Entrepreneurs across the region share how relationships, expert advice, and ongoing collaboration are supporting business growth ahead of November 19 angel investment event
Maple Ridge, B.C., November 12, 2026 – The City of Maple Ridge’s Catalyst Innovation Network is helping entrepreneurs and startups across the region build relationships, access expert advice and find opportunities to grow their businesses.
Launched earlier this year, Catalyst brings entrepreneurs, industry experts, post-secondary institutions, and business-support organizations together to help drive innovation, opportunities, resources, and growth in Maple Ridge and across the Lower Mainland. Its next event Capital, Connections and Credibility: A Founder’s Guide to Angel Investment, will be held November 19 at The Patch Brewery.
“Supporting local businesses includes helping entrepreneurs build the relationships, access the expertise, and discover the opportunities they need to succeed,” said Mayor Jerry Kok. “We’re already seeing how Catalyst is making a difference for emerging businesses and helping build a stronger innovation community. These are the kinds of connections that can lead to new investment, local jobs and long-term economic growth in Maple Ridge and beyond.”
Testimonials: Turning Connections into Action
For Mahaveer Singh and Debjit Sarkar, co-founders of GetAround, Catalyst helped bridge the gap between refining an innovative idea and building a sustainable business. The pair are developing an AI-powered destination companion that helps people discover local businesses and experiences.
After attending Catalyst’s Raise a Glass, Raise Capital event in July, they applied lessons about financial planning, customer acquisition, and funding readiness to their business planning. Connections with entrepreneurs, business-support organizations, and City representatives also led to ongoing conversations and valuable feedback as they continue developing their product.
“Catalyst helped us connect the ambition behind GetAround with the practical work of building a business,” said Mahaveer Singh, Co-Founder and CEO of GetAround. “We left with clearer questions about funding and growth, useful advice, and relationships that continued beyond the event.”
The impact extends beyond individual startups. The Fraser Valley Tech Community was established because of a City-led focus group that identified a growing interest in connecting local technology professionals. Through ongoing collaboration with Catalyst, the community is now bringing together entrepreneurs, post-secondary education institutes, and industry peers to exchange knowledge, build partnerships and strengthen the region’s innovation ecosystem.
“The Catalyst Innovation Network has already been incredibly impactful in fostering a local tech community of working professionals and early-stage entrepreneurs in their first year,” said Ryan Clarke, Fraser Valley Tech Community Administrator. “I look forward to seeing what comes next!”
For transit technology company Konevra, Catalyst provided direct access to funding expertise. Chief Operating Officer Ronan Joseph attended the July event, where discussions with government and non-profit funding experts offered practical insights into what makes startups attractive to investors and lenders, along with opportunities to develop new business relationships.
“Beyond the networking that is usually present at events like these, the expert panel and Q&A period made it an outstanding event,” said Joseph.
Next Catalyst Event Connects Entrepreneurs with Angel Investors
Building on the momentum of its earlier events and presented in partnership with Fraser Valley Tech Community, Catalyst’s next free event will focus on one of the most important challenges facing growing businesses: accessing capital. Attendees are asked to register in advance.
What: Capital, Connections and Credibility: A Founder’s Guide to Angel Investment
When: Thursday, November 19, 2026 | 5:30–8:30 pm
Where: The Patch Brewery, 12745 Laity Street, Maple Ridge
Participants will learn what investors look for in early-stage companies, how to demonstrate market potential, prepare financial projections, approach valuation, and build lasting investor relationships. The session will also explore when equity financing makes sense and how it compares with other funding options, helping business owners make informed decisions about financing their growth.
Designed for startup founders, established business owners considering expansion, aspiring entrepreneurs, investors and innovation partners, the free event offers another opportunity to turn connections and practical advice into meaningful steps toward business growth.
Businesses can learn more at: MapleRidge.ca/Catalyst.
- 30 -
Media contact:
Pardeep Purewal, Senior Manager Corporate Communications and Public Engagement
T 604 466 4319 C 778 955 4249 E Media@MapleRidge.ca