According to a USA Today article, 41% of economists surveyed in April predict the unemployment rate will top out at 10% or higher. 58% of the economists surveyed said the economy will weaken in the next six months.
Archive | April, 2009
Lead to Win Program Update – April 25th
April 26, 2009
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CTV Ottawa News Coverage This Sunday!
Tune-in to CTV Ottawa TECH NOW with Paul Brent on April 26th at 6PM for a special report on Lead to Win!
City of Ottawa, Carleton University and Business – United in Leadership for the Community
Recent press releases on the Lead to Win program:
Media Coverage
Visit the Lead to Win website to see all the latest media coverage on the Lead to Win program.
Free Re-use of Lead to Win Materials for Other Canadian Communities
All Lead to Win program materials (e.g. online tools, learning materials, processes, network) will be made freely available to other communities who would like to re-use, or adapt, the materials, procedures and network for their own regional benefit. Contact us at lead@leadtowin.ca if you are interested.
Spread the Word!
Please spread the word on the Lead to Win program to prospective candidates, community organizations and sponsors.
Can you Help?
If you know politicians or government leaders in agencies who want to join the City of Ottawa, the Chamber of Commerce and Carleton University in taking a strong, visible leadership position to help make a difference – please make them aware of Lead to Win and ask them to contact Dr Bailetti at 613 829 8885, bailetti@sce.carleton.ca
Best practices, Business, Canada, Canadian Politics, Commercialization, Creative Class, depression 2.0, Economy, Ecosystems, Entreprenuerism, General Interest, Government, Government Policy, Innovation, Innovation Hub, Ottawa, Ottawa Start-ups, Regional Economic Development, Talent First Network, Technology, The Code Factory, Trends, Unemployment, Universities
Ottawa Tech Jobs Melting Away
April 25, 2009
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The Ottawa-Gatineau unemployment rate took a sharp jump recently and currently sits at 5.2%.
Under the surface, the situation for tech jobs is increasingly serious.
In Ottawa-Gatineau technology jobs have been evaporating at an alarming rate - in just the last 12 months, the region has lost 8,800 tech jobs. This represents greater then a 14% loss. Further, Ottawa-Gatineau has lost almost 30% of its regional tech jobs compared to 2000. Ottawa-Gatineau tech jobs peaked at 74,000 in 2000 and are now down to 53, 800 as of March 2009.
Stats Canada has published that during the 2002 bubble burst – 4 out of 5 laid off tech workers did not find work in high tech, and 2 of 5 left the City of Ottawa.
The tech sector is continuing to shed jobs in Ottawa-Gatineau.
Ottawa-Gatineau faces a significant loss of tech capability and associated economic impact/growth for the region.
Lead to Win is focused on launching new technology businesses in Ottawa-Gatineau to retain and create new tech jobs. If you are concerned about the state of the technology sector in Ottawa-Gatineau or are interested in launching a new tech business in the region, you are encouraged to visit www.leadtowin.ca.
Business, Canada, Creative Class, depression 2.0, Economy, Ecosystems, Entreprenuerism, General Interest, Government, Government Policy, Information Technology, Innovation, Innovation Hub, Jobs, Local Start-ups, Microbusiness, Ontario, Opportunities, Ottawa, Ottawa Start-ups, Regional Economic Development, Stats Canada, Talent First Network, Technology, Trends, Unemployment
Swine Flu Outbreak Information Resources
April 25, 2009
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UPDATE: Nov 6
UPDATE: June 11
WHO Expected to Declare Pademic
UPDATE June 3
UPDATE April 27
Six swine flu cases confirmed in Canada
UPDATE April 26
Swine Flu Prompts U.S. to Declare Public Health Emergency
CDC Swine Flu Investigations in US
Categorizations of pandemic and recommended actions from US Federal government:
A Cool Technology – “Sensitive Object”
April 19, 2009
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This new technology from Sensitive Object presents some interesting potential for new applications.
Their technology can turn almost any object into a touch-sensitive interface!
Wii – a platform for innovative product development …a Cool Idea with Loads of Microbusiness Potential
April 19, 2009
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The Nintendo Wii and it’s accessories represent a new platform with a lot of new opportunities for entrepreneurs to develop derivative products from.
A case in point, Johny Lee at Carnegie Mellon University has developed and posted working designs and software for a low-cost interactive whiteboard based on the WiiRemote and a PC. You have to see it to believe it -
Software for the Wiimote Whiteboard is freely available
Links to this and other Wii related projects he is working on is available at this location.
Best practices, Computing, Creative Class, Ecosystems, Entreprenuerism, General Interest, How To's, Information Technology, Innovation, Jobs, Local Start-ups, Microbusiness, New Media, Open Source, Opportunities, Ottawa, Ottawa Start-ups, Regional Economic Development, Talent First Network, Technology, Trends, Unemployment, Venture Capital, Web 2.0
High Tech? Ensure You Know About the IRAP Small Project Accellerated Review Process
April 18, 2009
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Best practices, Business, Canada, Commercialization, Creative Class, Economy, Ecosystems, Entreprenuerism, General Interest, Government, Government Policy, Information Technology, Innovation, Innovation Hub, Jobs, Local Start-ups, Microbusiness, OCRI, Open Source, Opportunities, Ottawa, Ottawa Start-ups, Regional Economic Development, Trends, Unemployment
More Beef, Less Bun!
