Money Links

Contact: Mike Volker, Tel:604-644-1926, Email: mike@volker.org     Last updated: October 2006

The color of money

Money comes in three basic colors: GREEN, GOLD and RED. Green money comes from patient, equity-oriented investors including private, institutional and even public investors. It is green because it allows companies to grow and prosper without being impeded by repayment obligations. Gold money is as good as gold. It comes from government and quasi-government organizations that are part of the infra-structure support system paid for by our tax dollars. Usually this money is in the form of grants, interest-free loans, and other forms of assistance. Red money comes from debt-oriented lenders. This includes banks, factoring houses, leasing companies, and other lenders. It is red because this is the color lenders see when the debt is not serviced -- and because you should see this as a red warning light!

The following table identifies various money sources (with a Western Canadian focus) and their respective Internet web links. Links to information sites other than the Green, Gold and Red ones are at the end.

MONEY LINKS for BC technology companies

SOURCE

LINK

COMMENTS

 

 

 

EQUITY CAPITAL

 Green money

 Green is for growth

 Banyan Capital Partners

 

 www.cclgroup.com/banyancapitalpartners

 

 Invests in well-managed, successful middle-market companies in various industries, that are located mainly in western Canada and northwestern US.

 

 BMO Capital Corporation

 www.bmo.com/bmocc

 Provides subordinated debt, mezzanine finance and quasi-equity to farm businesses, mid-sized companies and specialty businesses.

 BC Advantage Funds (VCC)

 

 http://www.bcadvantagefunds.com/

 

 Invests in emerging BC-based life sciences and technology companies that are developing proprietary products or services.

 

 BC Angel Forum

 

 www.angelforum.org/

 

 Introduces technology and non-technology companies seeking equity financing ($100,000 to $1 million) to private equity investors.

 

 BC Discovery Fund (VCC) Inc.

 http://www.bcdiscoveryfund.com/

 

 Invests in early stage BC technology ventures; specializes in information technology, communications, health and life sciences, and energy and envirnomental technologies.

 Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC)

 

 www.bdc.ca/flash.asp

 

 Provides Canadian small businesses with financial services, consulting services, subordinate financing and venture capital.  

 Chrysalix Energy Limited Partnership

 http://www.chrysalix.com/

 Provides financing and other services to early stage companies involved in fuel cell, hydrogen, clean coal, energy storage and other clean energy technologies. 

 CNQ Stock Exchange

 http://www.cnq.ca/

 An exchange for trading the equity securities of emerging companies.

 Discovery Capital Corporation

 http://www.discoverycapital.com/

 A venture capital investor and fund manager specializing in information technology, communications, health and life sciences, and other advanced technologies.

 ESOP Tax Credit -- BC Ministry of Economic Development, Employee Share Ownership Program

 http://www.cse.gov.bc.ca/

 (In Search box, type “Investment Capital”; click on "Investment Capital Programs," then click on “Employee Share Ownership.")

 Provides employees with a 20% tax credit for making investments in their employers' businesses. 

 Greenstone Venture Partners

 http://www.greenstonevc.com/

 Provides venture capital funding and management support to early-stage technology companies located in Canada and Western USA, and involved in communications infrastructure, semiconductors, wireless and enterprise software.

 GrowthWorks Canadian Fund

 http://www.growthworks.ca/

 A venture capital management company; investment focus is information technology, life sciences, and advanced manufacturing.

 Interface International

 http://www.interfaceweb.com/  

 A private venture capital and management partnership offering services that focus on raising capital, identifying strategic alliances, recommending mergers and acquisitions, and orchestrating makeovers and turn arounds. 

 MDS Capital Corporation

 http://www.mdscapital.com/

 A venture capital management firm that provides financial support and other services to emerging health and life science companies.

 OVP Venture Partners

 http://www.ovp.com/

 Invests capital in new companies in growing markets – enterprise software, communications and network systems, digital biology, specialized electronic systems and business services.

 Pacific Century Group Ventures Ltd.

 http://www.pcentury.com/

 Invests in start-up companies; focus is oil and gas, information and other technologies.

