This fall, Innovation PEI will support the second ever MentorCamp event in Prince Edward Island, says Innovation and Advanced Learning Minister Allen Roach.

“The IT sector is a very competitive and growing sector in Prince Edward Island,” said Minister Roach. “Through this year’s MentorCamp event, we are hoping to provide an opportunity for local IT startup companies to gain education, expertise and understanding of the regional business domain.”

MentorCamp events bring together experts in particular fields to help mentor and start relationships with promising companies. Some of the events may directly lead to investment, but all of them will help companies accelerate their growth and introduce them to great global opportunities.

“Through this initiative, we are supporting and fostering an entrepreneurial culture by providing training and mentoring around raising capital,” said Minister Roach. “Last year five Island companies participated in MentorCamp 2012: Poppyseed Development, Shared Solutions, Ooka Island, Discovery Garden, and the winner of MentorCamp, Strue. These companies participated in the day-long event and were mentored by 20 mentors, including local, regional and international markets.”

MentorCamp was created as a vehicle for developing innovative companies by exposing them to some of the leading minds in their field. Meanwhile, the event also exposes international entrepreneurs to Prince Edward Island products and services, with the aim of educating them about the strong band of entrepreneurship in the region.

Island companies interested in being considered for the 2013 MentorCamp, should contact Innovation PEI by September 12.

In addition, this September Innovation PEI will also be hosting a Pitch Clinic with Permjot Valia and an Information Session with Build Ventures.

All Island companies are invited to attend the pitch clinic on September 18 at 5 p.m. This two-hour, informal and relaxed session will be led by Angel Investor, Permjot Valia. He has invested in over 30 companies around the world and has delivered pitch training to entrepreneurs in places as diverse as New York, Arkansas, Poland and Cape Town. Hosted by Innovation PEI, this should be a very entertaining and highly interactive session.

On September 19 from 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., Patrick Keefe and Rob Barbara from Build Ventures will hold an open Information Session. Build Ventures is the new venture capital fund based in Atlantic Canada with almost $50 million in committed capital. The session will provide insight on what Build Ventures is looking for and how companies can improve their chances of getting funded.

To reserve a seat at either the Pitch Clinic or the Information Session, please contact Innovation PEI by calling 368-6382 or emailing mjdoucette@gov.pe.ca by September 12.