Welcome to november at Venn

November: where ideas simmer, connections deepen, and momentum keeps building. The season may be slowing down, but innovation isn’t.

On November 11th, we will pause to honour the courage, sacrifice, and service of those who fought for the freedoms we enjoy. May we carry their legacy forward with gratitude and a continued commitment to building a better future together.

From Garage to Grand Finale: DECARB Makes Us Proud

Everyone at Venn would like to congratulate David Leonardo Sanchez, founder of DECARB, for his impressive pitch at the Startup Canada Tour Grand Finale in Mississauga!

David earned his spot on the national stage after winning the Startup Canada Pop-up Pitch in Moncton last month, and he continued to shine at the finale. He delivered his presentation with confidence, clarity, and composure, and handled the Q&A session exceptionally well with concise, thoughtful answers.

In under a year, David turned his vision into a success story that’s motivating startups across the Venn Garage program. After proving himself provincially, his company, Decarb Technology Inc., is now earning recognition on a national scale.

Just Rewards Workshop: Turning Ideas into Impact

On October 18, we welcomed Permjot Valia to our Learning Centre for the very first edition of his Just Rewards Workshop, a sold-out session that brought together students, founders, community leaders, and curious minds eager to learn.

This workshop wasn’t just about generating ideas — it was about understanding what makes an idea worth pursuing and how to move it forward strategically. Participants explored how to validate their ideas by focusing on real customer pain, authentic feedback, and the story behind the problem they’re solving.

A huge thank-you to Permjot Valia for sharing his insights and energy, and to everyone who joined us for making the day such a success!

New page, new stories

We’re excited to launch a new Tech Connect page under Venn Innovation on LinkedIn!

Here, you’ll find updates on past participants and see where their journeys have taken them in the job market.

Stay tuned, we’ll soon be announcing the next Tech Connect team joining the program!

Procedureflow + Laivly: Powering Smarter AI Contact Centers

Procedureflow has announced a strategic partnership with Laivly, combining visual process guidance with AI-powered automation to transform customer support. Together, they’re equipping contact centers with tools that improve speed, accuracy, and consistency, helping agents deliver exceptional experiences across every interaction.

By integrating Procedureflow’s streamlined workflows, and automation features with Laivly’s intelligent insights, this collaboration ensures contact centers can reduce errors, boost efficiency, and keep humans at the heart of service. From retail to healthcare, organizations will now have a stronger foundation for AI adoption, compliance, and long-term success.

AI Compute Access Fund Promo

Calling all Canadian startups working in AI: This could be big for you!

The new AI Compute Access Fund is part of Canada's national strategy to build domestic AI capacity, and your startup might qualify for credits to access advanced compute power.

At Venn, we believe access should never be the barrier to innovation. That’s why we’re keeping an eye on programs like this that could level the playing field.

Venn Friday Office Hours – Startup Mentorship

Career Connect in Celebration of #NationalDisabilityEmploymentAwarenessMonth with CCRW

Last week, we joined job seekers, employers, and community partners at Career Connect, hosted by CCRW, a powerful event exploring inclusion, employment, and the importance of recognizing invisible disabilities in the workplace.

Venn Innovation was honoured to share our experience as an employer committed to inclusive hiring, and the impact it’s had across our organization.

But our commitment doesn’t stop there. We also encourage our founders to actively hire people with disabilities and connect with CCRW to make this initiative truly impactful. It’s equally important to track employee development, understanding the status quo, identifying desired outcomes, and supporting progress toward those goals.

A heartfelt thank you to Mitzi Espinoza, Wilcady Dume, and Ana Katrina Rulona for inviting us to be part of such an important conversation and cause. Together, we’re building workplaces where everyone belongs.

Tech Connect in Action: Building Better Tools for Family Resource Centres

On October 23, our Tech Connect Southeast NB team shared their work with the Provincial Family Resource Centre Board, bringing together thirteen Executive Directors from across New Brunswick.

In just one hour, participants from Cohort 1 and Cohort 2 showcased a custom data and reporting dashboard built for the Family Resource Centre. The platform is designed to simplify reporting, strengthen data confidence, and free up more time for what matters most — supporting families.

The demo sparked great enthusiasm, with strong interest in expanding the platform to Family Resource Centres across the province.

