Author: kieran

Industry Conferences, Seminars, and Workshops

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econext organizes industry-focused conference, seminars, and workshops to create awareness of and built networks to pursue Newfoundland and Labrador’s green economy opportunities.

Past Conference, Seminars, and Workshops

RFP – Centralized Information Hub: Green Economy

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Background
Newfoundland and Labrador (NL) is expecting significant growth in its green economy (i.e., clean energy, energy efficiency retrofits, critical minerals, circular economy, etc.). Findings from various research initiatives undertaken have pointed to a need to educate and create greater awareness within NL about the opportunities before it. The need for education and awareness has been identified as a key action in the attraction and retention of the workforce required to support and realize green economy opportunities in the province.

Objective
The objective of this scope of work is to create a centralized hub (i.e., website) where important information about NL’s green economy can reside and be accessed by NLers who are interested to learn more about emerging areas of development and consider careers within them.

Download RFP

Questions and Answers

Answers provided by econext relating to the RFP will be posted here.

The timeline for this project is very short, can you elaborate on the need to have the project completed in such a short timeframe?
We are motivated to complete the project within the outlined timeframe.

The RFP mentions meeting bi-weekly however is there an option to meet sooner/more if necessary considering the timeline.
Yes.

How much time would econext require to make decisions (ie: approve items, submit edits, etc.)? Are they able to do this in real time during meetings to ensure the timeline is met?
In most cases – yes. We will take responsibility for slippage in timeframes should our inability to do so be the cause.

Are there any future plans for the website (ie: added functionality, new sections) that should be taken into consideration when doing the initial build?
None that we can think of at this time.

What is the internal approval process?
A project manager will be assigned to the project who will have decision-making authority.

Are there any accessibility considerations that must be prioritized (e.g., colour contrast, readability for different audiences)?
We would leave it to the selected proponent to provide us with their expert advice on this matter.

Is there a budget allocated for this project?
We are asking interested vendors to propose a price based on the scope of work outlined.

What is the core message that this brand should communicate to its audience?
This will be decided on with the successful proponent who will be expected to provide guidance on this matter.

How should this brand be different from other green economy initiatives?
This will be decided on with the successful proponent who will be expected to provide guidance on this matter.

What are the key emotions or ideas you want people to associate with the brand? (e.g., innovation, sustainability, opportunity)
This will be decided on with the successful proponent who will be expected to provide guidance on this matter.

Are there specific themes you’d like to emphasize more than others?
This will be decided on with the successful proponent who will be expected to provide guidance on this matter.

Should the name explicitly reference “green economy” or be more open-ended?
Would you prefer a descriptive name (e.g., Green Jobs NL) or a conceptual name (e.g., EcoPath)?
This will be decided on with the successful proponent who will be expected to provide guidance on this matter.

Are there specific keywords or phrases that you’d like reflected in the name?
This will be decided on with the successful proponent who will be expected to provide guidance on this matter.

Are there any words or ideas to avoid?
This will be decided on with the successful proponent who will be expected to provide guidance on this matter.

Would you like a tagline to be part of the brand? If so, should it focus on inspiration (e.g., “Building a Sustainable Future”) or information (e.g., “Your Guide to NL’s Green Economy”)?
This will be decided on with the successful proponent who will be expected to provide guidance on this matter.

How closely should the new brand align with econext’s existing visual identity? Be specific. (e.g., colours, font, style)
This will be decided on with the successful proponent who will be expected to provide guidance on this matter.

Will additional colours to the colour palette need to be explored?
This will be decided on with the successful proponent who will be expected to provide guidance on this matter.

It mentions that the brand should be ‘strongly influenced by areas of particular importance to NL’s emerging green economy.’ What are these areas? Are there any specific visual elements you’d like incorporated? (e.g., wind turbines, ocean, circular economy symbols)
We would expect the proponent to be familiar (or become familiar) with areas of particular importance to NL’s emerging green economy.

Can these be specific visual elements incorporated in another way? (e.g. symbols, icons, graphics)
This will be decided on with the successful proponent who will be expected to provide guidance on this matter.

What kind of tone should the logo convey? (e.g., bold and modern, organic and natural, minimal and clean)
This will be decided on with the successful proponent who will be expected to provide guidance on this matter.

Are there any colours, fonts, or design elements that should be included or avoided?
This will be decided on with the successful proponent who will be expected to provide guidance on this matter.

Do you have any existing brand guidelines?
Yes. These would be shared with the successful proponent (if relevant),

In order to meet the short timeline, will all content (ie: background info, event info, resources, career pathways, etc.) be ready and provided on day one of the project kick off?
Yes.

Will photos/graphics be provided by econext or will these need to be sourced? If provided, will these be ready for project kickoff?
While econext has a library of available imagery, we would expect the successful proponent to source and/or develop imagery if necessary.

Does econext have a preferred hosting platform for the website or should we include a recommendation in the quote?
econext will provide the hosting platform (Bluehost).

Should the purchase of the domain be included as part of the quote or will econext be purchasing this separately?
econext can pay for the domain.

There is mention of a “green job bank” being included, do you envision this being built directly into the site or incorporating the one on the econext site (https://econext.ca/jobs/)
We would expect this to be built directly into the site.

For the event calendar, will users need to be able to purchase tickets and/or rsvp to events? Or do you envision it being more of a list of upcoming events and their details.
This would be a list of upcoming events, with tickets/RSVPs etc. being handled by third party platforms.

Are there any websites (do not need to be associated with NL or econext) that are similar to use as examples?
We do not have a specific website that we would point to, no.

Caribbean Customized Consulting Advisory Services

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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

econext to launch Circular Economy Incubator

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

Stay tuned for more information!

Innovation Challenges

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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

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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

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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

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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.

Zero Emissions Vehicle (ZEV) Workshop

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Did you know that ‘transportation’ is the single largest source of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in Newfoundland and Labrador? In 2022 transportation was responsible for 43% of the entire province’s emissions. Much of this is attributed to on-road transportation.

January 30, 2025 econext is hosting a workshop to provide an update on the latest initiatives and research relating to the decarbonization of transportation in Newfoundland and Labrador through the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) and other zero-emissions vehicles (ZEVs) such as those that use clean fuels like hydrogen.

The agenda will include:

  • 9:00 – Overview of ZEV Adoption in NL
  • 9:10 – Research Findings: Medium to Heavy Duty EV (MHDEV) adoption in NL + sharing NL Hydro’s experience of their own fleet electrification – from St. John’s to Churchill Falls
  • 9:40 – Municipal Pilot Programs – Ongoing Light and Medium Duty EV Adoption Projects
  • 10:10 – Break
  • 10:30 – The Electrification of St. John’s Public Transit
  • 11:00 – Research Findings: Potential for Clean Fuels Use in Road Transportation in NL

Event Details

Date: January 30, 2025
Time: 9:00am – 11:30am
Location: Holiday Inn, St. John’s NL

Note that this event is also be available for participation online via webcast.

Registration Details

Member: $12 + HST
Non-Member: $20 + HST
Member Online: $12 + HST
Non-Member Online: $20 + HST

Registration includes coffee and light snacks.

Register Now

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.