Welcome to this week’s Sunday Briefing, brought to you by COAST. In this issue, find out which five Vancouver Island-based companies have officially made the Globe and Mail’s list of Canada’s top-growing businesses for 2023, which organization scooped two gold awards repping the local economy, and where Victoria placed in Condé Nast Traveller’s readers’ choice awards.

Now onto today’s briefing. It’s 1,022 words: a four-minute read.

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Vancouver Island’s top-growing companies for 2023

Five Vancouver Island-based companies have officially made the Globe and Mail’s list of Canada’s top-growing businesses for 2023.

The first Island business to break the rankings is Certn, placing 16th on the roster. Now counting 435 employees, the company’s yearly revenue growth is reported at 2,045 percent, with a CAD dollar figure of between $25 and $50 million.

Next is Alpha IT, which makes its way onto the board for the first time. The Nanaimo-based managed IT, cybersecurity, and web development service provider pulls in between two and five million Canadian dollars in revenue, and ranks 47th on the roster with its year’s revenue growth of 870 percent.

The third company to break the list is Victoria’s DeeBee’s Organics, which produces organic freezer pops. Like Certn, it’s the company’s second time in the rankings, where it’s placed 107th, thanks to its 439 percent revenue growth.

The other two local businesses to crack the top 500 were cloud services and solutions company Premier Cloud at number 140, and solar-powered outdoor commercial lighting firm First Light Technologies in 405th place.

Sixty-three other businesses from around B.C. ranked on the roster. If you’ve got a few minutes, it’s worth checking out the full list to see which local businesses are on an accelerated upswing.

Now, onto your daily briefing.

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COAST is driving leadership and innovation in Pacific Canada’s sustainable blue economy, supporting its members to research, start-up, and scale sustainable ocean innovation. If you’re a professional or entrepreneur in B.C.’s ocean and marine industry, you’re invited to get involved. Meet like-minded folks passionate about making a difference in our oceans, stay abreast of opportunities in the ever-evolving blue economy and get access to the connections and support you need. Plus, sign up for the COAST newsletter for invites to networking mixers, member news and opportunities. And get the scoop on innovations happening here via the COAST Podcast, plus advice for business growth via COAST Talks – all at canadacoast.ca.

🏙️ Community catchup, powered by VIATEC

The VIATEC Community Awards will take place November 30 in Carson Hall at the Victoria Conference Centre (720 Douglas Street.)

The ceremony brings the tech community together to connect, spotlight, and celebrate some of the year’s most notable companies and individuals within Victoria’s $4 billion tech sector. This year the coalition is aiming to increase inclusivity and ensure that the broader tech community knows that they belong, even if they are not members of a specific organization.

Nominations are now open for any Victoria tech company, as are opportunities for sponsorships slots. Early bird tickets are on sale now.

📰 More Victoria innovation news

🏦 Economic wins: The South Island Prosperity Partnership (SIPP) has received two gold Excellence in Economic Development Awards 2023 from the prestigious International Economic Development Council for its initiatives to strengthen Greater Victoria’s economy.

🌆 City wins: Condé Nast Traveller, a luxury and lifestyle travel magazine, says Victoria captured top marks in its annual Readers' Choice Awards of top cities. Victoria and Mexico's San Miguel de Allende, which ranked sixth, were the only cities in North America to make the list.

💻 Webinar wins: Axolotl’s Stephanie Willerth put together a webinar discussing how to make 3D bioprinted personalized tissue models, and the recording is now available.

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🕴️ Tech jobs of the week

Find your next career:

• Software Developer at Airble

• Accounting Technician at Westin Bear Mountain

• Enhanced Executive Support Analyst - Temporary at ISM

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

📅 Upcoming events

Oct 12 | ITSM x AI: The Power of Artificial Intelligence: Join Highway Three Solutions for an afternoon dedicated to unleashing the power of artificial intelligence in IT Service Management. The event will provide insights, client success stories, and networking opportunities in a relaxed and engaging atmosphere.

Oct 20 | Toast x Checkfront: Pathways to tech: Toast co-founder April Hicke will lead the conversation with a panel of experts who have navigated unique pathways to success in the tech industry. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting your tech journey, this event promises valuable insights, inspiration, and actionable advice.

Oct 25 | Diversity Equity and Inclusion in STEM: How Migrant Women Can Leverage the Power of Networking: Whether you're a migrant woman already thriving in STEM or aspiring to make your mark, join to gain valuable insights and connections that will help you excel in your STEM journey.

Have an upcoming event? Reply to let us know.

🙋 I need a…

We at Victoria Tech Journal know you, our community, pretty well. Are you searching for someone in your field to have coffee with, a hiring hookup, a lead on local investors, or suggestion for a great Victoria tech tool? Whatever you’re hunting for, let us know. We’ll post it in this section and make it happen.

Email your requests to [email protected].

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.