Business Innovation Program
The value‐added wood products industry is a major contributor to the B.C. economy and plays an important part in forest sector diversification. Over 900 businesses that manufacture products such as windows and doors, kitchen cabinetry, remanufactured wood products, prefabricated structures, and log and timber frame homes make up the value added sector.
Already a major contributor to the B.C. economy, the value‐added industry has significant potential for growth. The Business Innovation Program (BIP) is designed to encourage the growth through programs focused on new product development, technology transfer, marketing development, business development, and innovation.
The BIP is funded in a partnership between FII, Western Economic Diversification Canada, and the value added industry. Services under the BIP program are delivered through an integrated model by B.C. Wood Specialties Group, FP Innovations, and the Center For Advanced Wood Processing (CAWP) at the University of British Columbia.
Activities in the program focus on six areas:
- Outreach – individual needs assessments and referrals for value added companies
- Business Services – workshops, learning opportunities, and advice on strategic planning, management, and other specific business concerns
- Marketing Services – improving sales and marketing success through coaching, advice and market intelligence
- Technical Services – providing direct support to companies to transfer new technical knowledge that reduces cost and improves productivity
- Product development and design services – supporting companies to differentiate products and improve profitability through innovation
- Communications – profiling opportunities for learning and support in the value added sector
More information on the BIP program is available at their website www.iforwood.com
