An active, successful, dynamic start-up community is critical to the long-term growth and vitality of Atlantic Canada’s economy and to the creation of good, well-paying jobs. Through an investment of $120,000, the Government of Canada is helping to connect entrepreneurs to investors, and bring business ideas to life.

"Access to capital remains one of the leading barriers to entrepreneurial success in Atlantic Canada. That is why the Government of Canada is pleased to support Invest Atlantic 2017. It contributes to the potential, the growth and the success of our local start-up community. Events such as this one help advance our knowledge, our skills and our access to the expertise and private equity capital of the local, national and international investment community."

- The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for the ACOA

"I am delighted that the Genesis Centre is hosting Invest Atlantic 2017 as a way to further develop and promote the dynamic and game-changing start-up community that is alive and well in Newfoundland and Labrador. This event is a top-notch forum for sharing ideas and knowledge and a remarkable opportunity for entrepreneurs to pitch their ideas to investors. New ideas and new investments mean new opportunities and new jobs. It’s a win-win."

- The Honourable Seamus O’Regan, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Member of Parliament for St. John’s South-Mount Pearl

"Newfoundlanders and Labradorians are well-known for our creativity, enthusiasm and passion. Events like Invest Atlantic provide a venue for our best and brightest to come together with the experience, knowledge and capital of a mature investment community and to turn ideas into meaningful, successful businesses. This is precisely why the Government of Canada invests in events such as this one and in the people who drive our economic prosperity."

- Nick Whalen, Member of Parliament for St. John’s East

"We’re pleased to have support from the Government of Canada to host Invest Atlantic 2017. If you're serious about growing your business, Invest Atlantic is where you want to be. This year's lineup features a dynamic cross-section of investors, partners, students and serial entrepreneurs that you won't often find in one room."

- Michelle Simms, CEO, Genesis Group

•  The Genesis Centre is an award-winning business incubator for technology start-ups. It accelerates start-ups through all stages of idea development – from pre-incubation and business model development, to investor readiness. It connects start-up clients with top mentors and advisors, along with marketing, funding, office space and technical resources to help them succeed.

   This is the eighth year for Invest Atlantic. Invest Atlantic 2017 will include focused discussions on topics such as raising capital, raising growth capital, securing commercial partnerships and succession planning. These activities provide opportunities for startups to learn, network with peers from the region and internationally, to exchange best practices and develop their investor readiness.

   The delegates will meet and pitch to local, national and international investors. Investors in attendance have a chance to hear pitches from startups, network and learn best practices from peers and influencers and possibly make their next deal.

Associated Links

• Innovation for a Better Canada – Canada’s Innovation and Skills Plan.
• Atlantic Growth Strategy – Atlantic Canada’s drive to thrive.
• Follow @Invest_Atlantic on Twitter
• Follow @Genesis_Centre on Twitter

Paul McGrath
Director, Communications
ACOA NL
709-772-2984
Paul.McGrath@canada.ca

Megan Dobbin
Community Engagement Coordinator
Genesis Centre
709-864-4721
Megan.Dobbin@genesiscentre.ca

Dave Finlayson
Event Manager
Jameson Group
902-401-2144
dave@jamesongroup.ca