To view speaker presentations of past SSMIC-hosted workshops, click here.
The Business of Clean Tech: Opportunities, Innovation and Funding Workshop (March 31, 2010)
On March 31, 2010, join the Sault Ste. Marie Innovation Centre (SSMIC) as it hosts environmental business leaders, corporate executives, NGOs, and government policymakers from throughout Ontario for a Clean Tech workshop. This event will be held at the Delta Sault Ste. Marie Waterfront Hotel and Conference Centre in Sault Ste. Marie, ON and will focus on funding and financing options available to Northern Ontario small and medium sized businesses (SMEs) as well as providing them with information regarding new opportunities that exist in this emerging sector. This one-day event will feature leading edge presentations from internationally renowned thought leaders (see below) and an impressive showcase of innovative local technologies.
Confirmed Speakers include:
Christopher Flavin, Worldwatch Institute: Christopher Flavin is president of the Worldwatch Institute, a Washington-based international research organization focused on energy, resource and environmental issues. Flavin is a leading voice on the potential for new energy technologies and strategies to replace fossil fuels—increasing energy security and avoiding dangerous climate change. He is co-author of three books on energy and has appeared on BBC, CNN and PBS. Chris has also written for The New York Times, Technology Review, The Harvard International Review and TIME Magazine. http://www.worldwatch.org/
Nicholas Parker, CleanTech Group: Nicholas Parker co-founded the Cleantech Group, introducing the cleantech concept to the investment and business community in 2002. Previously Nicholas accumulated over 15 years experience starting and investing venture funds worldwide through limited partnerships, family offices, corporate funds and endowments. During this time, he pioneered the first "sustainability" driven private equity funds and participated in one of the first solar IPOs. In the 1990s, he also founded, built and sold an environmental finance firm. He has served as an advisor to multilateral agencies and major corporations. http://cleantech.com
Guy Dauncey: Guy Dauncey is a speaker, author, and organizer who works to develop a positive vision of a sustainable future, and to translate that vision into action. He is author of the award-winning book Stormy Weather: 101 Solutions to Global Climate Change; Cancer: 101 Solutions to a Preventable Epidemic, and 9 other titles. He is President of the BC Sustainable Energy Association; Executive Director of The Solutions Project; board member of Prevent Cancer Now and Publisher of EcoNews, a monthly newsletter that promotes the vision of a sustainable Vancouver Island. His home page is www.earthfuture.com
Nathaniel Bullard, Bloomberg New Energy Finance’s Solar Insight Group: Nathaniel Bullard is an associate with Bloomberg New Energy Finance’s Solar Insight group. He joined the company in 2007 and leads US coverage of the utility-scale solar market with a particular focus on solar thermal electricity generation (STEG), and solar levelised cost of energy analysis. He is the author of New Energy Finance’s yearly solar thermal electricity generation global markets review. www.newenergyfinance.com
Gordon Quaiattini, Canadian Renewable Fuels Association: Gordon Quaiattini is the President of the Canadian Renewable Fuels Association. A veteran political insider and government relations specialist, Gord played a lead role to biofuels clients for a number of years as a Partner with The Wellington Strategy Group, a boutique Ottawa government relations firm. Mr. Quaiattini also previously worked in federal and provincial politics as well as Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada. He holds a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) Degree in Political Science from Laurentian University and a Masters Degree in Public Administration from Carleton University. As President, Mr. Quaiattini is the principal advocate for the renewable fuels industry in Ottawa and the provinces, as well as the main national media industry spokesperson. www.greenfuels.org
Tom Rand, MaRS : Tom has been active in the cleantech sector both as a venture capitalist and from a policy perspective, so he understands the challenges entrepreneurs face. His focus at MaRS is on new ventures based on low-carbon technologies and the supporting infrastructure, such as renewable energy and energy efficiency. www.marsdd.com
James Sbrolla, OCETA : Coach and mentor to cleantech companies commercializing their new technologies, James ensures that clients have the support they need and make full use of the resources available to them at MaRS and the Ontario Centre for Environmental Technology Advancement (OCETA). He brings nearly two decades of experience in the finance and environmental sectors to his role at MaRS. www.oceta.on.ca
Pere Soria, Chief Technology Officer, Heliene: An electrical engineer with over 15 years of International Solar Photovoltaic (PV) project management experience, Pere has worked on PV product design, product application and installation, grid connected as well as in remote rural communities in South America. The focus of his career has been on helping private companies and government organizations move into solar power generation. www.heliene.ca
Glen Martin Pod Generating Group: Glen is a dedicated renewable energy entrepreneur, founding Pod Generating Group in 2006 to develop community-scale solar power generating facilities in North America. With a background in aerospace technology and project finance for early stage infrastructure companies, he has worked on numerous space systems including direct-to-home television satellites and the International Space Station. Glen is currently building a green home in Malibu California with photovoltaic power, onsite waste-water treatment, a green roof and passive heating and cooling. http://podgenerating.com/
Workshop Information:
When: March 31, 2010 (full day workshop)
Where: Delta Sault Ste. Marie Waterfront Hotel & Conference Centre, Sault Ste. Marie, ON
Registration fee: $30 for individuals and $60 for exhibitors
Interested in Exhibiting at the Clean Technology Showcase?
