KOOTENAY ASSOCIATION FOR SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY KOOTENAY ADVANCED MANUFACTURING RESOURCE PACKAGE 20 23 TABLE OF CONTENTS 01 Overview 02 Advanced Manufacturing Spectrum Diagram and Self-Assessment Tool 03 Survey Key Findings and Outcomes 04 Resources 05 Grant & Funding Opportunities 06 Acknowledgements OVERVIEW The Discovery Foundation's Advanced Manufacturing Program, in collaboration with the Kootenay Association for Science and Technology (KAST) and Selkirk Innovates, conducted a comprehensive survey in the Kootenay Region to explore the Advanced Manufacturing sector. This resource package presents key findings and initiatives to address challenges and opportunities in the sector, with a special focus on youth engagement. The primary objectives of the survey were to understand the current state of the Advanced Manufacturing sector, identify challenges faced by businesses, and explore avenues for future growth. Additionally, the survey sought to address specific issues related to youth recruitment and retention in the industry. This resource package contains tools, information and resources to address some of these challenges including: 1. Advanced Manufacturing Self-Assessment Tool: This package contains a valuable selfassessment tool designed to help businesses evaluate their current level of practice in key areas, including research and development, technology application, recruitment and retention, network and peer collaboration, management for process efficiency, and sustainability. This tool aids in identifying opportunities for improvement and advancement. 2. Key Findings and Opportunities: The resource package highlights key findings from the survey, providing insights into the Advanced Manufacturing sector's growth potential and emerging opportunities. Understanding these findings will assist businesses in making informed decisions to thrive in this dynamic industry. 3. Funding and Grant Opportunities: Businesses in British Columbia can benefit from a list of available funding and grant opportunities, including wage subsidies, tax credits, education training grants, and online courses in business and technology offered by BC post-secondary institutions. These resources are designed to support businesses in overcoming financial challenges and fostering growth, especially as it pertains to youth engagement and retention, which is a vital component of the sector's sustained growth. As part of the rapidly expanding Advanced Manufacturing industry in the Kootenay Region, businesses play a crucial role in shaping its future. Together, we can drive innovation, sustainability, and prosperity in the Advanced Manufacturing sector, creating a promising future for businesses and communities alike. KAST is here to support you every step of the way. For more information or to collaborate on future initiatives reach out to info@kast.com ADVANCED MANUFACTURING DEFINED Advanced Manufacturing is defined as "the use of advanced, innovative, or ‘cuttingedge' technology to improve products and/or processes, increase efficiency and reduce costs." Essentially, it is the application of technology to improve efficiency. It can be found across all industries and separates itself from traditional manufacturing through versatility and technical process optimization. ADVANCED MANUFACTURING SPECTRUM At the outset of our project, the definition of Advanced Manufacturing remained ambiguous. However, a comprehensive analysis of the survey data revealed that certain businesses identified with the sector, even if they did not fit neatly into specific sub-sectors. This raised pertinent questions about the criteria for determining whether a business falls within this sector. To address this issue, we adopted a broader perspective that considers Advanced Manufacturing as operating along a spectrum, encompassing varying levels of advancement and technological innovation. By embracing this diverse approach, we gained a clearer understanding of the sector's landscape and its multifaceted nature. Beyond the utilization of Advanced Manufacturing technology, we discovered multiple pathways for advancement within the sector. These include engaging in research and development to foster innovation, focusing on skilled worker recruitment and retention, implementing Advanced Manufacturing production management techniques to enhance process efficiency, fostering collaborations with networks and peers, and incorporating sustainable manufacturing practices. Embracing these diverse approaches empowers businesses to progress and thrive within the dynamic Advanced Manufacturing sector. WHAT IS THE ADVANCED MANUFACTURING SELF-ASSESSMENT TOOL? The Advanced Manufacturing Self-Assessment Tool will allow you to evaluate your business's current level of Advanced Manufacturing. The spectrum encompasses six core components: Research and Development, Application of Advanced Manufacturing Technology, Skilled Worker Recruitment, Training, and Retention, Advanced Manufacturing Management, Networking and Peer collaboration, and Sustainability, each applied across varying levels of implementation. To assess your company's Advanced Manufacturing level, you can follow these steps: 1. Self-Assessment: Complete the Self-Assessment by answering the series of questions categorized within the spectrum's core components. This process will help you identify the strengths and weaknesses of your business in relation to Advanced Manufacturing. 