Why it matters:
Tech Connect pairs internationally trained IT professionals with local organizations to solve real challenges through technology, mentorship, and collaboration. Seeing two cohorts work side by side on this project shows the growing depth of tech talent and innovation in Southeast New Brunswick.

A big thank-you to the Family Resource Centre Association, the participating Executive Directors, and our partners — WorkingNB, SERSC/CSRSE, The McKenna Institute, and ACOA — for helping make Tech Connect possible.

If your organization is exploring ways to improve your data, workflows, or digital services, we’d love to connect.

The Antler Breakfast

We’re excited to once again take part in the Progress Club’s Antler Breakfast, the official kickoff to Greater Moncton’s Christmas season! Join us on November 21st at the Delta Beausejour for a festive morning of community spirit and giving.

Each year, the Progress Club welcomes more than 1,500 guests to enjoy an early breakfast while raising funds for local children’s charities. Don’t forget to bring a toy for the annual Toy Drive, and as a bonus, your ticket includes a free pass to a Moncton Wildcats game in December!

We encourage you to grab your ticket and join the Venn team in celebrating the season while supporting a great cause!

Supporting NB Entrepreneurs: Your Local Impact

New Brunswick — and Canadian — entrepreneurs create incredible products, from food and beverages to innovative technology. Supporting local businesses strengthens our economy, our communities, and the people behind these brands. There’s no better time than now to #BuyLocal and #BuyCanadian! 🇨🇦

Some of the best products and expertise are right here in New Brunswick. For more ways to support local, check out Excellence NB—a non-profit that showcases businesses, artisans, boutiques, and more from across our picturesque province.

Free fridays In the junction!

Following International Co-working day, we are pleased to offer free co-working Fridays in the Junction! On the first Friday of the month, we are pleased to offer free co-working spaces to anyone who is looking for a change of scenery from their usual workspace. To book your spot, visit the Junction website.

Founders Cafe

Join us for Founders Cafe, a space where local entrepreneurs, innovators, and founders gather to share stories, exchange insights, and connect in a relaxed and inspiring atmosphere.

November 5 | 5–7PM

Venn Innovation

Featuring:

Yves Boudreau — CEO of CareerBeacon and @Alongside. Yves launched his first creative agency at 19, co-founded the HR tech company Alongside (the first Atlantic Canadian startup accepted into 500 Startups in San Francisco), and later led the acquisition of CareerBeacon.com, Atlantic Canada’s leading job board.

Alicia Roisman Ismach — Head of Fintech at Atlantic Fintech and Founder of Founder’s Café. Alicia has over 15 years of experience developing innovative financial and payments solutions globally. She previously co-directed the Founder Institute in Tel Aviv and has been an active member of the Electronic Transactions Association’s Technology Committee.

Expect 45–60 minutes of authentic conversation and meaningful networking with some of Atlantic Canada’s most inspiring founders.

Reserve your spot today and be part of the conversation shaping our startup community.

Changing the Narrative: Powering Inclusive Innovation

ICTC’s Changing the Narrative program helps women entrepreneurs overcome barriers to growth by providing the knowledge, mentorship, and opportunities they need to thrive in Canada’s digital economy. Since its launch in 2024, the program has connected with 400 women founders across Canada through dynamic workshops, meaningful mentorship, and impactful pitch events that spotlight their ideas and innovations.

By breaking down systemic barriers and fostering inclusive innovation, Changing the Narrative is building a community where women entrepreneurs can rise, lead, and shape the future of Canada’s digital economy. Ready to take your business to the next level? Click here to join the program today.

Program Calendar – New Brunswick

• October 8, 2025 – Knowledge Mobilization Session (French): Le code de la confiance – Surmonter le syndrome de l’imposteur et bâtir la crédibilité en solo

• November 5, 2025 – Knowledge Mobilization Session (English): Funding Fearlessly – Navigating Capital with Confidence

• December 3, 2025 – In-Person Pitch Event (New Brunswick, venue tbd)

• Ongoing – Mentorship sessions available throughout the fall, scheduled based on participant demand.

Atlantic Tech Summit 2025

Innovation, funding, collaboration — that’s the kinds of conversations you can expect at this year’s Atlantic Tech Summit, just three weeks away! 