Local companies and organizations from the alternative energy sector are invited to exhibit at the Clean Technology Showcase as part of The Business of Clean Tech – Opportunities, Innovation and Funding workshop on March 31, 2010 at the Delta Sault Ste. Marie Waterfront Hotel and Conference Centre.
BENEFITS OF EXHIBITING
Reach new potential customers
Gain exposure to internationally recognized cleantech professionals
Learn about new funding programs and government support programs
Showcase what Sault Ste. Marie businesses have to offer the alternative energy sector!
Exhibitors will be provided with a table to display their marketing materials. In addition to being able to attend the workshop, exhibitors will have the opportunity of gaining exposure to national and internationally recognized professionals from the clean technology/alternative energy sectors. As well, exhibitors will represent Sault Ste. Marie and local alternative energy initiatives. We are also hoping the event will receive media coverage and we will try to ensure local companies receive some of the media spotlight.
Exhibitor fee: Only $60 (includes workshop admission for one person , lunch, refreshments) Fee for additional staff admission: $30 per person
The Power of Planning:
Advanced Strategies to Take Your Business to the Next Level workshop
Featuring Akira Hirai from Cayenne Consulting
“If you fail to plan, you’re planning to fail.” – Unknown.
A solid business plan, no matter the size of the business, is a key component to creating a solid foundation for success. On February 19, 2010, the Sault Ste. Marie Innovation Centre (SSMIC) will host The Power of Planning: Advanced Strategies to Take Your Business to the Next Level. This hands-on, half-day workshop features renowned consultant Akira Hirai from Cayenne Consulting. Hirai has been featured in a number of publications including Inc. magazine.
This hands-on half-day workshop takes place from 12noon (registration time) until 5:30 p.m. It will cover topics such as:
Getting started on the planning process
Value proposition and the business model
Analyzing your market and competition
Operational and financial planning
Creating a pitch deck and bringing it all home
Take home materials will be available for attendees.
Friday February 19th, 2010
12:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Algoma's Water Tower Inn
The cost is $20 to attend and includes refreshments.
Akira Hirai
Founder and Managing Director, Cayenne Consulting
Akira helps entrepreneurs get their act together before they meet with investors. He does this mostly by developing VC-grade business plans, financial forecasts, and investor presentations.
In a world where perhaps one in 200 business plans ever get funded, well over half of his clients have done so.
Before starting Cayenne Consulting in 2001, Akira was the founder of two Silicon Valley Internet companies during the height of the dot-com bubble.
Previously, Akira held various management positions at Salomon Brothers, a New York investment bank.
At other points in his career, he has also worked in financial risk management; software engineering; sales management; and advertising and graphic design.
And finally, Akira earned his B.A. in Engineering Sciences at Harvard University.
TOPICS WILL INCLUDE: - Carbon Trading
- Farm Oil Processing for Feed, Fuel, and Freedom
- Sustainable is Attainable at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
- Industrial Hemp: a Multi-Purpose Biomass Crop
- Using Reed Canary Grass as a Feedstock for Making Fuel Pellets
GUEST SPEAKERS:
Todd Parker: Associate, Delta Institute
Chris Case: Facility Manager, Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
Dr. Gregory Zimmerman : Chair, Biological Sciences Lake Superior State University
Jasmin Hofer: CEO, Energrow Inc.
John Baker: President and CEO, Stonehedge Bio-Resources Inc.
Mark Kean: President, Mikro-Tek Inc.
Toby Rhue: Forest Fleet Manager, Hiawatha National Forest
Date: Friday October 30, 2009
Time: Registration - 8:30 am
Workshop - 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Place: Quality Inn, Suite 104
Cost: $25.00 (cash or cheque)
Lunch and refreshments will be served.
To register please contact Tim Harmar at:
tharmar@ssmic.com or (705)942-7927 ext 3129
Video Game Workshop The Stages and Key Challenges to Game Development with Keynote Speaker Ben Mattes
Ben Mattes is a producer at Ubisoft Montreal Studios, one of the largest game development studios in the world and is only available to do a handful of these types of engagements worldwide each year.