2. Spectrum Categories: Based on your responses, your business will fall into one of five categories of Advanced Manufacturing maturity - low - traditional manufacturing, low-medium, medium, medium-high, or high. Each category represents a different stage of implementation and adoption. By using the Advanced Manufacturing Spectrum and Self-Assessment, you can gain insights into your company's standing and identify areas for improvement. This will help you make informed decisions to enhance your business's capabilities and competitiveness in the Advanced Manufacturing sector. For more information on this tool contact info@kast.com ADVANCED MANUFACTURING SELF-ASSESSMENT TOOL (1/4) Take our Advanced Manufacturing Self-Assessment below: ADVANCED MANUFACTURING SELF-ASSESSMENT TOOL (2/4) ADVANCED MANUFACTURING SELF-ASSESSMENT TOOL (3/4) ADVANCED MANUFACTURING SELF-ASSESSMENT TOOL (4/4) SURVEY KEY FINDINGS AND OUTCOMES The Advanced Manufacturing Survey results are in and here are the key findings: Essential Skills Technical Knowldege or Aptitude Soft Skills Entrepreneurship Skills Industry Challenges Lack of Capital Expenditure Difficulty in Recruiting Skilled Workers Industry Opportunities Building the Right Networks Collaborating with Relevant Organizations Structured Training for Potential Employees CHALLENGES & OPPORTUNITIES Business Specific Challenges Employee Attraction and Recruitment Lack of local recruits (19%) ​ Lack of skill set/education (16%) ​ Lack of industry knowledge and experience (14%) Employee Retention Employees don't stay with the company for very long (18%) ​ Need for accommodating schedule or flexible work arrangement (16%) ​ Unrealistic wage expectations (14%) Challenges that Apply to Youth Poor work ethic, attitude, or a sense of entitlement (17%)​ Unrealistic wage expectations (15%) ​ Don’t stay with the company for very long (14%) Broader Regional Challenges Employee Attraction and Recruitment Housing (40%)​​ Cost of Living (24%)​​ Transportation (13%)​​ Employee Retention Housing (37%)​​ Cost of Living (22%)​​ Employment opportunities for family (15%)​ Challenges that Apply to Youth Housing (32%)​​ Cost of living (25%)​​ Transportation (18%) CHALLENGES & OPPORTUNITIES Funding Needs or Barriers Solutions and Supports Funding to expand their businesses​ Funding/financing to increase Capital Expenditure ​ Funding opportunities for research projects​ Capital expenditure funding​ Grants or zero-interest loans ​ Industry investment Workforce Needs or Barriers Solutions and Supports Lack of skilled and experienced staff​ Filling knowledge gap Locally trained employees ​ Supervision and planning courses ​ Training programs Identified Opportunities Selkirk College's Digital Fabrication students ​ Selkirk Technology Access Centre (STAC) ​ Employee Recruitment & Retention Recruitment Strategies Advertising through social media, word-of-mouth, website, etc.​ Benefits such as flexible work hours, relocation allocation, etc.​ Providing training to employees Student funding programs ​ Solutions and Supports Housing supports ​ Wage subsidies and grants​ Increase awareness through job fairs and job boards ​ Campaign to celebrate trades and technology ​ CHALLENGES & OPPORTUNITIES Supply Chain Needs or Barriers Increasing costs of raw materials ​ Supply of raw materials ​ Shipping or transportation issues ​ Solutions and Supports Stable logistics systems allowing manufacturers to get products to market at a reasonable cost Facilities and Space Needs or Barriers Size of premises ​ Lack of commercial real estate or inadequate infrastructure ​ Lack of affordable commercial real estate suitable for business Solutions and Supports More commercial real estate developments ​ Development of rural manufacturer infrastructure supports​ RESOURCES 01 — Selkirk Technology Access Centre (STAC) Selkirk College is training the next generation of skilled workers through their digital fabrication program based at the Selkirk Technology Access Centre in Trail, and they are here to help your business through access to equipment, innovation and design support. STAC is a part of Selkirk Innovates, which offers access to skilled faculty, staff and students and nearly $2 million in highly specialized equipment and software. Selkirk Innovates can help connect your business to unique funding opportunities so you can develop new and improved products, services and/or processes, train your employees and grow your business. You can also access fee-for-service research support (Selkirk Innovates). Located in Trail, the Selkirk Technology Access Centre (STAC) is a one-stop shop to access the advanced technologies you need to drive business