We’re here to help you achieve

Business Success

Business Success

Our business coaches have a wealth of experience in the field of agritech. From business services to investment to technical expertise, we can help guide your business to success.

Meet the Team

Mike Manion
Mike ManionExecutive in Residence (EIR)
With 20+ years in the agritech sector, including participating in several past agritech accelerators and business service programs, Mike is a wealth of information. Throughout the program, Mike will act as the EIR, guiding and mentoring participants on their journey to commercialization.

Agritech Ramp-Up Trainers, Coachers & Mentors

David Christie,
MVT Trainer
David has worked as a start-up trainer, mentor, and Executive-In-Residence for more than a decade. Prior to that he spent his career in various market-leading corporations.

Rob Arthurs,
Mentor/Coach
Rob is a certified business coach with over 20 years of experience in the agriculture and agritech fields. He is one of the MVT trainers.

Tom Urban,
Specialized Advisor – Investment
Tom is an investment strategy specialist with extensive knowledge of the agrifood and agritech space.

Marg Daskis,
Specialized Advisor – Food Science
CEO of Fresh Ideas

Dr. Debra Henderson,
Specialized Advisor – Government Registries
As Director of KPU Sustainable Horticulture Institute, Dr Henderson will be available to mentor companies to government registration processes.

Tom Lessing,
Mentor/Coach
Working out of the University of Calgary, Tom provides expertise in sales, operations, corporate development, commercialization, and more.

Advisory Board

The follow individuals have been selected for their expertise and knowledge in agriculture, agritech and related businesses. These experts may participate in the evaluation and review of participant pitches at the pitch events.

James Pratt

James Pratt

In addition to currently being CEO of Rhema Health Products, Jim has served as a Director of the Food Innovation Centre of BC, Food Processors of Canada, Canadian Food Innovators, Timia Capital Corporation, IAF, and has served as Chairman of the Functional Foods Alberta Centre of Excellence and the BC Food Processors Association.

LinkedIn Profile

Nana Collet

Nana Collet

Nana has over 20 years experience in new product development in the life sciences industry and is currently working as VP Program Management and member of the executive team at NervGen Pharma in addition to supporting start-ups as an advisor/mentor.

LinkedIn Profile

Sandra Wear

Sandra Wear

Sandra is a serial entrepreneur with expertise in GTM, PMF and commercialization at scale. She provides interim management and advises/mentors companies wanting to grow from 10M to 100M.

LinkedIn Profile

Dr. Debra Henderson

Dr. Debra Henderson

Dr Henderson is a Director at the Institute for Sustainable Horticulture and the BC Regional Innovation Chair at Kwantlen Polytechnic University. She leads an active applied research program in biological and non-chemical management of agricultural and landscape pests and diseases and develops environmentally sound bioproducts in partnership with industry.

Tom Urban

Tom Urban

Founder of Agribusiness Advisors, Tom works with early stage companies as an investor and advisor. Tom also serves as an EIR at UBC.

More information: Agribusiness Advisors

LinkedIn Profile

Robert Napoli

Robert Napoli

Robert is an entrepreneur with a diverse finance background. He is currently the CFO for Cascadia Seaweed and sits on a number of Boards.

LinkedIn Profile

David Charest

David Charest

A leader with 20 years experience in applied and translational research and development, David has worked for and partnered with innovative organizations to positively impact the health and life sciences sectors.

LinkedIn Profile

Benjamin Lightburn

Benjamin Lightburn

Benjamin Lightburn works with early-stage technology companies as an investor and advisor, specializing in the cleantech and natural ingredients industries.

LinkedIn Profile

Funding

Funding for this program has been provided by:

Government of bc

Delivered by

This program is administered and delivered by the Investment Agriculture Foundation of BC.

IAF is an industry led, not for profit that delivers government funded programs to the agriculture and agri-food sector of British Columbia

Learn more: www.iafbc.ca

Media inquiries: communications(at)iafbc.ca

IAF

Ramp-Up Your Business Today

Apply to participate in the program and let’s start transforming your business from the ground up.