Unleashing the Power of Edmonton’s Regional Innovation Network with Janice Baskin

In this milestone 250th episode, host Kelly Kennedy sits down with Janice Baskin, Manager of the Edmonton Regional Innovation Network (ERIN), for a deep dive into how Alberta entrepreneurs can better navigate the complex ecosystem of supports, funding, and opportunities available to them. From breaking down the role of ERIN as a connector organization to sharing personal insights from her own entrepreneurial journey, Janice offers a transparent and practical look at what’s working—and what’s still missing—for founders across Edmonton and beyond.

Together, Kelly and Janice explore the reality of growing a business in Alberta, including the challenges of accessing support, the confusion many founders face when searching for help, and the gaps that still exist in serving women in tech and growth-stage companies. Whether you're launching a startup, scaling an established business, or just trying to figure out what’s available to you, this episode is a must-listen playbook for understanding how to plug into Edmonton’s rapidly evolving innovation ecosystem.

Key Takeaways:

1. Entrepreneurs often don’t know what support exists, and lack of awareness remains one of the biggest barriers to growth in Alberta.

2. You don’t need to go broke to start a business—service-based models can be profitable early with smart planning and clear value.

3. There’s support available for more than just startups; growth-stage companies struggling to scale can also access funding and guidance.

4. The ecosystem is powerful but disconnected, and what’s truly missing is a central connector to guide founders through what’s available.

5. ERIN exists purely to support entrepreneurs, without taking equity or fees, and is funded entirely by Alberta Innovates.

6. Gaps still exist—especially around women in tech and programming that supports underrepresented founders.

7. Balance as an entrepreneur isn’t daily, it’s seasonal; the key is recognizing when to push and when to rest.

8. Ask the “dumb” questions, especially when it comes to finances—avoiding them leads to much bigger problems later.

9. Warm connections and intros can shortcut weeks of confusion and open real doors inside the ecosystem.

10. If a solution isn’t a fit, don’t stop—ERIN’s role is to keep helping you explore options until the right one clicks.

Companies mentioned in this episode:

1. Hypervac Technologies
2. Fabled Solutions
3. atWork Office Furniture
4. Capital Business Development
5. BDC Canada
6. Alberta Innovates
7. Alberta Women Entrepreneurs
8. Edmonton Unlimited
9. Edmonton Regional Innovation Network

💥 Want to go deeper into conversations like this? Join The Catalyst Club—the official community for listeners of The Business Development Podcast.

Inside, you’ll get access to exclusive content, live coaching events, and real connection with founders, business developers, and leaders from across Canada and beyond. This is where the real conversations happen.

🎟️ Become a member today and level up your growth:

https://www.kellykennedyofficial.com/

If you know, you're known.🔥

Mentioned in this episode:

Hypervac - Revolution Vacuums