Business mentorship team expands
Janice OBriain, Venture Connection, 778.782.8728; jobriain@sfu.ca
Marianne Meadahl, PAMR, 778.782.3210
Simon Fraser University Venture Connection has expanded its student business-mentorship program with the addition of three more mentors-in-residence.
Vancouver entrepreneurs Jack Gin, Stewart Marshall and Dave Thomas join founding mentor Jim Derbyshire to offer their entrepreneurial expertise to promising student entrepreneurs.
Mentors-in-residence set and monitor business start-up milestones for individuals and teams in Venture Connection’s programs, and provide advice on topics such as market research, business planning, business models, sales and organizational development.
Gin, a business consultant and advisor, is the founder, president and CEO of Extreme CCTV Inc (1997 – 2008). A professional engineer, marketer and business writer, he received an Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year award in 2007.
Marshall helps organizations tell their stories through numbers and has worked in businesses of all sizes. A certified management accountant (CMA), he is currently chair of the CMA Vancouver Chapter.
Thomas is a business consultant and advisor for several technology companies. He manages the Rocket Builders ‘Market Readiness Program’ and is general manager of the Canadian Financial Forum. A skilled sailor, he’s also a member of the coaching staff for Canada’s Olympic sailing team.
Venture Connection provides resources and opportunities designed to help young entrepreneurs succeed. More than 1,000 students have taken advantage of Venture Connection since its launch in the fall of 2008, with 20 student teams currently receiving additional support through SFU’s early-stage business incubator, Venture Labs.
Funding for the new mentors-in-residence comes in part from the Discovery Foundation Technology Education program and the BC Innovation Council.