Employer Build for the Future Phase 2

The 10 Companies Chosen for the Pilot Project

RX Networks

Industry: Technology

Specializing in improving the performance of GPS chips – located in Vancouver

Bayleaf Software

Industry: Technology

Specializing in web and desktop application & development; provide full-service software development, consulting and managed services offerings including hosting and data protection – located in Vancouver

Energy-Aware

Industry: Technology

Specializing in in-home energy consumption technology & products – located in Vancouver

dPoint

Industry: Clean Energy

Specializing in fuel cell & HVAC - located in Vancouver
Develops membrane materials and devices for transferring heat and water vapour from one gas stream to another which assist in reducing energy consumption and greenhouse gases

October 17

Industry: New Media

Specializing in web design/development & internet marketing - located in Vancouver
Online marketing generalists, acting as a one-stop shop for business website design and development, maintenance and promotion needs (internet marketing for sales generation and building brand awareness)

Spark Integration

Industry: Technology

*Specializing in the development of software products that enable developers and integrators of existing systems (“translator” technology) – located in Vancouver

Edoc

Industry: Technology

Specializing in the marine industry - located in Victoria

Noratek

Industry: Technology

*Specializing in mobile data collection solutions - located in Prince George
*Company offers both corporate IT services and data collection solutions to small and mid-sized companies in the region

B.A Blackwell

Industry: Technology

Consulting firm – specializing in forestry & environmental consulting services – located in North Vancouver; they specialize in developing unique forestry solutions and applications, pine needle infestation and forest fire studies

Qu Biologics Inc.

Industry: Life Sciences

Biotechnology company – specializing in cancer immunotherapies for advanced cancer patients – located in Vancouver

The Work In Progress

In-depth assessment and discovery methods in Phase One of the Build for the Future Project identified the following key barriers facing small and growing businesses, which support the importance and relevance of the proposed project:

Lack of clarity in the vision, key priorities, growth plans and go-to-market strategies;
Lack of leadership – the need to build leadership capabilities right from the top down to grow business and people;
Lack of basic management skills to manage the day-to-day people issues, coach and mentor individuals;
Lack of knowledge in building systems and structure to support the growth of the business and people;
Lack of expertise to develop and implement core and key human resources discipline, resulting in poor decisions and management of the biggest asset – People.

Below are some direct quotes from two of the business owners who applied to participate in Phase One:

“I have seen a number of projects that have looked at the needs of tech companies to identify what they need to grow but this is the first one I have seen that actually offers input, support and advice on the people side of the business. For us we are only as good as the people we hire”

“I really hope we can be part of this pilot – we are growing and are not sure which part of the human resources we need help with first. Is it recruitment? Is it strategy? How do we know how to choose someone to help us with our HR?”

In response to the issues and barriers, the following frameworks, tools, models, systems and processes are being developed, designed and customized, specifically targeted to supporting small and growing companies:

Strategic Framework
Recruitment System
Performance Management
Development Planning
Talent & Succession Planning
Compensation 101
HR Audit & Procedures Review Checklist
Management Training 101 for new and technical leaders
Readiness for Change Assessment Tool
Organizational Design