Category: #Current & Upcoming

Project Zero econext Circular Economy Incubator

Posted on by Chelsie Cake

The Project Zero econext Circular Economy Incubator is a free program to help entrepreneurs and businesses explore opportunities for innovative new approaches to waste management in Newfoundland and Labrador (NL).

Over the course of 6 months, participants will advance their ideas forward and benefit from entrepreneurial skill-building, circular economy expertise, ongoing business mentorship, and access to a network of like-minded organizations and leaders.

Our 2025 Cohort application period is currently closed. Information about selected applications will be released soon. 

Program Participants

The ideal program participants are innovators – entrepreneurs or existing businesses – wishing to pursue the development of a new technology or provide a new service that diverts waste from the province’s landfills.

2025 Program Cohort List (Coming Soon)

Program Outcomes

Through the incubator, program participants will:

  • Develop a business plan
  • Learn how to pitch their ideas
  • ​Build a foundation of business fundamentals and entrepreneurial skills
  • ​Connect with mentors and coaches
  • ​Network with innovative business leaders and industry experts
  • ​Come together with like-minded entrepreneurs going through the same process

At the end of the program, participants will have a better understanding of the feasibility of their ideas and what the next steps are in their pursuit.

Program Schedule

  • March – Applications are open!
  • April – Applications close. Cohort is selected from the applicant pool.
  • May – Each venture is matched with a business coach, meeting monthly to provide mentorship, facilitate connections, and jump hurdles. Ventures participate in monthly virtual sessions hosted by industry experts, covering entrepreneurship and sustainability fundamentals. In tandem with sessions, ventures complete assignments that build towards a comprehensive business plan.
  • December – Ventures compete in the final pitch event, presenting to an audience of investors, industry experts, and media.

Applications

Applications for the 2025 cohort are now closed. If you are interested in applying for our next cohort, check back to this page in the coming year. You can also subscribe to our newsletter to be alerted when applications open.

Information Webinar

Please find both the recording and presentation from the Project Zero econext Circular Economy Incubator webinar.

Click here for the presentation.

Click here for the webinar recording.

Why is Innovation in NL’s Waste Management Important?

Newfoundland and Labrador has a small population spread across vast areas of land. Its communities and industries are often found in rural and sometimes even remote areas. These circumstances make the provision of waste management services challenging. Processes and technologies that are proven elsewhere often are uneconomic in the NL context due to smaller scales of activity and volumes of waste. Meanwhile, NL is one of the largest producers per capita of waste in Canada; our waste has significant environmental impacts including the fact that our landfills are responsible for ~7% of the province’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Developing and adopting new technologies and services that diverts waste from our landfills can have a positive environmental impact and reduce our waste management costs.

What is the Circular Economy?

In today’s world, most of the products we purchase are made from raw resources and are designed to be used for only a short time before being disposed of and ending up at a landfill. On average, only 7.2% of materials are recirculated back into the global economy at end-of-life. This ‘take-make-waste’ economy is resource-intensive and puts pressure on Earth’s natural ecosystems.

Taking a more ‘circular’ approach means rethinking how products are designed, manufactured, used, and treated at the end of their useful life. In a circular economy, products and materials recirculate within the supply chain through reduction, reuse and repair, redistribution, reconditioning, and recycling processes.

A more circular economy reduces waste and pollution, while helping to increase resource efficiency.

Questions

If you have any questions on the Project Zero econext Circular Economy Incubator or the application process, please reach out to incubator@econext.ca.

About Synergy Foundation

Synergy Foundation was created in 2013 by the Synergy Enterprises team and a group of passionate community members and leaders who recognized the need for a non-profit organization to lead the transition towards a green economy on the west coast. Since its inception, Synergy Foundation has focused on innovative projects and programs that have pushed the envelope, supported hundreds of businesses, and turned great ideas into action.

​Our core focus areas include supporting communities and businesses in adopting circular economy practices and advancing green business operations to foster a regenerative, inclusive, and equitable economy. This is represented in our core initiatives: BC Green Business, Project Zero, and the Ecostar Awards.

RFP – Centralized Information Hub: Green Economy

Posted on by kieran

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

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.

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.

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.