 Pangaea Ventures Ltd.

 http://www.pangaeaventures.com/

 Invests in early-stage advanced material, nanotechnology, energy technology and environmental technology companies.

 PenderFund Capital Management Ltd.

 http://www.penderfund.com/

 Growth Fund: invests in the information technology and communication sectors. Life Sciences Fund: an investment vehicle with tax incentives that invests in pharmaceutical companies with drugs ready for clinical trials.

 Primaxis Technology Ventures Inc.

 http://www.primaxis.com/

 Invests in early stage Canadian companies in the following sectors: communications, semiconductors, electronics, IT infrastructure, and advanced materials and manufacturing.

 RBC Technology Ventures Inc.

 www.rbcroyalbank.com/rbcv  

 Invests in biotechnology, engineering and physical sciences, agricultural science, information technology and financial services technology.

 Roynat Capital

 http://www.roynat.com/  

 Provides long-term capital and business solutions to high-growth mid-market companies (sales between $5 million and $200 million).

 TELUS New Ventures BC Competition

 http://www.telusnewventuresbc.com/

 A competition for anyone with a new technology idea, who wants to turn the idea into a profitable company; first prize is worth $60,000.

 TELUS Ventures

 www.telus.com/ventures  

 Invests in emerging businesses and technologies, especially those involved in voice, data, IP and wireless.

 TSX Group (TSX Venture Exchange)

 http://www.tsx.com/  

 Provides emerging companies with access to capital; interests include mining, oil and gas, life sciences, communication, manufacturing, technology, and financial services.

 University Medical Discoveries Inc. (UMDI)

 http://www.umdi.net/

 Provides seed funding to help develop and commercialize research done by entrepreneurs at Canadian universities, hospitals and research institutes.

 Vancouver Angel Technology   Network (VANTEC)

 

 www.vef.org/angels/index.html

 

 Introduces early stage investors and mentors to promising technology (in all fields) ventures, mainly in British Columbia.

 Ventures West

 http://www.ventureswest.com/

 Invests in four sectors: biotechnology, communications, cleantech, and information technology.

 Working Opportunity Fund

 www.growthworks.ca/funds/wof

 

 A venture capital fund British Columbians can invest in; invests in BC companies involved in information technology, life sciences, and advanced manufacturing.

 WUTIF Capital (VCC) Inc.

 http://www.wutif.ca/

 Co-invests with angel investors in new technology companies, such as those based on technologies developed at BC universities and institutions; interests include communications and information technology, health and life sciences technologies, physical sciences, energy and fuel cells.

 XITO Capital Corporation

 http://www.xitocapital.com/

 A venture capital firm that provides specialized investment banking services to leading private and public small capitalization companies.

 Yaletown Venture Partners

 http://www.yaletown.com/  

 Invests time and money in seed and early-stage technology companies; focus is Western Canada’s energy technology and information technology clusters.

 

 

 

 SUBSIDIES & GRANTS

(Golden money)

(As good as gold!)

 BC Innovation Council

 http://www.bcinnovationcouncil.com/ 

 

Provides a one-stop point of access and support to high technology companies, educational institutions, technology industry awareness groups, federal science and technology agencies and university research labs.

 BC Knowledge Development Fund

 www.aved.gov.bc.ca/bckdf

Enables public post-secondary institutions, teaching hospitals and affiliated non-profit research agencies to invest in BC’s research infrastructure; priorities are agriculture, alternative energy/power technologies, health/biotechnology, forestry, high tech, indigenous studies and ocean sciences.

 Canada Foundation for Innovation

 http://www.innovation.ca/

 Funds Canadian research infrastructure (state-of-the-art equipment, buildings, laboratories, and databases); focus is Canadian universities, colleges, research hospitals and non-profit research institutions.

 

Canadian Institutes of Health Research

 

 http://www.cihr-irsc.gc.ca/    

 

Supports the work of health sciences researchers and trainees in universities, teaching hospitals and research institutes across

Canada.

 CANARIE Inc.

 http://www.canarie.ca/

Mission is to accelerate Canada’s advanced Internet development and use; supports the development of new Internet applications and technologies.

