Business Plan

To view SSMIC's most recent Business Plan, click here.

i4 Success Strategy

Destiny Sault Ste. Marie sponsored a two-phase study, completed by BLCT Consulting in July 2005, that resulted in a community IT strategy, which:

• Established a common vision for local IT organizations to ensure they are aware of opportunities and put their efforts in a common direction
• Described the local IT sector from the perspective of suppliers and consumers
  Established a communication vehicle to support:
  • Funding applications
  • Attracting venture capital
  • Attracting new businesses

The IT Strategy for Economic Development is a community strategy that will require a number of stakeholders and champions to work together in order to achieve objectives and leverage the growth potential of the IT sector. The Sault Ste. Marie Innovation Centre (SSMIC) has been handed the mandate to shepherd the IT strategy action plan and act as a coordinating point for activities.

The SSMIC has created i4 Success - Community IT Strategy with the i4 representing Innovation, Invention, Ingenuity and Inspiration. This document lays out a strategy and action plan to ensure that the IT Strategy achieves its objectives and that the IT sector can be leveraged to diversify the economy of Sault Ste. Marie and area.

The i4Sucess Strategy will proceed in two broad fronts - "Drive Niche Opportunities" and "Create the Environment" - to enable IT economic diversification. To ensure the IT Strategy is successful, efforts will be focused on opportunities that are based on local strengths and that possess a high probability for success.

This year the activities include healthcare, GIS, gaming, life sciences and specific efforts related to IP grid project, community portal and SAP training programs.

The IT Strategy's second major focus, "Create the Environment," provides necessary support services that foster the growth of the IT sector, including business incubation, funding support to local entrepreneurs, promoting IT companies and offering consulting services.

The SSMIC has signed an engagement letter with Destiny SSM confirming they will undertake responsibility for the coordination of the IT Strategy Action Plan and provide regular progress updates to Destiny SSM, Sault Ste. Marie City Council and other appropriate organizations.

To view this strategy, click here.