Shape
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.
Partners
BC Wood
CAWP
w/ support through the Forestry Innovation Investment (FII) Wood First Programs
Industry sponsorsorship provided by
Rangate
Soukup Woodworking Machinery
Timeline
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
Shape Workshops
BC Wood marketing workshop w/ Neil Godin Fail Safe: 3 powerful keys to success in marketing your wood product innovation | April 27 10:30 - 11:15 |
CAWP workshop #1 - Wood processing From raw material to part production and understanding production workflows to optimize your designs, and use of wood. | May 12 4:00 - 5:30 |
CAWP workshop #2 - CNC Machining Utilizing CNC cutting as a tool in design, production, jig making and prototyping to use this technology to your advantage. | June 9 4:00 - 5:30 |
CAWP workshop #3 - Wood finishing Understanding the types and applications of wood finishes and the process workflow that leads you to the best results | July 21 4:00 - 5:30 |