April 18, 2009
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We are in the midst of the worst economic downturn Ottawa has seen, and we are watching our high tech sector melt away.
I find it very disturbing that there are few organizations – other than the Talent First Network and NRC-IRAP – that are stepping up and taking visible, urgent and concrete steps to help out our community.
Talent First Network is aggressively pushing ahead with the Lead to Win program, which has garnered strong community support.
The IRAP team have ramped up their pace, they have streamlined processes to match the urgency of the situation, they are pursuing new programs, and they are on the frontline – engaging the entrepreneurs and high tech businesses who are working to expand existing businesses or build new businesses which will revitalize our high tech sector.
The big question is – Where is the leadership from the other tax-funded organizations? The City of Ottawa, the Ontario Ministry of Research and Innovation and Industry Canada have spent truckloads of money on the Ontario Centres of Excellence, Ottawa Centre for Research and Innovation and The Ottawa Partnership (TOP) – these organizations should be front and center but are virtually invisible.
When it comes to getting results from our tax dollars and leadership from the organizations they fund – it’s time for “More Beef and Less Bun!“ -
In the current economic downturn, I would rather see more of my tax dollars going to IRAP and the Talent First Network. They have the right attitude and they are focused on helping our community.
It’s time for MORE BEEF! LESS BUN!
Business, Canada, Canadian Politics, Creative Class, depression 2.0, Economy, Ecosystems, Entreprenuerism, General Interest, Government, Government Policy, Information Technology, Innovation, Innovation Hub, Jobs, Local Start-ups, Microbusiness, OCRI, Ontario, Open Source, Opportunities, Ottawa, Ottawa Start-ups, Regional Economic Development, Talent First Network, Technology, Trends, Unemployment, Universities, Venture Capital, Web 2.0
Forget Monorails! The New Snake Oil for Economic Development is Green Tech and Clean Energy!
April 18, 2009
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Green tech and clean energy is the new snake oil – and is increasingly being pushed in Ottawa and other communities as “the future of technology” and the source for attracting venture capital, private investment and driving massive economic growth… However the facts paint a different picture!
Venturesource reports steady declines in Venture investment in the green tech and clean energy sectors, with $189 million of Venture Capital invested in 15 deals during the first quarter, down 59 percent from the $457 million invested in 24 such deals last year. This is in comparison to ICT investments, which even in the worst of times are still almost 10 times greater for the same period!
Clean Energy, Green Tech – it walks, talks and looks like a Monorail -
Business, Canada, Canadian Politics, Computing, Debacle, depression 2.0, Economy, Ecosystems, Entreprenuerism, General Interest, Government, Government Policy, Information Technology, Innovation, Jobs, Local Start-ups, OCRI, Ontario, Opportunities, Ottawa, Ottawa Start-ups, Regional Economic Development, Technology, Trends, Unemployment, Venture Capital
Join Lead to Win: Drive Massive Innovation in Canada’s Capital Region
April 15, 2009
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| Join Lead to Win:
Drive Massive Innovation in Canada’s Capital Region |
If you are serious about starting a profitable technology based business in the National Capital Region during the current economic situation, we invite you to apply to Lead to Win (LTW).
LTW is a proven program for talented technology individuals who wish to establish and grow successful businesses in Canada’s Capital Region. Past program participants have come from a wide range of backgrounds, including – sales, business development, product managers, design engineers, systems analysts, and management. LTW previously ran during the 2002 economic downturn. Out of the 29 participants in 2002 – over half launched a new business. Collectively those businesses created over 300 new jobs and attracted over $90M in investment.
The first 2009 LTW training session starts May 19, 2009. If you have what it takes, we encourage you to apply immediately. Applications are now being accepted online at www.leadtowin.ca.
The LTW program is free to qualified applicants – no strings attached, no small print, no surprises. Our region is investing to make LTW participants successful for the benefit of the individual and the community.
LTW has three phases. In the first phase, you apply online. Qualified applicants will then be invited to meet with LTW leadership. Participants will be selected based on their experience, commitment, and opportunity profile. In the second phase, you participate in an intense six day training program where you will learn how to lever business ecosystems, profitably serve attractive vertical markets, and the key factors that contribute to the ultimate success of a fledgling technology company. Upon completion of this second phase, you will be well equipped, and encouraged, to launch your new technology businesses in the National Capital Region. In the third phase, LTW connects you to strategic customers, revenue opportunities, and individuals, companies and organizations that can provide requisite resources, including capital.
