Two Kootenay businesses have had their chance to pitch their sustainable ventures at the Project Zero Incubator event.
The event featured pitches from 17 new sustainable ventures across BC who are contributing to a circular economy.
Infinite Greens
Nelson local’s John, Will and David pitched Infinite Greens to the panel, a localized food hub in the Kootenays to reduce dependency of external food supply.
“We recognized over the course of the pandemic that there was a lot of food supply risk by washed out roads, political strife, bad weather, and power shutdowns, all sorts of things.” said John.
David echoed his sentiments.
“Climate change, fire to route, water consumption, and food security are interconnected challenges that we require innovation solutions for. Canada is home to 6% of the world’s water, yet one in four Canadian municipalities have experienced water shortages in the last decade.” said David.
“These amazing farm boxes that we’re presenting to you are controlled environmental agricultural boxes, and they will break the status quo. Hydroponic technology punches well above its weight for producing remarkable products in a small space with limited water.”
“Infinite Greens is part of a social movement to re-localize the food supply away from Big A and the Unspeakable. sustainable transport systems it relies on. We embrace small egg on scale with local markets, utilizing modern technology that enables a secure supply of fresh vegetables.”
These ‘gardens in a box’ brings the possibility of growing year-round food and can be placed where water and hydro is available, whether it’s next to a city park, in a parking lot or in ground that is contaminated or would never be used for produce.
The program also aims to enter the classroom.
“We are focusing on educational programs with local schools to get kids up to date and actionable.”
River City Repair
Meanwhile, Gord with Fernie’s River City Repair made his pitch with a goal of keeping things out of landfill with his venture, offering repairs for outdoor gear including drysuits, boats, plastic repair and more.
“What I’m doing right now is transforming into a sought-after repair center, not only for dry suits and paddle sports equipment, which I currently repair, but moving into ski wear and recreational plastics.”
“Currently stepping into my fourth year of operation, my goals are developing a regional repair hub, and to keep turnaround times for repairs down to under four weeks.”
These ventures had been working over the past eight months to develop their business plan, pitch, and other entrepreneurial skills as part of the Project Zero Incubator program.
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