Shape is a new program established by TWIG in partnership with BC Wood and CAWP to spark developments in the value-added wood products space, taking people from concept to product launch. This program is building on a history of programs from BC wood and CAWP’s technical expertise and industry support. TWIG is combining these support resources to create a cohesive pathway program for people to move through the product development process to realize a business centred around wood furniture, objects, accessories and inventions. This programming is designed end-to-end from raw material to market and takes place over the course of 7 months, with guidance and mentorship from wood professionals, and access to technical expertise. The program concludes with an optional showcase at IDS Vancouver, giving you a platform to share your products and business with a range of attendees.
Structure
This program is designed to include people of varying backgrounds, and experiences from different locations in BC. We want to attract a diversity of people who have varying skill sets with a common interest in developing products made from wood. You don't have to be a woodworker to participate in this program, but need to have the willingness to develop products where wood is a primary component. The structure of this program is created around a cohort model, where the group will move through the process and experience the stages of product development and learning together. Alongside the expertise provided through the program, the knowledge that different individuals bring can influence the success and outcomes of all participants.
This program is based on a series of pillars, that anchor the Concept, Design, Make and Visibility process developed by TWIG as means to guide people through product development. Throughout this program, TWIG will host monthly “study groups” that can be attended in person and online that will include guest industry speakers relevant to the pillars of the program. At each pillar we will provide tailored sessions, providing information and knowledge about a specific subject that will support your product development journey.
A wood product incubator program supporting the design, development and exhibition of new ideas showcasing objects, furniture and accessories made in BC from regional materials.
Created in partnership with BC Wood and CAWP w/ support through the Forestry Innovation Investment (FII) Wood First Programs.
Industry sponsorsorship provided by Rangate and Soukup Woodworking Machinery.
Timeline
Pillar 1 - Concept development and Business Fundamentals
Pillar 2 - Design, Engineering and Prototyping
Pillar 3 - Panel Presentation and Networking
Pillar 4 - Manufacturing, Marketing and Sales
Pillar 5 - In-Market Trade Event
A Focus on BC Wood
An important aspect of this program is the focus on utilizing BC wood species and local materials to create your products, Specifically, we encourage sourcing from 2nd/3rd growth trees, reclaiming, industry by-products, offcuts and underutilized species. The intent is to have your designs evolve from the materials chosen to demonstrate how BC species can be utilized for your chosen application. Through TWIG and the team at CAWP, we will have access to material, experts from wood science, material science and forestry to talk about wood and the various sources that can be found in BC. This material focus will create opportunities to develop collaborations and partnerships from within the industry who could bring support through knowledge, material, production capacity and other possibilities that could enable your project's goals. With this focus, we are purposefully tackling challenges that we face in BC, by demonstrating uses for material that is otherwise not being developed. This program supports you in education on how to take a raw material and add value through design, engineering craftsmanship, creativity and marketing.
Benefits Overview
Who is this program designed for? This program has been created for anyone who has the desire to create a business around wood products, objects, furniture and designs. We believe that many people have this interest, but don't know a way in, or where to start. |
Do I need to have a concrete idea to start with in order to participate? This program is designed to support concepts from an early stage, so even if you have a spark of an idea or a napkin sketch you can join. |
I can’t participate this year but I am interested in some of the sessions. Is there a way to participate in individual sessions? Yes. The sessions will be open to people outside the program for a fee paid per session. We will announce them as the dates are established. |
I don’t have a woodshop, but I am interested in participating. Is there a way I can get things made? Having some tools or a space to make sawdust will be helpful for you in this program, but there will be ways to get things made through CAWP and through the network at TWIG. There would be additional costs to hire these services. |
Can I apply as a team or a company, and are the fees the same if we do? Yes and we encourage it. For the fees, we would work with you on a case-by-case basis based on your situation to come up with a combined fee. |
If I can’t make one of the sessions will I be able to access the content later? Yes, this shouldn't be a problem as most of the sessions will be delivered online. We will record the sessions and make the links available to you. |
Where is the program based? TWIG is based in Vancouver, CAWP out at UBC and BC Wood in Langley. The networking event and IDS will take place in Vancouver, but the rest of the sessions and monthly check-ins will be online. |
How many people are going to be in the program? We are seeking approximately 5 or more people to join the program, but we have the capacity more depending on the composition of the group. |