Burnaby Business To Support Student Ventures

SFU Venture Connection will receive a $200,000 gift of in-kind services from Burnaby’s Business Centre Solutions (BCS) while student ventures will be showcased at the BCS offices on Wednesday, Sept. 15, from 5 – 7 p.m.

The gift will provide SFU student businesses with office space and services over the next five years.

“We are very excited about our partnership with Simon Fraser University. The students are hard working, energetic and a great fit for our business. We eagerly anticipate the growth and prosperity of these student businesses,” says BCS President Irene Barr.

"Support from the business community, like that shown by BCS through this gift, enables SFU to create unique opportunities for its student entrepreneurs,” says Mario Pinto, SFU vice-president, research. “We are committed to increasing our links to the broader community through partnerships such as this, that enhance the student experience and create social and economic value for our region." 

The first student venture to receive a BCS award, Buyatab.com, is a leader in digital gift giving. Its product – ‘tabs’ – are digital gift certificates that are bought on their Merchant Partners websites and can be emailed to recipients or printed by the purchaser. 

Founded by SFU business student Matias Marquez and partner Ross St. George, Buyatab.com has been operating for two years and has successfully partnered with more than 100 merchants across Canada. A third generation proprietary technology, including a full mobile and social suite of integrated products, is now under development.