Month: January 2025

Caribbean Customized Consulting Advisory Services

Posted on by kieran

econext is offering its Caribbean Customized Consulting and Advisory Services for a limited number of companies in Atlantic Canada.

Participating businesses will benefit from the following services:

  • 30-40 consulting hours per firm from a market expert to support the pursuit of business development in the Caribbean region. Participants will be able to select from a variety of services to generate a customized work plan of consulting service support. This support could range from market entry guidance, mentorship and strategy development, to support with development of Expressions of Interest (EOIs) and project proposals.
  • During the course of the consulting services cycle, the consultants will monitor relevant procurement portals regularly to identify and disseminate relevant Caribbean procurement opportunities to participating organizations in a timely fashion.

A list of potential supports is provided at the bottom of this page.

This program has a limited number of spaces and will require a time commitment from companies. Selected companies will be expected to:

  • participate in an initial interview with the consultant upon admission into the program;
  • provide inputs and approve an agreed-upon work plan for the consultant;
  • make themselves available on an ongoing basis for the duration of the program to assist the consultant in their work; and
  • complete a close-out survey once consulting services have been delivered.

The duration of the customized consulting advisory services provided will be 8-12 weeks. The value of the consulting services provided is estimated to be $5,000. Selected businesses will be expected to contribute 15% of the total costs (i.e., if services amount to $5,000 in total, the business will be expected to contribute $750).

Apply

Click here to fill out your application. The deadline for the submission of applications is February 7, 2025. If you have any questions about this program, please contact Kieran Hanley at kieran@econext.ca. Applications will be scored based on the perceived impact that the customized consulting advisory services may have. Applicants may be contacted following their submission to provide more information.

Examples

The following are examples of the types of supports that the customized consulting advisory services can provide. This is not an exhaustive list, and applicants are welcome to suggest alternative services.

  • Virtual matchmaking services(scheduling of online or telephone meetings with in-market contacts)
  • Supporting the design and coordination of virtual seminars and presentations for participants to demonstrate capabilities and experience to in-market audiences
  • Targeted market research
  • Mentorship and strategy formulation
  • Opportunity identification(generating a list of project opportunities in both the design and execution phases that align to the participant’s capabilities and objectives so that there is an awareness of opportunities prior to the publishing of official procurement notices
  • Identification of key contacts within IFIs and other international agencies operating in the Caribbean, including project executing agencies
  • Identification and potential pre-qualification of project partners(in-market, as well as other Canadian and/or international firms operating in the region)
  • Support with development of Expressions of Interest (EOIs) and project proposals
  • Internal, customized training and capacity building (to be delivered remotely)
  • Support in generating international business development tools and templates(e.g. biddecision tools, partner qualification checklists, partner management processes, IFI projectexperience documents, IFI-formatted CVs, etc.)
  • Advisory support related to contract negotiations

Green Economy Foundations Training Course

Posted on by Chelsie Cake

Are you curious about the green economy and eager to discover how you can play a role in shaping a sustainable future? This free course is designed to help you explore the possibilities and prepare for opportunities in Newfoundland and Labrador’s growing green economy.

Why Take This Course?

The green economy is a fast growing and vital sector in Newfoundland and Labrador. But what exactly does the term “green economy” mean? This course provides a foundational introduction, helping you understand its significance to both the province and its people.

As new green projects and initiatives develop and move forward, the demand for careers, suppliers and businesses across various industries will rise. A wide range of skills and backgrounds are needed to help support this transformative shift. Now is the perfect time to learn about the concepts and upcoming opportunities that can help you transition into this space.

What You’ll Learn

By the end of the course, participants will be able to:
• Identify common green economy terms and core concepts.
• Discuss opportunities and challenges specific to clean growth in Newfoundland and Labrador..
• Understand potential career and business opportunities in the green economy.

Course Details

This fully online course is designed for flexibility and accessibility, with three self-paced modules containing 12 engaging lessons. You can complete the material on your own schedule. The course content takes under 5 hours to complete.

In addition to the online content, participants will have the opportunity to attend in-person industry sessions. These events provide opportunities for valuable professional networking, allowing you to learn from their expertise and start building your own connections.

Course Overview:

Module 1: Introduction to the Green Economy – 90 Mins
Lesson 1: Terminology and Concepts
Lesson 2: The Changing Environment
Lesson 3: Government Action and Climate Change Commitments

Module 2: Green Practices and Technologies – 75 Mins
Lesson 1: Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Lesson 2: Energy Efficiency
Lesson 3: Waste Management and Circular Economy
Lesson 4: Climate Change Adaptation

Module 3: Sectors and Careers in the Green Economy – 90 Mins
Lesson 1: Electricity and Clean Energy
Lesson 2: Decarbonizing Industry
Lesson 3: Energy Efficiency Retrofits
Lesson 4: Circular Economy
Lesson 5: Clean Technology

Enrollment Information

Sign up now using the link below!

