Have you heard of RINSA? The Regional Innovation Network of Southern Alberta was formed in 2011 as a collaborative partnership between Alberta Innovates with Economic Development Lethbridge/Tecconnect, Lethbridge College, and the University of Lethbridge. It has since grown to over 10 member organizations and proudly serves the region of Southwestern Alberta stretching from Taber to the Foothills, and Okotoks to the US Border. We also collaborate with the 7 other RIN areas through the province to provide programs and resources to Alberta businesses with a focus on supports for technology and innovation outlooks.

Learn how to utilize the potential of technology for business success!

This fireside chat discussion panel will discuss investing in your business and explore crowdfunding as an avenue of funding.

Join RINSA for our monthly networking event where you can meet other entrepreneurs and experts in the community and share, connect, and discuss the various monthly topics as well as other things you might be working towards or needing assistance with. The RINSA Exchange monthly event is open to all entrepreneurs and service providers in the SW AB region and beyond. We will be hosting the event on the Remo event platform and will have small table tops in a virtual event space where you can meet and connect with others in our region. Sometimes an hour of networking is what you need within the week to feel inspired. Come out and join us for the RINSA Exchange! You never know who you'll meet or what you'll find out! September's event will be around the topic #ReturnToWorkScenarios, but this is simply a guide to some discussion and the event will be making connections and open discussion, with a few questions each month to help stimulate conversation. We look forward to having you with us on September 28th from 12pm to 1pm!

Get that app idea out of your head & into the App Store!

Indigenous Education Training discusses the current and historic lived realities and experiences of Indigenous peoples in Canada. The colonial history of Canada has impacted the lives of Indigenous peoples, family and community structures and culture and language profoundly. This training will highlight and unpack the impacts that colonial enforcements and structures have had on Indigenous peoples, dismantle misconceptions, hear the stories of Indigenous people, review national and international policy and implementation changes in favour of Indigenous peoples, guidance on how to support and advocate Indigenous causes and populations, and showcase the strength, resiliency and success of Indigenous Canada.

Take the opportunity to build your skills with Tecconnect+ED's Education-on-Demand. You can select a course or package offering and we will provide you with the webinar version of the content and the appropriate course materials within 48-72 hours of your registration. From there, you can always reach one of our Entrepreneur Program Manager's or Business Advisors to consider further business coaching, education opportunities or our Tecconnect Entrepreneur Program. We wish you well in your upcoming learning experiences and look forward to assisting you!

The Rural Technology Incubator Program is meant to bring your rural business a boost with fundamental frameworks for entrepreneurship and current trends in technology related tools. Through helpful learning and supports, entrepreneurs who have a business idea or current business that is looking to explore more technology and innovation in their operation can join in this program to gain more knowledge and access some 1:1 business advisory to help apply concepts. The incubator program includes a mix of presentations and resources to work through, as well as speakers and guidance from business advisors about using and applying new technology. The content and sessions are set out to be a catalyst for your use of emerging technology trends to build your competitiveness in the market as well as your skills and familiarity with technology concepts.

Environmental, Social, Governance (ESG) is increasingly becoming a hot topic for Canadian organizations. Sustainability is at top of mind for those who want to remain competitive, attract top talent, students, and clients. With so many options available for sustainable energy management today, the question then becomes “Where do I start?” A very good question. One that comes on the heels of Alberta’s rapid emergence from a period unsustainably low commodity prices and a Federal election that has re-affirmed the reality of carbon taxes. These pressures are already being felt at the pump and on the utility bill with the expectation that they will continue to rise every year until 2030. Add rising tariffs for transmission and distribution, and you have significantly higher electricity and heating costs for the foreseeable future.

The TechTools Incubator Program is meant to bring to light current trends in technology related tools and helpful learning and supports to entrepreneurs who have a business idea or current business that is looking to explore more technology and innovation in their operation. Through a mix of presentations and resources to work through, as well as speakers and guidance from business advisors about using and applying new technology, this program sets out to be a catalyst for your use of emerging technology trends to build your competitiveness in the market as well as your skills and familiarity with technology concepts.

This workshop series is for female entrepreneurs who are interested in exploring virtual and augmented reality.