Welcome to this week’s Sunday Briefing. In this issue, learn about which group is working to keep downtown Victoria safe and fun, new coworking options at the Centre for Ocean Applied Sustainable Technologies’ (COAST) hub, and VoxCell BioInnovation on the big screen.

Now on to today’s briefing. It’s 592 words: a three-minute read.

-Emily, [email protected] 

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New grant aims to help tech offset its emissions

A Victoria-based company is looking to help offset the tech sector’s environmental impact, which it says accounts for more global greenhouse gas emissions than even the aviation industry.

Shift, a web browser intended to give users a seamless online experience, has launched the Shift Impact Grant, which will provide one sustainability-focused organization $25,000 USD in funding.

"When people think of their carbon footprint, they usually think of things like aviation and manufacturing but don't usually think of data centres, streaming, or the internet,” said Shift’s CEO, Neil Henderson. “We launched the Shift Impact Grant as part of our wider journey to learn and raise awareness on how our digital lives carry a carbon footprint. Through the Shift Impact Grant, we are proud to be taking action by directly supporting a nonprofit, social venture, or startup creating a meaningful and measurable environmental impact, many of whom are under-represented and have faced challenges receiving funding."

Open to startups, non-profits, and social ventures working on sustainable and environmental projects, the Shift Impact Grant will support the recipient with funding and mentorship, as well as amplification through Redbrick, Shift’s parent company and a certified B Corp. The company says it’s imperative now, more than ever, for businesses to dig deep and do their part to lead sustainability initiatives.

📰 More Victoria innovation news

⚡️ You can always go downtown: Jeff Bray, CEO of the Downtown Victoria Business Association, joined the Chamber Chats podcast to talk about the city centre and what the association is doing to keep it lively and safe.

🤝 Workin' together, we can make a change: COAST announced new offerings at its coworking space, including punch passes for part-time workers and virtual offices for companies in need of a Victoria-based address.

✨ Fame: VoxCell Bioinnovation is set to feature in a documentary from U.S. actor and director Andy Garcia. The documentary is expected to be released later this year.

🕴️ Tech jobs of the week

Find your next career:

• Communications and engagement coordinator at City of Victoria

• IT engineer at Affirm

• Project manager at WSP

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

📅 Upcoming events

IWiST Breakfast with The Honourable Diana Gibson - B.C.'s Economic Future | April 25

Join a breakfast with JEDI Minister and MLA Diana Gibson, representing Oak Bay-Gordon Head. This is a unique opportunity to hear about her future plans for the riding and British Columbia, while engaging in meaningful discussions with constituents, future business leaders, and women in STEM.

The 2025 VIATEC Awards | May 1

This event brings the tech community together and take a moment to spotlight and celebrate some of the year’s most notable companies and individuals within Victoria’s $5.9 billion tech sector. For over 23 years, the event has been produced by VIATEC, Victoria’s tech industry association.

Have an upcoming event? Reply to let us know.

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.