New venture aims to make treasure from trash
The Synergy Sustainability Institute, an offshoot of Synergy Enterprises, is launching a new program that intends to make treasure from trash.
Project Zero, billed as a circular economy initiative from Synergy, will establish an incubator program for Vancouver Island entrepreneurs who want to turn waste materials into new products. The incubator program will allow entrepreneurs with ideas or who have already established young start-up firms the chance to develop business plans, learn business fundamentals and skills, connect with mentors and develop a pitch for their business idea.
Applications to get into the program will be accepted until Feb. 22 at 4 p.m. An application form can be found online at www.project-zero.ca
The program will run between April and November.
During the eight-month program, ventures will receive support to launch their business and contribute to a greener economy. The program is free for all successful applicants.
Project Zero is a five-year initiative focusing on circular economy innovation. According to Synergy, a circular economy is one that shares more than it owns, supports products that are made and repaired locally, and in which someone’s waste is another’s resource.
Parksville spa voted No. 1 in Canada
Parksville’s Grotto Spa at Tigh-Na-Mara has been named the No. 1 spa in Canada and top ocean spa in North America, according to Spas of America’s annual list based on website page views. “We are so honoured,” said Grotto Spa director Paulina Alexander.
The 20,000-square-foot Grotto Spa at Tigh-Na-Mara provides a prescription for rest, relaxation and rejuvenation with signature treatments on West Coast natural ingredients.
“I am very proud of our team at the Grotto Spa for their dedication, pride and commitment to our guests,” says Tigh-Na-Mara general manager Paul Drummond. “Our tranquil forest and oceanfront destination resort and spa offers our guests a variety of opportunities to relax and reconnect with nature and themselves. We sincerely appreciate our long-standing partnership with Spas of Americas and this esteemed recognition from their viewers.”
Islanders win scholarships
Three students from British Columbia, including two from Vancouver Island, have been awarded Glenn Spartz Scholarships from Boating B.C. to further pursue their careers in the marine industry.
Devon Norris of Chemainus, who works at Stones Boat Yard in Nanaimo, and Sebastian Eaves of Ucluelet, employed by Rod’s Power and Marine in Tofino, were selected for the scholarship with Coquitlam’s Joonmin Song.
Created in response to the growing demand for skilled marine trades, the scholarship supports individuals working toward educational and career goals.
“Our industry has experienced significant growth in the recent years and as a result, faces a shortage of qualified marine mechanical technicians,” said Boating B.C. president Don Prittie. “The Glenn Spartz Scholarship is one means of assisting individuals who are pursuing a career in the boating industry.”
Each scholarship recipient receives up to $2,000 toward their education. All three are entering Level 2 of the Marine Mechanical Technician Program at BCIT this month.
The Glenn Spartz Scholarship is an initiative led by Boating B.C. with contributing partners from the marine propulsion sector, including Mercury Marine, Volvo Penta, Yamaha, BRP/Evinrude and Suzuki Marine. It is named in honour of a former Boating B.C. board member who was instrumental in establishing the MMT program.
