Retail is a volatile industry
The recent rapid and widespread adoption of technology and virtual retail has only made it more volatile. We're here to help companies stay relevant and profitable in our changing world.
Events
Communitech Future of Retail: Call for Solutions
Applications close Monday, May 17, 2021 | 5 p.m. ET
As part of the Future of Retail collaborative, Communitech and its partners have hit the ground running to advance “buy local” initiatives driven by Canadian small businesses.
Interac is looking for Canadian startups who understand the current national retail environment and have a passion for exploring retail solutions.
Is your company dedicated to the “for Canada, by Canada” movement? If so, apply to this call for solutions. You could be selected to present to Interac to advance the “buy local, support local” movement and shape the future of retail for consumers and Canadian small businesses.
Do you want to shape the Future of Retail?
Why apply? Get facetime with potential investors and customers. Get feedback on product market fit.
Applications will be scored by challenge partners including Interac, Cineplex Digital Media, Lazaridis School of Business and Economics, Tulip, Wawanesa Insurance, Faire, Lightspeed, FairVentures and main street retailers—the potential end users of your solution. Top scoring solutions will be offered the opportunity to present to innovators and investors at the Future of Retail summit in late June.
All submissions will receive feedback from industry experts and main street retailers, and selected solutions will receive coaching.
Submit your idea through the application form by May 17 at 5 p.m. ET.
To submit your idea, click on the 'Apply now' button, set up your EdgeBox account and go! For more information, watch the "Communitech Future of Retail: Call for Solutions" webinar below; submission details start at approximately 50:12.
Have questions? Ask adam.straker@communitech.ca.
Application criteria:
You must be a registered Canadian corporation within (but not limited to) these categories:
- Retail technology.
- Fintech.
- Loyalty program solutions.
- Organizations with a shop local focus.
- Startups or scaling companies in a growth phase of business development.
Did you miss the Future of Retail: Call for Solutions webinar? Don’t worry, we recorded it for you.
Communitech Future of Retail: Call for Solutions
May 4, 2021
Canadian startups have been invited to answer Interac’s call for solutions on how to advance “buy local” initiatives for consumers and small businesses across the country.
Past events
Communitech Future of Retail:
Solve a Problem for National Retailers
Oct. 8, 2020
The Future of Retail Call For Solutions called on innovation leaders from Sonova, Tulip Retail and Lazaridis School of Business and Economics to help Canadian retailers continue to evolve and provide amazing customer experiences.
58:08 watch
Communitech Future of Retail:
Pandemic Edition
Mar. 26, 2020
In this first-ever Future of Retail working breakfast, participants from major retailers discuss how to lead through our changing landscape
2:05:06 watch
Future of Retail news
Future of Retail collaborative is helping companies adapt and succeed in a changing world.
The National Post, Apr. 7, 2021
Through the Future of Retail collaborative, led by Communitech, technology-driven companies are working together to help businesses enhance their value to customers, expand their reach beyond the store floor, and succeed in this changing landscape.
Want to learn about how Communitech helps main street retailers? Head over to Digital Main Street for programs designed to help small businesses continue to operate and grow in any climate.