innovation, helping you apply new technologies to workflows, prototype new designs, reverse engineer critical parts, find advanced technology solutions and enhance manufacturing processes. - Selkirk Technology Access Centre GRANT & FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES BC Manufacturing Jobs Fund This program reflects the Province's ongoing commitment to promote economic diversification and complements other supports for forestry workers and rural communities. Offered in two streams: Stream 1 Stream 2 Project Readiness: Funding to complete finalstage business and project planning, including operational and technical assessments, up to $50,000, and up to 50% of total eligible project costs. Examples include: Capital Investment: Funding to invest in new or renovated manufacturing infrastructure, technology, equipment, and processes, including renovating idle industrial buildings such as an unused mill site. Funding a minimum of $100,000 and a maximum of $10,000,000, total eligible project costs should be approximately $500,000 up to $100 million. Examples include: Developing a business case to expand operations or diversify product lines, or Conducting an operational or technical assessment to improve processes or introduce new technology Building or expanding a manufacturing facility Upgrading equipment or machinery to support new product lines Adopting innovative processes to manufacture value-added forestry products from biomass or other alternatives Retrofitting a processing facility to expand or adopt new technology and processes Improve processes for fabrication Columbia Basin Trust - Career Internship Program CBT’s Career Internship Program provides eligible employers with up to 50 per cent of an intern’s salary and mandatory employment related costs (MERCs) (up to $25,000 over a seven-to-12- month term) for fulltime, career-focused positions that lead to permanent employment. This program is designed to: support employers with hiring and training emerging professionals; support the growth of commercial operations or service delivery of Basin organizations; stimulate economic activity and regional workforce development; provide post-secondary graduates with the opportunity to develop skills and experience in their chosen field and gain meaningful and sustainable employment; and inspire graduates to return to, move to, or stay in the Basin. ICTC’s WIL Digital Program Supported by Government of Canada’s Student Work Integrated Learning Program, ICTC’s WIL Digital Program provides: A subsidy up to $7,000 CAD offered to eligible Canadian companies in emerging ICT sectors to hire students. 50% of the student salary up to $5000 or 70% of the student salary up to $7000 for the following underrepresented groups: Women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics), Indigenous students, Recent immigrants, Students with disabilities and First-year students. Innovate BC Innovate BC offers a number of programs to support BC businesses including: Ignite - To develop industry and Academic collaborations in the natural resources and applied sciences focused on research and development. ScaleUp - The ScaleUp program supports companies that have completed product market validation and are ready to scale up their businesses. Innovator Skills Initiative - The Innovator Skills Initiative provides up to $10,000 to help employers hire a new employee. The program helps underrepresented people get their first job in B.C.’s tech sector and supports companies facing skills shortages to grow and expand. Applications are currently being waitlisted due to high-demand. Venture Acceleration Program - The VAP helps B.C. tech entrepreneurs accelerate the process of defining a proven business model. This program is designed to help growing technology companies and is supported by a province-wide network of partners and entrepreneurs, the VAP helps small- to medium- sized tech companies grow into successful businesses. Mitacs Mitacs offers a number of programs providing matching funding and talent to help solve organizational research challenges, including: Accelerate - Solve your research challenges with academic expertise, leveraged funding, and oneto-one support from Mitacs. Internships start at four months and can scale up as much as you need — your financial contribution starts at $7,500. Business Strategy Internships - Canadian organizations can get help from outstanding students with innovation activities through a fourmonth $10,000 or $15,000 internship. Your contribution? Only $5,000 or $7,500. Globalink - Expand the reach of your business through bilateral collaborations with Canadian and international researchers. Globalink supports projects that help you strengthen your networks, develop partnerships, create joint ventures, and stay on top of global trends in your sector. Mitacs matches project funds, starting at $7,500 for a 16– 24-week project. Entrepreneur International - Mitacs Entrepreneur International assists with travel costs — up to $5,000 — to help new businesses opportunities abroad. Mitacs Entrepreneur