EOI: Work Placement Opportunity for Job-seekers

Posted on by Chelsie Cake

Are you a job-seeker interested in exploring the green economy?

econext is currently seeking individuals for 3-month (90-day) full-time work placements in green economy fields, such as clean energy and ocean technology. This is an opportunity to gain hands-on experience and explore a growing sector in Newfoundland & Labrador.

Placement details:

  • Three months/90 days in duration.
  • Must be completed by March 31, 2025.

If you’re interested or would like to be considered for the work placements or future job opportunities, please complete this form on/before Friday November 8, 2024 at 4:00 PM. For any questions, feel free to reach out to Ogaga Johnson, Director of Workforce Development, at ogaga@econext.ca.

EOI: Work Placement Hosts (Funded Three-Month Internship)

Posted on by Chelsie Cake

econext is seeking expressions of interest from companies in the clean, green, and blue sectors interested in hosting internships as part of an experiential learning project. The internships must:

  • Be three months/90 days in duration
  • Provide meaningful full-time work and experience (at least 35 hrs/week)
  • Be completed by March 31, 2025.

Expectations of Internship Hosts

Funding of up to $10,000 per placement will be provided to participating companies. Any costs related to intern compensation or project participation that are over and above the provided funding will be the responsibility of the host.

Participating hosts will be required to participate in micro-learning training to prepare them to provide meaningful work and experience to the work-placement participants

Instructions for Submission

Interested companies should indicate their interest by emailing Ogaga Johnson, Director of Workforce Development for econext, at ogaga@econext.ca.

The submission should include:

  1. A short summary (200 words or less) of your organization and its connection to or activity in the clean/green/blue sectors;
  2. A short summary (200 words or less) of the type of work experience you can provide to the participating interns; and
  3. The name, position, and complete contact information for your organization’s point of contact.

Any questions regarding this initiative or the submission process can be forwarded by e-mail to ogaga@econext.ca. 

Deadlines

The deadline for submitting questions for the expression of interest is Friday, November 1, 2024 at 1:00 PM.

The deadline for submitting an expression of interest is Tuesday, November 5, 2024, at 3:00 PM.

Jobseekers

If you’re an interested jobseeker or would like to be considered for this work placement or any future job opportunities, please complete this form on/before Tuesday November 5, 2024 at 3:00 PM.

Any questions, please email Ogaga Johnson, Director of Workforce Development: ogaga@econext.ca.

Call for EOI – Municipalities NL Trade Show Booth

Posted on by Colin Heffernan

econext is calling for expressions from relevant enterprises with an idea, product, service or technology that they would like to exhibit to the attendees of the 2024 Municipalities NL Trade Show, to take place from November 8-9, 2024 at Joseph R. Smallwood Arts and Culture Centre and the Steele Community Centre in Gander, NL.

A maximum of five prospective exhibitors will be assigned one of the following times for their company to join econext staff at the trade show booth:

  1. Thursday November 8th from 8:00 AM -12:00 PM
  2. Thursday November 8th from 1:30 – 5:00 PM
  3. Thursday November 8th from 7:30 – 10:00 PM
  4. Friday November 9th from 8:30 AM -12:30 PM
  5. Friday November 9th from 1:00 – 5:00 PM


EXPECTATIONS FOR EXHIBITORS

Each of the slots listed above come with a cost to the exhibitor of $300.00, payable to econext. econext staff will provide invoicing upon confirmation of attendance.

Exhibitors are responsible for all other costs of attendance including, but not limited to:

  • Travel
  • Accommodations
  • Meals
  • Admission to other Conference sessions/events

The exhibit space will be shared with econext staff who will be there to promote services and resources for municipalities. Exhibitors are expected to come with all necessary materials for the Trade Show such as promotional items, signage/banners, and demonstration products.

In addition to the above times, a networking/hospitality social is scheduled on the Conference agenda from 7:30 – 10:00 PM on Friday November 9th. To attend this event and network with municipal leaders and decisionmakers, exhibitors must contact Municipalities NL.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR SUBMISSIONS

Please include with your submission:

  • The service or product you will be marketing to the MNL Conference Delegates
  • A short (200 words or less) summary of why you are targeting the municipal sector
  • The name, position, and complete contact information for the exhibitor who will be attending on your company’s behalf.

Please submit by email to Colin Heffernan, Manager of Industry and Community Engagement with econext, at heffernan@econext.ca.

DEADLINE

The deadline for submitting an expression of interest is Wednesday October 23, 2024 @ 2:00 PM.