Ben will use the development of the art of Prince of Persia to explore the various stages of game development in real-world conditions.
For four years Ben focused on the Prince of Persia universe, leading the production of The Two Thrones, Rival Swords, as well as 2008’s installment, “Prince of Persia”. Ready for new challenges he is currently in the very early stages of building new IP. Prior to joining Ubisoft Ben worked in the wireless gaming space in a variety of production management roles.
Friday October 16th, 2009
Doors open at 8:30 am
Session from 9:00 am – 11:30 am
Algoma University Room: WW103
Cost: FREE!
RSVP to mguzzo@ssmic.com
Sept 15, 2009
WORKSHOP TOPICS INCLUDE:
Traps for the unwary - Non-competition, non-solicitation and confidentiality agreements
Putting a dollar value on your company – Overview of valuation and transaction principles
How to sell your company using earn out provisions
Errors entrepreneurs make that are costly - Common Mistakes in Licensing and M&A Transactions
Options and other Incentives for your Employees and Service Providers
and more...
WITH KEYNOTE SPEAKERS:
JAY LEFTON - LL.B.
Senior Partner, Lawyer, Ogilvy Renault LLP
Jay practises in the area of corporate and securities law, iincluding public and private financings, mergers, acquisitions and take-over bids, private equity, and strategic alliances, technology transfer and licensing, with an emphasis on technology and life sciences companies. He represents and advises issuers, special committees, advisors, venture capitalists, institutional investors, private equity funds, research institutions and researchers at various stages in the commercialization of their discoveries. To learn more about Jay Lefton visit: http://www.ogilvyrenault.com/en/people_JayLefton.htm
Eric Klein - CA•CBV Partner, Farber Financial Group
As the head of Toronto-based Klein Farber, Eric has played a key advisory role in successfully executing a long list of complex mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, financings as well as joint ventures and business valuations of mid-sized Canadian corporations. He has extensive experience across diverse industry sectors, such as manufacturing, environmental, distribution, service and technology; and has worked from coast to coast on national and international deals.
The Sault Ste. Marie Innovation Centre is hosting a Web 2.0 workshop!
Guest speaker Amber MacArthur will present on “How to Use Social media to Save your Marketing Dollars” at this half day workshop on Tuesday June 23, 2009 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Waterfront Inn and Conference Centre.
How can companies make the most of their marketing budgets during the economic downturn? Amber MacArthur takes an instructive look at how social media is perfectly suited to help you gain customers in both good times and, especially, bad. While most companies do some advertising online, many are stuck with costly, ineffective Web 1.0 models. At the forefront of Web 2.0, MacArthur shows you how to create thriving online communities and launch frugal, but complete and uncompromised, marketing initiatives that get results. With clarity, long-term strategic insight and case studies, she dives into the tools needed for companies to start building, saving -- and winning.
Keynote Speaker: Amber MacArthur
Web Consultant, Strategist and New Media Journalist
A leading voice of the social media generation, Amber Mac -- as she's known to her legion of fans -- is also a pioneering and wildly popular web journalist. Previously, she was a key strategist for the world-famous Razorfish, in San Francisco, and has worked on projects for Microsoft, Adobe, HP and Bell. In podcasts and on television (she has worked for the CBC, CityTV and G4TechTV), she traces the profound impact of emerging technologies on the way we live, work and play and she makes it all fun, informative and accessible. Currently, MacArthur is the co-founder of both MGI Media and Arktyp, and a lead consultant for Tony Robbins on his new social networking site.
Register yourself for Part 2 of the series before Tuesday February 17th at NOON and your name will be entered for a chance to win a ONE ON ONE coaching session with Donald Cooper!
To register for this event OR for more information please contact Lindsey Verdone:
"The Technology Transfer Process" Workshop (full day event)
Focus:
To advance economic development in Northern Ontario, SSMIC and NRC-IRAP have partnered to deliver a full day workshop for entrepreneurs in the market for a new technology. The goal of this workshop is to assist SMEs by unveiling a whole new world of marketable technologies!
PRICE: $40.00 (full day workshop, lunch and snacks included)
The entire Technology Transfer process will be broken down and made both more user-friendly and less intimidating.
Join our industry experts as we capture how to:
Uncover and access new technologies developed locally and regionally in both government laboratories and academic institutions
Access the facilities and programs that can help support your growing SME
Effectively valuate new technologies
Proper licensing techniques
Defend your new technology with cost-effective protection options
Included in the day is an overview of a local relevant example that will illustrate how you too can cultivate your own thriving business.
