Funding from Island Coastal Economic Trust has brought the concept of creating a local hub of technology and innovation in Powell River back under discussion.
The Powell River Creative Economy and Innovation Initiative is a joint partnership between City of Powell River, Powell River Educational Services Society, Vancouver Island University, Tla’amin Nation and qathet Regional District (formerly Powell River Regional District). Over the next six months the proponents involved will be researching ways to make this concept successful.
The technology hub was proposed for a space in the Townsite Market, which is set to open later this summer on Ash Avenue.
“We are in the middle of conducting interviews with cultural sector players and people who are operating in the creative economy to better understand their entrepreneurial needs and opportunities and barriers for growth,” said project lead Julie Froekjaer-Jensen.
The partnership is also holding a series of focus groups for those involved in the cultural sector who currently use technology in their work and operate in the new economy, according to a recent press release.
Involving the larger community will happen later this year, according to Froekjaer-Jensen.
“Look for public events toward the end of September,” she said.
