Vancity congratulates seCatalyst winners

April 11, 2014

Vancouver, B.C. - We’d like to congratulate the three social enterprises that split $25,000 worth of funding and consulting at the first annual seCatalyst gala event earlier in April. The event kicks off Social Enterprise Month in BC, a recognition of the contribution that social enterprises make in our communities. Out of a field of 21 organizations, the three winning social enterprises were chosen as having the best business plans in a Dragon Den’s type event.

BC Biofuels Network secured top prize of seed funding along with $15,000 in business coaching and mentoring. With the funding, BC Biofuels Network plans to design and launch a new point-of-sale technology that will increase operating efficiencies for biodiesel organizations in BC, including Vancity members Cowichan Biodiesel Co-op and Greasecycle, among others. BC Biofuels also hopes to establish biodiesel co-op pumping stations in the capital region market.

Habitat for Humanity Victoria, also a Vancity member, won $5,000 of funding for their pitch to create a scrap metal fundraising drive. The Robert Bateman Centre, a gallery featuring famed Canadian wildlife artist Robert Bateman, also secured funding and consulting support to build capacity for educational programming.

In addition to joining with seCatalyst as a presenting partner, Vancity provided seed funding as well as technical support that was split between the top two contestants.