To register for this event please email or telephone:
Marla Guzzo
Marketing Specialist
Sault Ste. Marie Innovation Centre
705 - 942 - 7927 ext. 3130
mguzzo@ssmic.com
October 21, 2008: "Become an Investor-Ready Entrepreneur" Workshop (full day event)
Is your business ready for take off?Discover what it takes to become investor-ready and learn about the angel investing process.Get practical information and material that will help you determine if angel investment is right for your business and help you become investor-ready.
This full-day program brings together real-life investors, entrepreneurs and business professionals from the U.S.A., Toronto and Sault Ste. Marie to share their expertise and knowledge with you.
"Become an Investor-ready Entrepreneur" is presented by NOEG, SBDTC together with the Sault Ste. Marie Innovatino Centre and is part of NOEG's Taking Your business to the Next Level Program.
Speakers:
Keynote Luncheon Speaker Karen Grant, Co-Founder and V.P. Business Development – “The Solar Venture”
Ron Thompson, CEO Cail, Founder & Investor – Corporate Angels, Toronto
Horace W. Stimson, SBTDC (North Carolina), Entrepreneur & Investor
Timothy R. Janke, JD, Executive Fund Director, The North Carolina IMAF Family of Funds
For more information contact Marla Guzzo at 942-7927 ext 3130 or mguzzo@ssmic.com
June 18, 2008: Competitive Market Intelligence Workshop (1/2 day event)
To stay competitive and to identify profitable opportunities, small and medium sized businesses must have a broad awareness of what their competition is doing (Competitive Intelligence, CI). At the same time, they must also have an understanding of market conditions and direction to ensure they have the correct ‘4P’s’: product, pricing, promotion and place to attract clients (Market Intelligence, MI).
Join the Sault Ste. Marie Innovation Centre as it hosts this ½ day workshop, lead by two Toronto-based industry experts as they reveal their insights into successful CI & MI strategies. Speaker: David Lithwick is a senior partnerat Market Alert Limited, a Toronto based market intelligenceconsultancy, specializing in competitive intelligence (CI), competitor benchmarking and mystery shopping.
This is a Platinum Speaker Series, featuring experts in the field. Register Today!
Location: Algoma's Water Tower Inn, 360 Great Northern Road, Sault Ste. Marie
**Note: Space is limited for this workshop, so everyone is encouraged to register early. Payment is required in advance in order to confirm registration.**
For questions, contact Diana Medaglia, Business Development Specialist at dmedaglia@ssmic.com or by phone at 705-942-7927 x3130.
Trivia
Enter for your chance to win 2 free tickets to this workshop!
Each week, visit www.ssmic.com for the question. Answer the question correctly and you will be entered into a draw for a chance to win two (2) complimentary admissions ($70 value) to the CMI Workshop on June 18th! The winners will also participate in a one-on-one “Interactive Think Tank Session with Donald Cooper” following the workshop. For this week’s question, visit www.ssmic.com.
There will be one (1) weekly prize awarded each week and winners will be notified by email and tickets will be available at the door on the day of admission. To enter, simply send your response via email to jportelli@ssmic.com or dmedaglia@ssmic.com. The first ten (10) correct responses each week will be entered into the draw. But don’t delay – there will only be one draw per week until the event!
Question for the week of June 9, 2008 (email your response to jportelli@ssmic.com or dmedaglia@ssmic.com by 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday June 11th, 2008; This is the last question, so remember to register for the CMI workshop today!:
Q #4: Quick! Email as many small business owners as you can with this question: “How do you think competitive market intelligence can help your company?”
How many responses did you get? Reply to this email with some of your best and worst responses from small business owners. The highest number of responses wins.
Speakers:
DONALD COOPER Cooper Sporting Goods
Since 1991, international business speaker and coach Donald Cooper has devoted himself to helping businesses in over 40 industries throughout the world to redefine and reinvent themselves to create a significant competitive advantage, improve management effectiveness and increase profitability.
Having spent 20 years as a world-class manufacturer (Cooper Canada) and 14 years as one of Canada’s most innovative retailers, Cooper knows what hard work is all about. He got his start working at his family’s business – Cooper Canada at the age of 6. Cooper Canada went on to become the world’s leading manufacturer of hockey equipment and Canada’s largest maker of both sporting goods and fine leather goods. After leaving Cooper Canada, he founded Alive & Well, a unique women’s apparel and gifts “warehouse boutique” that fundamentally reinvented the very idea of what a retailer could be and attracted international attention. In just 3 years, it garnered seven awards for marketing, service and business excellence and community involvement, including being voted Canada’s Outstanding Innovative Retailer in 1991.
