Resources
Useful links for busy owners.
Programs, tools and guidance we recommend to Westshore businesses and students, sorted by the problem they solve. We update this list regularly.
WIZAD toolkits
Practical tools from our own method
Zenith Goal worksheet
Write your aspiration in one sentence, then find the single biggest gap between today and that goal.
Coming soon · subscribers firstSystems and AI audit
List every tool you pay for, what it does, and which ones overlap. Less is more starts here.
Coming soon · subscribers firstFollow-up playbook
Simple templates for answering enquiries fast and following up until the customer decides.
Coming soon · subscribers firstSubscribe to the WIZAD Brief to get each toolkit when it is ready.
Local support in the Westshore
Start close to home. These organizations know the region and can connect you with people, programs and space.
- REV, the West Shore innovation hub ↗Langford
Innovation space, programs and community for founders and ventures in the Westshore, at the RRU Langford campus.
- WestShore Chamber of Commerce ↗Westshore
Networking, advocacy and member benefits for businesses in Colwood, Highlands, Langford, Metchosin and View Royal.
- South Island Prosperity Partnership ↗Greater Victoria
Greater Victoria’s economic development alliance, with regional data, sector programs and investment support.
- City of Langford: doing business ↗Langford
Business licences, permits and local bylaws for operating in Langford.
Advice, training and tools
Free or low-cost guidance you can use this week, from planning templates to one-on-one advice.
- Small Business BC ↗British Columbia
Independent non-profit offering advisor consultations, webinars, courses and templates for BC businesses.
- BDC articles and tools ↗Canada
Free articles, templates, self-assessments and courses from the Business Development Bank of Canada.
- Government of Canada business services ↗Canada
Starting, financing, taxes, hiring and permits, with links to federal grants and programs.
Funding and finance
Before you pay for a project yourself, check whether a program will share the cost.
- NRC Industrial Research Assistance Program (IRAP) ↗Canada
Advice and funding for small and medium businesses developing or adopting technology and innovation.
- BDC financing ↗Canada
Loans and advisory services for small and medium businesses, including technology and working-capital financing.
- Mitacs Business Strategy Internship ↗Canada
Co-funds a student or recent graduate to work on an innovation project in your business for four to six months.
- Futurpreneur ↗Canada
Start-up financing and mentoring for entrepreneurs aged 18 to 39.
Digital, AI and cyber security
Using AI and new systems safely starts with the basics: protect your data and accounts first.
- Get Cyber Safe ↗Canada
Government of Canada guidance on passwords, phishing, backups and protecting a small business online.
- Statistics Canada: business data ↗Canada
Official data on Canadian business performance, including technology and AI adoption, useful when you plan or pitch a project.
Hiring and talent
Good help is the bottleneck for most small businesses. These are the places to look.
- WorkBC ↗British Columbia
BC’s employment service: post jobs, find workers and learn about hiring and wage programs.
- Royal Roads University ↗Victoria and Langford
Graduate and undergraduate programs in business and leadership, and home to the students and alumni who join WIZAD projects.
For students and new graduates
Build Canadian experience, a strong resume and a network. When you are ready, join the WIZAD talent pool.
- Royal Roads Career Learning and Development ↗Royal Roads
Career coaching, workshops and employer connections for Royal Roads students and alumni.
- WorkBC: resumes and cover letters ↗British Columbia
How to write a resume and cover letter that fit the BC job market.
- WorkBC: networking tips ↗British Columbia
Practical ways to build a professional network when you are starting out.
- WorkBC: interview tips ↗British Columbia
How to prepare for an interview, from common questions to following up.
- Job Bank: how to write a good resume ↗Canada
Government of Canada do’s and don’ts for an effective resume.
- Work off campus as an international student ↗Canada
IRCC rules on when international students can work off campus, weekly hour limits and work after graduation.
- Work in a student work placement ↗Canada
IRCC rules for co-op and internship placements that are part of your program.
- Mitacs Business Strategy Internship ↗Canada
Funded four- to six-month innovation projects with organizations, for students and recent graduates.
- ICA Victoria: employment services ↗Greater Victoria
Employment services, workshops and career paths for newcomers and skilled immigrants in Greater Victoria.
Privacy and compliance
If you collect customer information, BC’s Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA) applies to you.
- Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner for BC ↗British Columbia
Plain-language guides to PIPA for private businesses, including how to handle customer data and breaches.
These links go to independent organizations. WIZAD is not paid to list them and does not speak for them; check each program’s current terms on its own site. Know a resource that belongs here? Email info@wizad.ca.
FAQs
Questions owners ask
About WIZAD, the founding pilot and your information.
When does WIZAD launch?
We are preparing the founding pilot now. People on the list hear from us first, and pilot applicants are contacted in the order completed applications arrive.
What does the pilot cost?
The Zenith Goal session and action plan are free. If we agree on a pilot project, you get a fixed scope and a founding-client price in writing before any work starts. You can stop after the Zenith Goal session with no obligation.
Who will work on my business?
Every project is led by an experienced consultant who is accountable for the result. Royal Roads students or alumni join where they add research, ideas or hands-on capacity.
Why two steps to sign up?
Step one only needs your email, so you never lose your place. The application in step two helps us prepare, so the first conversation is about your business and not about filling in forms.
Is WIZAD part of Royal Roads University?
No. WIZAD Consulting is an expert-driven, human-centred consultancy and a venture in REV, the West Shore innovation hub launched by Royal Roads University and the City of Langford. Both support REV ventures, but they do not own or run WIZAD. WIZAD works with Royal Roads students and alumni on client projects.
What happens to my information?
We use it only to contact you about WIZAD and the pilot. We never sell or share it, and you can ask us to delete it at any time by emailing info@wizad.ca.