propelsj is a private, non-profit, Information and Communications Technology (ICT) association assembled in 2005 by several experienced ICT professionals during a period of transition in their own careers who identified a need to share their own growth with the community and focus on a single purpose:
Grow the ICT sector in our region
Entrepreneurship is the method and underlying philosophy behind our initiatives and activities as it breeds the creativity and rootedness required to build a modern economy. propelsj’s goals include:
- Fostering an open, ongoing discussion about ICT growth in Saint John
- Increasing the number of companies and opportunities in ICT in Saint John
- Developing broader community involvement to support start-ups and to encourage the entrepreneurship that drives innovation
- Contributing to the growth and retention of established ICT companies in Saint John through development of the workforce and an expansion of business opportunities.
propelsj does not duplicate existing assets or programs. When there is an opportunity to leverage an existing initiative, propelsj will form partnerships in order to maximize the benefits to the ICT community.
Background
The ICT industry in the Greater Saint John (GSJ) Region participated in the ICT boom of the 1980’s and ‘90’s and was likewise affected by the overall industry downturn. The landscape is improving at this time and the industry community has collectively determined that a steady flow of new companies entering the marketplace is necessary to create a critical mass and is working toward this goal along with initiatives that complement the broader economic goals of our community.
Current Climate
The ICT industry in southern New Brunswick is experiencing rapid growth due to the creative energies of our strong entrepreneurial base and our rich heritage as Canada's #1 export province with a global focus and a strong local community network. Our businesses have grouped under the propelsj banner to focus on servicing the booming energy sector with the propelsj Energy Consortium, they have begun the early stage development of an eHealth Centre of Excellence, and they have teamed with the broader business community to aggressively support start-up and early stage businesses with the Catalict technology accelerator.
The regional talent pool has extensive experience and depth in a variety of areas that will be a benefit to the businesses that participate in our growing economy, including the following:
- Productivity Improvements for all sectors through ICT solutions
- Experience and understanding of the growing energy and health care sectors
- Strong project management and architectural talent especially in software development and network infrastructure
Extensive global, large project experience
- Strong entrepreneurial, innovation support network
- Local talent pool and resources to keep costs low for local and global participants
- Collectively strong and deep regional talent pool
- Collaborative business climate like no other
Plan for Growth
In addition to our focus on supporting the development of early stage ICT businesses in our region, propelsj represents our existing ICT businesses to the other sectors, creating opportunities for support and partnership and leading the innovation agenda toward the achievable goals for sustainability and prosperity in New Brunswick.
propelsj is involving itself in support of the growth of the Energy Hub in New Brunswick as well as our provincial government's efforts to dramatically improve efficiencies in our health care system and to export the advantages of our innovations to the world outside our region.
To accomplish these goals, propelsj will continue to develop an ecosystem of creativity, technology, and support within our community. We invite businesses who share our passions to join us to build a dynamic, diverse, and innovative economy in New Brunswick.
