The Regional Innovation Network of Southern Alberta (RINSA) was formed in 2011 as a collaborative partnership between Alberta Innovates with Economic Development Lethbridge/Tecconnect, Lethbridge Polytechnic, and the University of Lethbridge. It has since grown to over 14 member organizations.
RINSA operates with a client service model focused on the client, outcomes and collaboration. The main clients of RINSA are entrepreneurs with start-ups/small businesses with a focus on technology and innovation. RINSA collectively assists start-ups and small businesses to successfully navigate the commercialization system through programs, services, and resources. As a part of the Alberta Innovation Network, RINSA can leverage opportunities to collaborate with other regional innovation networks throughout the province as well.
RINSA is for Entrepreneurs
Early-Stage Startup
- You have a business idea you’d like to explore
- You have identified a need for your product or service and are not sure how to market it
- You are looking for help with prototyping
- You are not sure where to start when it comes to commercializing your product or service
- You are looking for advice on how to get started
Late-Stage Startup
- Your product or service is approaching market-ready
- You are ready to set business goals for a sustainable business model
- You are working on your business plan and market validation
- You are beginning to generate revenue from your product or service
- You are looking for connections to help boost your business
- You are preparing for business and/or technology readiness
- You are preparing to oversee the financial management and health of your business
Scale Up & Growth
- Your business is making sales and generating revenue
- You would like to grow your client base
- You would like to expand your product line or service provision
- You would like to expand into new markets
- You want to expand your marketing and reach for your product or service
- You are unsure how to stimulate more growth for your business