LTW is supported by The City of Ottawa, The Talent First Network, alumni from the 2002 Lead to Win program, community expertise, and faculty members and graduate students of Carleton University’s Technology Innovation Management program (www.carleton.ca/tim).
| To apply to LTW, please contact: | Press and program, please contact:
|
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| Ottawa | Tony Bailetti:
Bailetti@sce.carleton.ca 613 829 8885 |
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| Tony Bailetti | Bailetti@sce.carleton.ca
613-829-8885 |
|
| Rowland Few | rfew@sce.carleton.ca
613-222-4394 |
|
| Ian Graham | Ian@thecodefactory.com
613-321.3831 |
|
| Gatineau | ||
| Serge Lafontaine | slafontaine@arrow.com
613-884-8965 |
|
Best practices, Business, Commercialization, Creative Class, Economy, Ecosystems, Entreprenuerism, General Interest, Information Technology, Innovation, Innovation Hub, Jobs, Local Start-ups, Microbusiness, Nortel, Ontario, Open Source, Opportunities, Ottawa, Ottawa Start-ups, Regional Economic Development, Talent First Network, Technology, The Code Factory, Trends, Unemployment, Universities, Venture Capital, Web 2.0
Lead-to-Win Turns Economic Downturn into Opportunity for Laid-Off Technology Workers in Canada’s Capital Region
April 15, 2009
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April 16, 2009 – Press Release
Ottawa, Ontario
Lead-to-Win Turns Economic Downturn into Opportunity for Laid-Off Technology Workers in Canada’s Capital Region
In the tech meltdown of 2002, four out of five laid-off tech workers did not find work in high tech, and in Ottawa-Gatineau two out of five laid-off tech workers left the region. In 2009, Canada’s Capital Region high tech sector faces a significantly greater challenge.
Today, Ontario’s Talent First Network is pleased to announce the launch of the Lead To Win program for laid-off tech workers. The program is based upon a program of the same name that was delivered during the last economic downturn in 2002. Over half of the participants in the 2002 Lead to Win program created a new business in Canada’s Capital Region. These new businesses collectively created over 300 jobs and attracted over $90M in investment.
“Lead to Win is a great initiative for our region and we are pleased to support the program,” stated Larry O’Brien, Mayor of the City of Ottawa. There is a proven recipe here. This is precisely the sort of innovative action that takes the current economic situation and turns it into a compelling opportunity for growth.”
Professor Tony Bailetti of Carleton University stated “We have a real opportunity to drive massive innovation in Canada’s Capital Region. Lead to Win will equip the next wave of technology entrepreneurs to launch new businesses that target the right market spaces. We did this in 2002 and we are going to do it again.”
David Vicary, founder of Weyeseyes and previously President and founder of Nakina Systems was also a 2002 Lead to Win participant. Vicary stated “The Lead to Win program was developed to help entrepreneurs in tough times. The lessons learned in Lead to Win were critical to my success in founding and growing Nakina Systems.”
The program is intended for talented individuals who want to launch a new technology business. The program is free to qualified applicants. Applications are currently being solicited for the program. Space is limited and interested individuals are encouraged to apply online at www.leadtowin.ca.
Lead to Win is sponsored by the City of Ottawa, Talent First Network and Carleton University. Lead to Win associates include alumni from the 2002 Lead To Win program, local businesses, and faculty members and graduate students of Carleton University’s Technology Innovation Management program (http://www.carleton.ca/tim).
About the Talent First Network
The Talent First Network is a successful Ontario-wide initiative funded by the Ontario Ministry of Research and Innovation and Carleton University. The Talent First Network enables the commercialization of market offers that rely on open source projects and global ecosystems for their revenue.
Contact: Tony Bailetti, Bailetti@sce.carleton.ca, 613 829 8885
Best practices, Business, Canada, Commercialization, Computing, Creative Class, Economy, Ecosystems, Entreprenuerism, General Interest, Information Technology, Innovation, Innovation Hub, Jobs, Local Start-ups, Microbusiness, OCRI, Ontario, Open Source, Opportunities, Ottawa, Ottawa Start-ups, Regional Economic Development, Stats Canada, Talent First Network, Technology, The Code Factory, Trends, Unemployment, Universities, Venture Capital, Web 2.0
Wireless M2M – Machine to Machine Networking …a Cool Idea with Loads of Microbusiness Potential
April 12, 2009
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Wireless M2M networking enables the monitoring and control of devices that have historically been difficult to access and were previously un-managed. Standards are becoming more common and stable. Further, the implementation and production cost of wirelessly enabling and managing devices continues to drop. This opens up a broad range of potential new applications and business opportunies.
Some examples of companies that provide development platforms and system building blocks for Wireless M2M include:
Canadian Unemployment Rate Hits 8% in March
April 12, 2009
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Stats Canada has reported that Canada’s unemployment rate hit 8% in March. This is the highest rate in seven years.
In March, Ontario unemployment remained steady at 8.7%, however Ottawa’s unemployment rate rose sharply and is now 5.2%.
More details on Canada’s forecast unemployment rates and trends for 2009 is in this blog.
Comparison of Canada’s unemployment rates with the great depression is in this blog.