Register

For questions about the course or its content, please contact Ogaga Johnson, Director of Workforce Development, at ogaga@econext.ca.

VIRTUAL econext ideathon | March 12-28, 2025 | CNA

Posted on by Alex Rumbolt

econext Clean Growth Ideathon – Virtual for CNA Students

Embrace the Future of Clean Growth!

econext is thrilled to announce it’s fourth ideathon, paving the way for innovative solutions that will drive sustainable progress in Newfoundland and Labrador. This time, we are making the ideathon VIRTUAL and bringing it to College of the North Atlantic students all throughout the province! The two week event, open to all CNA students, will be taking place March 12-26, 2025, with winners being notified on March 28, 2025.

What is an ideathon?

Ideathons are competitive events in which students work together in teams over a short timeframe to come up with solutions to a set challenge. Our ideathons are a space to develop innovative solutions for clean growth in Newfoundland and Labrador.

The specific challenge can be found below, with more being shared at the opening webinar where we will provide you with all the necessary information needed to participate.

Teams will consist of 2-5 students.

Learn more about our previous in-person ideathons here: September 2023 | March 2024 | September 2024

What is Clean Growth?

Clean growth refers to economic growth that is achieved in an environmentally sustainable way. It involves developing and adopting innovative technologies, practices, and policies that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, minimize waste, and preserve natural resources while fostering economic prosperity.

Sustainability is the concept of meeting our current needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet theirs. It emphasizes the balance between environmental health, economic development, and social well-being.

By embracing clean growth, Newfoundland and Labrador can build a sustainable, diversified economy that preserves its natural beauty and resources for future generations.

The Challenge

We challenge you to identify a problem, an issue, or an opportunity that is present in Newfoundland and Labrador relating to “clean growth”, and then create an innovative solution that addresses it. Clean growth is highly relevant to our province, here are a few areas that might help you get thinking:

  • Renewable energy potential
  • Fisheries and aquaculture
  • Resource-based economy: oil and gas, mining, forestry, etc.
  • Emerging green industries: green hydrogen, biofuels, clean tech
  • Climate resilience
  • Value from waste
  • Greening Business

Your solution could be a technological advancement, a regulatory or policy change, a business idea, etc. The ideas are endless and we encourage you to step outside of the box and rely on your education and experience. More information will be provided during the virtual webinar scheduled for Wednesday, March 12 at 6pm. You will also have the opportunity to ask questions.

Who can participate?

This is a multi-disciplinary event and we welcome any student from CNA to participate. If you are interested in clean growth, we encourage you to participate!

When and where?

The ideathon will take place online over a two week period from March 12-28, 2025. See the section “what is the schedule?” for more information.

Why should you participate?

  • We will be awarding cash prizes to the top three teams: $3,000 for 1st Place, $2,000 for 2nd Place, and $1,000 for 3rd Place!
  • Network with people in the industry as well as your peers
  • Workshop opportunities
  • Learn about the clean growth industry
  • Team building
  • Have some fun!

How to register?

Registration is individual, but you will be required to work on teams of 2-5 students. Each member of your team must complete the registration separately. You will be required to submit your team name and members to us. We will provide details on how to submit this before the event. Team submissions will be accepted no later than noon on Thursday March 13. If you do not have a team, we will try our best to match you to one.

Click here to view the registration page.

Communications

Prior to and throughout the duration of the event, we will be communicating with participants via email. When registering, please provide the email in which you would prefer to be contacted.

What is the schedule?

Our ideathon is a two-week long event.

On Wednesday March 12 at 6:00pm a mandatory webinar will be held to release the challenge and provide any information necessary to participate. This will also be your chance to ask questions. A webinar link will be provided to participants.

Over the next two weeks, teams will work together on their ideas. You will have the opportunity to avail of mentor office hours. You will be required to sign up for 15 minute appointments. The list of mentors and their office hours are to be confirmed. Teams will also have the opportunity to participate in online workshops to help with idea formation and presentation preparation. These workshops and their times are to be confirmed.

On Wednesday March 26 at noon, teams are required to submit their presentations in video format. All team members are required to be present in the video. Details of how to submit, as well as the judging criteria, will be provided.

On Friday March 28, the top three teams will be announced.

Have questions?

Reach out to Alex Rumbolt at alex@econext.ca or Chelsea Linfield at chelsea@econext.ca.

Stay tuned for more information! We will be updating this page in the coming weeks as the ideathon approaches.

 

The econext Ideathon was made possible through partnership with the Business + Higher Education Roundtable, and with support from the Government of Canada.

econext to launch Circular Economy Incubator

Posted on by kieran

econext is excited to launch a Circular Economy Incubator in 2025.

Stay tuned for more information!

Innovation Challenges

Posted on by kieran

econext works with industry and funding partners to design innovation challenges that help address real world challenges and opportunities.