International offers travel grants to Canadian start-ups housed in an incubator linked to an academic institution. The grant enables start-ups to connect with international incubators allowing you to explore new business development opportunities in global markets. Elevate - Solve your business challenges with a top-ranked research expert trained to address your business needs. Your financial contribution starts at $30,000 per year. NRC-IRAP The National Research Council of Canada Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC IRAP) provides advice, connections, and funding to help Canadian small and medium-sized businesses increase their innovation capacity and take ideas to market. Among its services IRAP offers: Advisory Services Financial support for technology innovation Funding to hire young graduates Support for intellectual property Contact local regional IRAP representatives for more information: Bruce Hardy - Bruce.Hardy@nrc-cnrc.gc.ca and Dave Damer Dave.Damer@nrc-cnrc.gc.ca Small Business BC - Grow your Business Online Grant Businesses eligible for the Small Business BC’s Grow Your Business Online Grant will receive a micro-grant of up to $2,400 before taxes to help with costs relating to adopting digital technologies. KCDS’s West Kootenay Tech Program Offered by the Kootenay Career Development Society serving Nelson, Castlegar, Trail, this program offers employers: Staff recruitment services and individualized employee training plans Financial supports for tech-related training employment readiness for new employee Wage subsidies up to 50% covering the probation period (3 months) Potential to cover additional costs of employee onboarding Support in building a skilled local workforce and applicant pool Scientific Research and Experimental Development Tax Credits To claim the Scientific Research and Experimental Development (SR&ED) investment tax credit (ITC), the work must meet two requirements: the work is conducted for the advancement of scientific knowledge or for the purpose of achieving a technological advancement the work is a systematic investigation or search that is carried out in a field of science or technology by means of experiment or analysis Take the Self-Assessment to see if your business qualifies. WorkBC - BC Employer Training Grant The B.C. Employer Training Grant provides funding to small, medium and large enterprises to support skills training for their workforces, including prospective new hires. The Employer Training Grant helps employers pay for training, which in turn helps employees experience increased job security or move into better jobs. Employers can apply as often as they need and receive 80 per cent of the cost of training up to $10,000 per employee, with a maximum annual amount per employer of $300,000. StrongerBC Future Skills Grant 11 There are over 400 programs available to BC residents aged 19 and older, $3,500 per person for eligible short-term skills training at public post-secondary institutions. The following is a sample of available online courses applicable to the technology and manufacturing sector, including business and project management programs. Online learning for Short-term Skills Training @ BC Post-secondary Institutions Low-Code Mobile Application Development, Microcredential, Part-time/Distance & Online Learning (0810CM) - BCIT Entrepreneurship Online - Capilano University Continuing Studies Leading Ideas: Drive Innovation - Capilano University Continuing Studies Business Intelligence and Data Analytics | Continuing Studies at UVic Project Management for Biomedical Device Development - University of Victoria (uvic.ca) Award of Achievement in Business Communication and Project Management | VCC Data Analysis and Visualization - Capilano University Continuing Studies MS Project - Capilano University Continuing Studies Design Accessibility Course - Continuing Studies | Emily Carr University (ecuad.ca) Design Thinking Course - Continuing Studies | Emily Carr University (ecuad.ca) Leading Projects in a Digital Environment Micro-credential | Royal Roads University Business Administration Essentials Micro-credential | Royal Roads University Cloud Transformation and Technology Infrastructure Strategy | UBC Extended Learning (ExL) Ideation + Prototyping for Human Centered Design Micro-credential | University of Northern British Columbia (unbc.ca) Blockchain Management: Microcredential Courses: Thompson Rivers University (tru.ca) Blockchain Innovation and Implementation | UBC Extended Learning (ExL) Micro-certificate program: Food Safety Management (ubc.ca) Communication for Team-based Collaboration (XCOM 1000) - BCIT ESG Fundamentals Microcredential (boardoftrade.com) Technical Communication Essentials, Microcredential, Part-time/Distance & Online Learning (0826CM) - BCIT ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Funder Acknowledgements: We gratefully acknowledge the financial support of Mitacs, Discovery Foundation and Community Futures East Kootenays. Acknowledgements: We would like to acknowledge DFAB students and survey participants.