The transfer of knowledge from experienced business leaders to the next generation of entrepreneurs is a critical element of any thriving innovation ecosystem and a demonstrated way to leverage home-grown wisdom for future prosperity.
To better leverage the vast business acumen in Calgary, InterGen Canada has been approved to receive up to $100,000 from the Opportunity Calgary Investment Fund (OCIF) to launch its InterGen Connect platform to match retired or transitioning local business executives with later-stage startups.
InterGen matches intergenerational talent with high-potential companies and supports them through educational opportunities, training and hands on help.
“This investment in InterGen aligns with Calgary in the with New Economy and will help build capacity by leveraging the acumen and skills of our seasoned business executives to benefit our startup and scale-up companies,” said Mary Moran, Chief Executive Officer of the Opportunity Calgary Investment Fund.
InterGen will create eight jobs and intends to have 140 companies registered in its program over three years. It will also host events and a speaker series for seniors, companies in its program and the innovation eco-system at large.
Earlier this week, the Calgary Chamber announced it would provide InterGen $1 million to support “high potential” local companies grow. Western Economic Diversification Canada provided InterGen $600,000 in September from its Regional Innovation Ecosystems program.
“The incredible business and technical acumen that we have among Calgarians who have had successful careers is one of the most under-used assets we have in this city and we have a tool that will facilitate that knowledge transfer to our next generation of entrepreneurs,” said Sandi Gilbert, Chief Executive Officer of InterGen Canada. “This is a first for Calgary and a first for Canada and we think this will be a catalyst for success for emerging companies.”
The Opportunity Calgary Investment Fund was launched by The City of Calgary in April 2018 to support investments that spur growth, create jobs in strategic sectors and expand the ecosystems identified in Calgary in the New Economy.
InterGen was founded in 2018 from the Top 7 Over 70 project that recognizes the achievements of older individuals undertaking new pursuits in the Calgary area. It is the ninth submission to be approved for OCIF funding.