Are you interested in working with econext on an innovation challenge? Contact us!

Past Initiatives

Opportunities to learn more about the Churchill Falls MOU

Posted on by kieran

econext members should be aware of a number of opportunities in the coming weeks to learn more about the Memorandum of Understanding between Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro and Hydro-Québec.

‘Extraordinary Sitting’ of the House of Assembly

The Speaker has advised Members that the House of Assembly will reconvene on Monday, January 6 at 10:00 a.m. Proceedings will be broadcast live via the House of Assembly television channel and streamed via the House of Assembly website and social media channels (Facebook, X and YouTube). The public galleries will be open throughout the sitting. Information and protocols for visiting the public galleries are available on the House of Assembly website.

Webinars

Newfoundlanders and Labradorians are invited to join Jennifer Williams, President and Chief Executive Officer of Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro, and members of the negotiating team, for one of four online sessions to learn more about the details of the Churchill Falls Memorandum of Understanding signed on December 12, 2024. Four 90-minute community webinars will be held from January 12-14. Sessions will include a presentation from Ms. Williams, as well as a moderated question and answer session. Individuals can submit their questions within the webinar platform during the session. Those who are unable to stream the sessions via the Internet may register for a telephone only option.

Webinar times are:

  • Sunday, January 12: 2 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
  • Monday, January 13: 10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
  • Monday, January 13: 7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
  • Tuesday, January 14: 7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

To register, please visit www.ourchapter.ca.

SAVE THE DATE: econext 2025 Conference

Posted on by kieran

Save the Date!

econext‘s 2025 Conference will be taking place October 9, 2025 at the Delta Hotel St. John’s. Stay tuned for more information.

Partnership

Are you interested in partnering with us on our conference? Click here for details and contact Colin Heffernan at heffernan@econext.ca with your interest.

JOB OPPORTUNITY: Green Career Development and Training Coordinator

Posted on by kieran

Location: St. John’s, NL
Type: Full Time, 1-Year Contract with possibility of extension
Salary Range: $55,000 – $62,000

Background

econext is a not-for-profit association that accelerates clean growth in Newfoundland and Labrador, working on behalf of over 200 members to foster environmentally sustainable economic development.

Newfoundland and Labrador is a province with immense clean growth potential. Its vast untapped clean energy resources provide for substantial renewable energy, hydrogen, and clean fuels opportunities. It is an innovator in creating value from waste streams, and is home to a world-leading cluster of environmental technology developers. Its current strengths in its natural resource sectors, from offshore oil and gas to mining, are helping to pave the way for the energy transition.

econext is looking for a Green Career Development and Training Coordinator to join its team at 235 Water Street in St. John’s, NL.

Job Description

The Green Career Development and Training Coordinator is a unique opportunity for the right candidate to support clean growth in Newfoundland and Labrador. This position provide support for the effective execution of econext‘s initiatives relating to workforce development for the province’s green economy.

The Green Career Development and Training Coordinator will:

  • Plan and coordinate workforce and career development events, such as connector events, industry panels, and training sessions. 
  • Manage event logistics, including scheduling, venue arrangements, and stakeholder communications.
  • Collaborate with stakeholders, including employers, educational institutions, and community organizations, to ensure event success.
  • Work with job seekers, employers, and industry partners to facilitate work placement opportunities.
  • Manage and monitor the success of internship initiatives and partnerships, ensuring positive outcomes for both participants and employers.
  • Contribute to the development of training curriculum, content, and materials, including presentations, e-learning modules, handouts, and activities for workforce development

Qualifications

For this role, econext is looking for an individual with a vibrant and outgoing personality and a willingness to be proactive and self-directed in their work. The ideal candidate is highly organized, detail-oriented, and has the capacity to think creatively address challenges and pursue opportunities as they arise.

The following qualifications would be considered an asset:

  • A university degree or college diploma;
  • Strong interpersonal, communication, and facilitation skills;
  • Experience managing projects and initiatives;
  • Experience developing and delivering training and career development sessions;
  • The ability to multi-task; and
  • The ability to thrive both as a member of a team and independently.

Experiences in environment and green economy and/or in the development of training programs and the use of Learning Management Systems (LMS) are not a requirement, but background relating to these areas could be viewed as an asset.

Apply

econext offers a competitive benefits package and its staff work from a modern co-working environment in Downtown St. John’s. To apply, please send a resumé or CV with a cover letter (in one document) to hiring@econext.ca with the subject line “Application – Green Career Development and Training Coordinator.”

The deadline for submitting an application is 3:00 PM on January 16, 2025. However, econext is looking to fill this position as soon as possible. We encourage you to submit your application in advance of the deadline.

econext is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to a work environment that supports, inspires, and respects all individuals, and in which personnel processes are merit-based and applied without discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, gender identity, marital status, disability, national or ethnic origin, military service status, citizenship, or other protected characteristics.