathways Program — an accelerated course offered by New Ventures BC to gain the skills and knowledge to protect and leverage your business’ intellectual property.

Take the first step toward a stronger IP strategy now! New cohorts start every month, offering both virtual and in-person options. This course is available for free to participants located in British Columbia.

October 26-29 | Ocean Floor Explore

No one is systematically exploring the 75% of undiscovered ocean floor. Ocean Floor Explore aims to change that by uniting leaders in blue investing, philanthropy, technology, and exploration to pioneer a new funding model for ocean discovery.

Have something or someone we should know about?

Reply or email [email protected] so we can work together to spotlight the lesser-known stories of Victoria's tech ecosystem.