Catapult Tech Network (Photo provided by Jennifer Christie)
Catapult Grey Bruce is unveiling a new tech network to assist in connecting technology entrepreneurs and professionals.
On Dec. 2, Catapult Executive Director Jennifer Christie says they announced the Catapult Tech Network (CTN) as a newly branded and re-structured Grey Tech Network.
The network will be avilable across Grey and Bruce counties, and Christie says it will provide networking and education based on technology, and on the needs of local entrepreneurs and professionals.
“By providing a more formal way for tech founders, independent consultants and service providers to connect with one another, the tech network will deliver the means for entrepreneurs and local businesses to meet and learn from each other,” says Christie.
Christie adds the need for being able to connect on a technology basis is very important, as there is not a sector that is not impacted by technology.
She says with the amount of people coming into the region, there is a need for this type of organized network which provides a way for individuals to meet up and discuss technology.
“We think it’s really important to be able to provide a way for both either entrepreneurs who have a start up, and people who may have ideas to start a business or develop the technology into a future potential business,” says Christie. “We think it’s really important that those people have the opportunity to meet together and interact and learn from each other so they can support one another and support more start ups, and growth of more entrepreneurs in the region.”
In addition, Catapult has opened up “The Crashpad” at the Sydenham Campus Regional Skills Training, Trades and Innovation Centre in Owen Sound.
Christie says this free co-working space will be open for anyone looking to connect into a meeting or a quiet place to go and work. In the future she says the space will be available for events.
“We are looking forward to having a regular group of folks there working, including some of our mentors. So if you are spending the afternoon working on something for your business and you have some questions, there are folks there who can hopefully help answer them or connect you with people who might be able to help you,” says Christie.
The space is open on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Next year, the CTN will host meet-ups and pilot some cross-sector projects, and organizations or individuals who are interested in partnering or joining the network can visit the Catapult Grey Bruce website.