From AI and digital innovation to funding, collaboration, and market expansion, the Atlantic Tech Summit is where the region’s top thinkers, founders, and investors come together to chart what’s next.

On November 19, join hundreds of tech leaders, entrepreneurs, and decision-makers in Dartmouth, NS and Dieppe, NB for a day dedicated to ideas, opportunities, and growth.

We have a jam-packed agenda filled with panel discussions, keynotes, and even a live podcast recording lined up to make this year our biggest and best year yet.

Get ready for…

🌎 Big-picture conversations about Atlantic Canada’s role in the global market
Panelists from across the region and beyond will share how our talent, innovation, and emerging industries are giving Atlantic Canada a competitive edge on the world stage.

💰 Funding and growth opportunities
Learn from the investors and leaders driving capital into our region — and discover how startups and established businesses alike can scale smarter, faster, and more sustainably.

 🤝 Collaboration that fuels innovation
From industry partnerships to regional cooperation, explore how cross-sector collaboration is accelerating progress in Atlantic Canada’s tech ecosystem. 

🚀 The Atlantic Edge Panel
A must-attend discussion featuring founders and CEOs who are leveraging local talent, global connections, and new technology to scale from the East Coast outward.

💡 CXO Leadership Panel
Get candid insight from executives leading through transformation — and learn how culture, strategy, and adaptability drive success in uncertain times.

This is Atlantic Canada’s time to lead — don’t miss your chance to be part of it.
📍 November 19, 2025 | Dartmouth, NS & Dieppe, NB

Feel free to use our discount code! | Venn25 for a 35% discount at checkout

breakthru startup pitch competition - 2026

NBIF’s #breakthru Startup Pitch Competition is now open for applications – supporting aspiring entrepreneurs across the province who are turning early-stage ideas into real ventures. #breakthru provides the momentum entrepreneurs need in the earliest stages of their journey — from mentorship and skill-building to real investment opportunities that can accelerate growth.

 Who should apply?
Entrepreneurial New Brunswickers who are committed to launching and growing a new and innovative business in the province — whether you’re still shaping your idea or just starting to take your first steps.

#breakthru can turn your ideas and startup dream into reality with:
• LEARNING | Strengthen your business plan, pitch, and venture strategy
• MENTORSHIP | Guidance from industry leaders and investors
• NETWORKING | Connect with other innovators, experts, and investors
• IN-KIND SUPPORT | Access tailored resources to scale faster
• INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES | Secure equity investment from NBIF

If you’re sitting on an idea with potential or building something early that needs a push — this is your launchpad.

 Applications close Friday, November 28, 2025

atlantic business magazine’s top 50 ceo hall of fame legacy project

Top 50 CEO Hall of Fame Legacy Project
Atlantic Business Magazine has launched a micro-investment fund to support youth-led projects that make Atlantic Canada a better place to live and work.

Four projects will each receive $5,000–$15,000 in non-repayable funding, plus mentorship from members of the Top 50 CEO Hall of Fame for one year.

Who can apply:

• Project leaders under 40 (as of Dec 31, 2026)

• Based in Atlantic Canada

• Projects can be for-profit or non-profit

• Staffing costs not eligible

Apply by: November 28, 2025 (11:59 p.m. AT)
Successful projects will be announced by January 15, 2026.

SaaStr AI London

Calling all Atlantic Canadian SaaS & AI innovators!

Join our Atlantic Canada trade mission to SaaStr AI London 2025, Europe’s premier event for AI and SaaS leaders.

Network with 2,500+ founders, investors, and executives.
Meet global VCs and strategic partners.
Gain insights from 75+ sessions on scaling AI-driven SaaS.

📅 When: December 1–2, 2025
📍 Where: London, UK

Apply by: November 3, 2025, 8:00 a.m. AST. There are only 10 spots available for Atlantic Canadian companies.

Voices of Impact | Terry O’Reilly - Against the Grain: Defiant Giants who Changed the World

November 7, 2025 | 5:00PM-6:30 PM |Tire Shack Brewing

InnovateNB Celebration & Awards 2025

November 27, 2025 | 5:00PM - 8:30PM | Saint John Trade and Convention Centre

Moncton Tech Hive

November 7, 2025 | 6:00PM-8:00 PM |The Junction