Discovering WEtech’s Impact Through Storytelling & Networking

I was brought on in a part-time capacity as Content Creator & Digital Host, specifically to share stories from the first cohort of the newly launched i.d.e.a. Fund; a southwestern Ontario-focused initiative that provides seed funding to early-stage innovative businesses looking to develop new green products, services, processes, and technologies.

These “green” projects weren’t your stereotypical solar panels and electric cars. As I began interviewing some of the funding recipients, I was absolutely blown away by the ground-breaking concepts these founders had come up with right in our own backyard. Automated urban farming. High end, designer patio furniture made from recycled plastics. Biodegradable medical supplies. Sustainable menstruation products. A company literally sending bugs to outer space (they actually use AI to solve supply chain and food insecurity issues. With crickets. Sounds weird, but it’s super cool.)

With the fund’s $30,000 grant and 40 hours of mentorship with WEtech’s panel of experts, these companies were literally creating the products of tomorrow, today. In our city. In Ontario. Wow.

The personal stories of these entrepreneurs were truly inspiring, too; everything from new Canadians bootstrapping their company to young parents following their dreams while trying to raise a family and keep a roof over their heads. Their grit and determination absolutely blew my mind, and time and time again I would hear from them: “Without i.d.e.a. Fund, I wouldn’t be here,” and “WEtech has given me the guidance to scale my business.”

Ok, now I’m getting it, I thought. I felt like I was truly grasping just how critical a role WEtech plays in getting these projects off the ground.

In between i.d.e.a. Fund interviews and stories, I also began attending some of the many networking opportunities WETechAlliance hosts throughout the year, including a Women in Mobility Summit at Caesars Windsor and several Innovation Outpost events; a partnership program with Libro Credit Union that supports rural entrepreneurs by using community spaces to connect the people behind local startups and businesses.

Each of these experiences felt truly unique and offered attendees something different each time. I was in awe of WEtech’s Event Coordinator, Lauryn, and her creativity. There was “The Big Cheese of E-Commerce” hosted at The Cheese Bar in Amherstburg, featuring a dynamic guest speaker sharing her experience with creating an online platform for her small business. And of course, there was cheese.