Canadian Innovation Assistor (CIA)

• CIA is a free online resource that allows SMEs, entrepreneurs, innovators and inventors the chance to pose specific questions about their challenges to a group of local subject matter experts, providing immediate feedback and results in them being better informed. Such helpful advice is a growing resource for all SMEs, entrepreneurs, innovators and inventors alike, regionally and nationally.

The CIA program demonstrates CIC’s dedication to helping the SME community, as well as entrepreneurs, innovators and inventors through the promotion and dissemination of knowledge and know-how. Through the online environment created by the CIA,  and supported by CIC’s monthly webinars and seminars on commercialization and the extension of the Innovator’s Assistance Program, the CIA program offers the SME, entrepreneurs, innovators and inventors a means of receiving direct timely Q&A (coaching) help from industry experts and specialists at no charge.  Such help means that the entrepreneurs and businesses will be able resolve their problems faster thus averting potential missteps and decisions that could be detrimental to their businesses.  The CIA is a safety blanket for these businesses. It gives them quick expert help to simple questions they need to avoid potential for failure.