 Export support programs

 Canadian Commercial Corporation    

 http://www.ccc.ca/

 Export Development Canada

 http://www.edc.ca/

CCC: gives Canadian businesses access to international opportunities

EDC: provides financing, insurance and bonding solutions to Canadian companies that export goods and services, or invest in other countries.

 Human Resources and Social Development Canada

 www.hrdc-drhc.gc.ca/en  

 Various financial assistance programs for employers seeking to recruit and/or train employees.

 Industry Canada (Strategis)

 http://www.strategis.gc.ca/

Industry Canada web site; provides valuable information on trade, investment, sectors, economic analysis statistics, research technologies, innovations, legislation and other topics relevant to businesses, as well as guides to starting a business, exporting, researching markets and other activities. 

 National Research Council’s IRAP Program (BC & Yukon)

 http://irap-pari.nrc-cnrc.gc.ca/bcandyukon_e.html

 Helps small and medium-sized Canadian firms build their capacity in technology and innovation; offers access to technical assistance, the latest technological advances, expertise, facilities and resources, as well as cost-shared financing of innovative technical projects.

 Natural Sciences Engineering Research Council (NSERC)

 http://www.nserc.ca/

 Helps Canadian companies by jointly funding collaborative R&D projects with university scientists and engineers.

 Precarn Incorporated

 http://www.precarn.ca/

 Supports the pre-commercial development of leading-edge technologies.

 Scientific Research & Experimental Development (SR & ED) Tax Incentive Program

 www.ccra.gc.ca/sred

A federal tax incentive program to encourage Canadian businesses of all sizes and in all sectors to conduct research and development (R&D) in Canada that will lead to new, improved, or technologically advanced products or processes.

 Western Economic Diversification

 http://www.wd.gc.ca/

 Helps small businesses and new entrepreneurs acquire the skills and resources they need to succeed; focuses on improved business productivity, trade and investment, industry collaboration and access to capital.

 

 

 

 DEBT CAPITAL

 (Red Money)

 (Red helps – in moderation!)

 Customers & suppliers

 

These are among the best and easiest financing options. Getting supplier credit and up-front advances from customers can go a long way in addressing cash flow needs. Don’t be shy. Ask!

 Bank of Montreal

 http://www.bankofmontreal.com/

 Offers investment and corporate banking, advisory services, treasury and market risk management, institutional investing and research

 Bond Capital

 http://www.bondcapital.ca/

 Provides mezzanine debt and equity to small and medium-sized  enterprises in Western Canada and the USA.

 Business Development Bank

 http://www.bdc.ca/

 Provides small and medium-sized businesses with flexible financing, affordable consulting services and venture capital.

 Canadian Youth Business Foundation

 http://www.youthbusiness.com/

 Offers start-up mentoring, financing, and business resources to young entrepreneurs (18 to 34 years old).

 Chittenden Commercial Credit

 http://www.chittendencredit.ca/

 Provides lending solutions that allow companies to grow their businesses and expand their opportunities.

 CIBC

 http://www.cibc.com/

 Offers a suite of small business financial products, including assistance with business plans.

 Export Development Canada

 http://www.edc.ca/

 Provides Canadian exporters with financing, insurance and bonding services, as well as foreign market expertise.

 The Interface Financial Group

 http://www.interfacediscounting.com/

 Provides working capital for small and medium businesses through a version of factoring known as "invoice discounting."

 North Point Capital Corp.

 http://www.northpointcapital.com/

 Offers equity, convertible debt and subordinated corporate debt to established mid-market companies.

 Northstar Trade Finance Inc.

 http://www.northstar.ca/

 Supports Canadian exporters by offering financing to credit-worthy buyers of eligible Canadian goods and services.

 Pyx Financial Group Inc.

 http://www.pyxfinancial.com/

 Provides small companies with the cash and help needed to solve their business problems and capitalize on their opportunities.

 Royal Bank of Canada

 http://www.royalbank.com/

 Offers a variety of financing options to Canadian businesses, including federal government guaranteed loans.

 Roynat Capital

 http://www.roynat.com/

 Specializes in long-term capital and business solutions for high-growth firms with sales between $5 million and $200 million.

 TD Bank Financial Group

 http://www.td.com/

 Offers a full range of financial products and services.

