Call for Proposals

Eligible Programming Activities & Costs

Programming is expected to be delivered between January 2025 and May 2025, must meet the objectives, and cannot be strictly networking events. Eligible activities can include one-time or multi-day events, learning series, skills development and training courses, export readiness programs, pitch competitions, and tailored services. Activities may be in-person, virtual or in a hybrid model.

Eligible Costs: Program costs, staff or contractor fees, speaker fees, venue fees, AV equipment and other direct costs tied to the program or event execution.

Ineligible Costs: Hospitality costs including travel, food and beverage.

The primary target audience for programming participants are B.C. technology and innovation companies that  

a) meet the requirements for the Web Summit Startup Program:

• have a unique software or hard technology solution or product in working order
• be an independent company and not a subsidiary or a larger organization
• have a working website
• have a functioning MVP or prototype

OR

b) are high-potential ventures looking to secure investors and expand markets, and are well positioned to capitalize on Web Summit Vancouver as a platform for growth.

Proposals must adhere to the following guidelines:

• Preparation for Web Summit Vancouver: Clearly demonstrate how the proposed activity will better prepare participants for Web Summit Vancouver.
• Target Audience Description: Describe the target audience(s), including growth stages, sector, industry, region(s), and/or community group(s) as relevant.
• Cost Breakdown: Provide a detailed breakdown of costs by category, including in-kind support and industry funding.
• Environmental Scan: Include an environmental scan to identify similar activities and ensure the programming is additive or identify opportunities for ecosystem partnership delivery.
• Participant Information and Impact Measurement: Detail how participant information will be collected and outline an approach for measuring and reporting program impact, including medium-term outcomes.
• Submission Requirements: Proposals must be no longer than 5 pages. Submit your proposal via the application form.

Selection of R2WSV partners will depend on multiple factors including but not limited to programming objectives, target audience, overall cost and funding requested, region(s) of delivery, content, duration and schedule. Preference may be given to:

• • Collaborative models for service delivery
  • Consortiums of partners capable of delivering the program across the entire Province

This opportunity is open to individual organizations or consortiums of partners, including industry associations, educational institutions, incubators, accelerators, and other relevant organizations.

To be considered for funding, proponents must:

• Be located in British Columbia;
• Have a proven track record in delivering similar events, programs, or services to that included in the proposal
• Provide a clear plan for integrating DEI principles into the program

Proponents agree to:

• Work with IBC to tailor programming as needed, including content, participant engagement (surveys), promotional strategy, resourcing, and timing
• Provide IBC with complete programming and participant data
• Agree to collaborate with Innovate BC to integrate the use of data and services platforms (including but not limited to the IP Hub, Capital Compass, etc.) managed by Innovate BC into their programming, when appropriate
• Acknowledge Innovate BC as a funding partner in all public-facing materials
• Submit budget reporting in alignment with IBC reporting requirements