Success Stories
Our graduates make news!
- Read about how our grads have taken a bright idea and turned it into a thriving business.
- "the programs and advisors at BCIT's Peter Thomson Centre for Venture Development were instrumental in helping me to build a solid foundation on which to launch my business"
Make IT happen
Alumni who make IT happen!Jordan Birk successfully completed the Accelerated Venture program at BCIT in December 2011. She is the Owner and CEO of BullyWool Yarns and Fibers which produces yarns and fibers from rare and endangered breeds of sheep and other fiber animals.
Wendy Armbruster Bell, Snugabell™ Mom & Baby Gear www.PumpEase.com
2009 PTCVD Alumni, Winner of the Parent Tested, Parent Approved Seal of Approval "Because Parents Know Best!"
2010 Dragons Den Finalist, 2010 Business Growth Award finalist
Mark Hemstock, Video Producer, hemstockfilms.com
2010 PTCVD Alumni, MTV Casting Call 2010 First Place Winner
“I really think the reason I won is because of those marketing classes & knowing really what the demographic watches”
BCIT’s Peter Thomson Centre for Venture Development
Launch your own successful business with the Venture program/s at BCIT.
For more information call 604-412-7651
www.bcit.ca/venture
Venture centre alumni updates
- It's not Sushi as usual for Michi Sushi…Michi Sushi rolls are made for walking
Kenneth Cho, Venture Program alumni and owner of Michi-Sushi, recently had his unique sushi restaurant profiled in the Vancouver Sun.This fresh and healthy concept is meeting a great need for people who are constantly on the run, and want fast food, but enjoy good food.
- Cory Weeds would like to be known as the guy who saved the Vancouver Jazz Scene
He is well on his way by launching The Cellar on West Broadway in Kitsilano. The Cellar is a Jazz Supper Club serving cuisine with a Creole and Cajun influence and features the finest Vancouver-based, Canadian and International Jazz Artists.
- Ultimate Outdoor Adventures has attracted a loyal and dedicated clientele
Jackie Slavenova is a champion of Bulgarian National Orienteering Team. When Jackie arrived in Canada she had the expertise and experience in Orienteering. However, she needed the skills that the Venture Program teaches in order to make her business a reality.
- Cocoa West Chocolatier opened its doors to the public in July 2002
Located in Artisan Square on Bowen Island, Cocoa West Chocolatier brings a fresh approach to chocolate making, crafting fine hand-made chocolates in the tradition of French and Belgian artisans. All chocolates are made using the finest natural ingredients, with no preservatives or artificial flavours. "Fresh chocolates at their very best."
- Metro Dogs is a doggie daycare and natural pet food store
Devon O'Rourke has always loved dogs, and now he gets to spend all day with them! After graduating from the Venture Program in 2000, Devon spent some time sourcing out a perfect location, and after some extensive renovations he opened Metro Dogs with his partner, Trish Picariello.
- Out of Chaos
She as been seen regularly on Citytv Breakfast Television, heard on CBC Radio, and featured in publications such as Chatelaine Magazine, National Post, and Reader's Digest. Linda Chu is an Organizing Consultant and the National President for Professional Organizers in Canada. As the founder of Out of Chaos, her clients span from home owners, to entrepreneurs, to executives.
- Flora & Fauna Eco-Fashion Line Debuted at SFU Sustainability Festival!
Vancouver Designer and BEST alumni, Pauline Siu, debuted her sustainable fashion label flora & fauna at SFU's 2nd annual Sustainability Festival, on September 24, 2008.
- From tattered Sails to environmentally friendly products with a stylish appeal
Founded in 2004, Red Flag Design was born of a desire to create products that offered more than just function or style. Barnaby Killam got the idea to become a unique bag manufacturer while working...
- BEST Grad Brings a Human Element to Businesses with Digital Storytelling
This year Alice Mathieson was honored together with Sarah McLaughlin and Julie Aigner-Clark (founder - Baby Einstein) at the Forum of Women Entrepreneurs Gala Celebration, honoring women in the media and entertainment industry.
"We are storytellers. Let us help you bring a human element to your business by introducing your customers to the people behind your company."
- BEST grad's manufacturing business exceeds seven-figure sales mark
Marcel Newell entered the BCIT Entrepreneurial Skills Training (BEST) Program armed with a vision – to develop an innovative manufacturing company and fulfill his long-standing dream of self-employment. Now, after only two years in business, Marcel's company Avidworx is the most profitable venture ever founded by a BEST grad. This year marks his first to exceed a million dollars in sales
- Restaurant Success brings out the BEST in Chindi Varardarajulu
Starting a restaurant in Vancouver is a formidable challenge. The failure rate for new restaurants is very high and it takes someone with great business savvy to succeed in such a demanding industry. Chindi Varardarajulu is just such a person. Chindi’s new restaurant, Chutney Villa, is a South Indian restaurant located at...
- Grad's new beauty company is "golden"
When self-professed "beautyholic" Trish Lucarino completed the BCIT Entrepreneurial Skills Training (BEST) program at the Venture Development Centre two years ago, she was dedicated to fulfilling her dream - creating a line of decadent beauty products fit for the urban princess