Cooper speaks to and coaches over 30,000 business owners, leaders and managers each year, drawing from his past business experience. His unique insights, innovative concepts and simple processes create extraordinary organizations, and extraordinary lives.
Cooper is respected by clients as a “thought leader” and a passionate visionary. His benchmark work on vision, mission, marketing and management effectiveness has helped businesses create clarity, commitment and accountability about where they’re going, and how they’ll get there. He brings to any results-based discussion a rare balance of reality and possibilities.
David Lithwick is a senior partner at Market Alert Limited, a Toronto based market intelligence consultancy, specializing in competitive intelligence (CI), competitor benchmarking and mystery shopping.
With 25 years experience and over 800 studies completed, he is a recognized expert in CI tactics, analysis and training.
David has written “Competitive Intelligence Manual for Marketing Practitioners”, co-authors a monthly CI column and has lectured on CI, on behalf of The Canadian Marketing Association, Queens Executive Development Program, Schulich Executive Development Program, University of Saskatchewan Edwards School of Business, The Marketing Research Intelligence Association, The Society of Competitive Intelligence Professionals, The Canadian Institute and Strategy Institute.
Prior to Market Alert, David worked in advertising for MacLaren and FCB, managing the Pfizer, SC Johnson and Wendy’s Restaurants accounts.
David’s undergraduate studies were at the Wharton School of Business and Syracuse University. He completed an MBA from McGill University.
based international research organization focused on energy, resource and environmental issues. Flavin is a leading voice on the potential for new energy technologies and strategies to replace fossil fuels—increasing energy security and avoiding dangerous climate change. He is co-author of three books on energy and has appeared on BBC, CNN and PBS. Chris has also written for The New York Times, Technology Review, The Harvard International Review and TIME Magazine. 
he cleantech concept to the investment and business community in 2002. Previously Nicholas accumulated over 15 years experience starting and investing venture funds worldwide through limited partnerships, family offices, corporate funds and endowments. During this time, he pioneered the first "sustainability" driven private equity funds and participated in one of the first solar IPOs. In the 1990s, he also founded, built and sold an environmental finance firm. He has served as an advisor to multilateral agencies and major corporations. 
sustainable future, and to translate that vision into action. He is author of the award-winning book Stormy Weather: 101 Solutions to Global Climate Change; Cancer: 101 Solutions to a Preventable Epidemic, and 9 other titles. He is President of the BC Sustainable Energy Association; Executive Director of The Solutions Project; board member of Prevent Cancer Now and Publisher of EcoNews, a monthly newsletter that promotes the vision of a sustainable Vancouver Island. His home page is 
Bloomberg New Energy Finance’s Solar Insight group. He joined the company in 2007 and leads US coverage of the utility-scale solar market with a particular focus on solar thermal electricity generation (STEG), and solar levelised cost of energy analysis. He is the author of New Energy Finance’s yearly solar thermal electricity generation global markets review. 
Renewable Fuels Association. A veteran political insider and government relations specialist, Gord played a lead role to biofuels clients for a number of years as a Partner with The Wellington Strategy Group, a boutique Ottawa government relations firm. Mr. Quaiattini also previously worked in federal and provincial politics as well as Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada. He holds a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) Degree in Political Science from Laurentian University and a Masters Degree in Public Administration from Carleton University. As President, Mr. Quaiattini is the principal advocate for the renewable fuels industry in Ottawa and the provinces, as well as the main national media industry spokesperson. 
perspective, so he understands the challenges entrepreneurs face. His focus at MaRS is on new ventures based on low-carbon technologies and the supporting infrastructure, such as renewable energy and energy efficiency. 
ensures that clients have the support they need and make full use of the resources available to them at MaRS and the Ontario Centre for Environmental Technology Advancement (OCETA). He brings nearly two decades of experience in the finance and environmental sectors to his role at MaRS. 
Photovoltaic (PV) project management experience, Pere has worked on PV product design, product application and installation, grid connected as well as in remote rural communities in South America. The focus of his career has been on helping private companies and government organizations move into solar power generation. 
Group in 2006 to develop community-scale solar power generating facilities in North America. With a background in aerospace technology and project finance for early stage infrastructure companies, he has worked on numerous space systems including direct-to-home television satellites and the International Space Station. Glen is currently building a green home in Malibu California with photovoltaic power, onsite waste-water treatment, a green roof and passive heating and cooling. 
Akira Hirai
Keynote Speaker: Amber MacArthur
DONALD COOPER 
DAVID LITHWICK