Current & Critical - Derek Armstrong, Prairies Economic Development Canada - Funding Western Canadian Opportunities

In this episode, learn about Prairies Economic Development Canada, the federal government’s boots on the ground in the prairies, from Derek Armstrong, Manager of Innovation Ecosystems. Derek explains how they operate as a funding agency to support the innovation around us. By helping to grow, scale and diversify the economy, Derek has plenty of valuable insights into the ecosystem and our challenges and opportunities.

Derek and his team of five spend plenty of time in the sectors that matter in the Prairies, from CleanTech and energy transition to AGtech and life sciences. His goal is to understand how to best invest in and support entrepreneurs and SMEs and this episode will inform you how they do it. Whether you’re growing, scaling or thinking about your next move, this episode will remind you there are plenty of organizations in your corner with the investment capital to help you succeed. Derek highlights how Prairies Economic Development has been at the forefront of fields like hydrogen and how de-risking projects means more individuals have a willingness to be ‘first’ and take bold risks.