 Vancity Capital

 http://www.vancitycapital.com/

 Provides growth capital to fast-growing small- to medium-sized businesses based in BC.

 Western Economic Diversification  Canada

 www.wd.gc.ca/finance/xnetwork_e.asp

 Supports a network of organizations that offer business information or small loans, or assist with access to small-business financing.

 Women’s Enterprise Centre

 http://www.wes.bc.ca/

 Offers women entrepreneurs skills development, lending services, business guidance, business resources, networking opportunities and events.

 

 

 

 OTHER INFORMATION

 

 

 AlbertaVenture

 http://www.albertaventure.com/

 A good source of information on Alberta industries, special events, advice on how to build a business, new ideas, etc.

 BC Medical Technology Industry Association (BC MedTech)

 http://www.bcmediabc.com/

 Promotes development of the medical device industry; informs members and the medical community about regulatory and other industry issues; facilitates the exchange of scientific, technological and business information within the industry.

 BC Ministry of Economic Development

 http://www.ei.gov.bc.ca/

 Offers various guides related to starting a small business, plus reports, industry reviews, web links, news, etc.

 Canada’s Venture Capital & Private Equity Association (CVCA)

 www.cvca.ca/membership/directory

 Represents most of Canada's venture capital companies; members provide venture capital and private equity investment.

 Canadian Financing Forum

 http://www.financingforum.com/

 Matches North American corporate and VC investors with serious entrepreneurs looking to build world-class technology companies.

 Community of Science (COS)

 http://www.cos.com/

 Provides information critical to scientific research and other projects across all disciplines – re funding sources, research, researchers, potential collaborators; universities, corporations, non-profits.

 eBusiness Connection

 http://www.e-bc.ca/

 Offers e-business information and services to help BC  businesses remain competitive in our changing information economy.

 High Tech in BC

 http://www.hitechbc.com/

 A gateway to all high technology resources, web sites, companies and organizations in BC (mainly!).

 Industry Canada

 http://www.strategis.ic.gc.ca/

 A source of business support services, financing information, advice, small business tax information, etc.

 National Angel Organization  www.angelinvestor.ca  The Canadian voice of angel investors dedicated to promoting best practices and advocacy for angel investors.

 National Venture Capital Association (US)

 http://www.nvca.org/

 A trade association that represents the US venture capital industry; also of some interest to Canadians. 

 Simon Fraser University, University/Industry Liaison Office

 www.sfu.ca/uilo

 Connects companies with SFU technologies and resources; facilitates university-industry R&D partnerships and the commercialization of SFU-based research results.

 Small Business BC

 http://www.smallbusinessbc.ca/

 Connects small companies to BC business resources and websites

 Stock exchanges

 Torontohttp://www.tsx.com/

 NASDAQ – http://www.nasdaq.com/

 OTC Bulletin Board – http://www.otcbb.com/

 Stock exchanges allow the public to invest in companies; listing rules and criteria vary; best to find a “sponsoring” broker or underwriter.

 Telus New Ventures BC Competition

 http://www.newventuresbc.com/

 A BC competition for anyone with a business idea involving a technology product or service; involves networking, seminars, meeting experts, etc. and developing a business plan; first prize worth $60,000.

 Thomson Financial

 http://www.canadavc.com/

 An information source on Canadian venture capital and private equity markets.

 T-Net Capital Connector

 

 www.bctechnology.com/     

   

 Click on “Financing”; connects technology entrepreneurs and companies to qualified investors.

 University of BC, University-Industry Liaison Office

 http://www.uilo.ubc.ca/

 Facilitates the commercialization of UBC research and formation of university/ industry R&D partnerships; connects companies to UBC innovations.

 Vancouver Enterprise Forum

 www.vef.org/web/about.asp 

 Connects you to money sources, networking opportunities, industry associations, business resources, technology transfer opportunities, S&T links, government resources, etc.

 

 

 

Did we leave you out?    No matter what color your money is, you should be on the list. To get added, send an email (see below). 


Copyright 1997 - 2006 by Michael C. Volker
Email: mike@volker.org - Comments and suggestions will be appreciated!
 

Last updated: October 2006