The Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) today named Gerry Pond, Atlantic Canada businessman and trailblazer, the first-ever BDC Entrepreneurship Champion during a reception in Toronto which brought together entrepreneurs and business leaders alike. This national award recognizes the achievement of a Canadian entrepreneur and community leader who has created and grown one or many successful small or medium-sized businesses while significantly contributing to the prosperity of the Canadian entrepreneurship ecosystem.
Mr. Pond is both an influential figure and proponent of the information and communications technology sector, with more than 45 years of business experience. The chairman and co-founder of Mariner Partners Inc., he has helped facilitate a billion dollars’ worth of technology deals, resulting in the creation of numerous successful start-ups, including Q1 Labs and Radian6.
“Gerry exemplifies the qualities of the consummate entrepreneur –innovator, visionary and community leader,” said Jean-Rene Halde, President and CEO, BDC. “He has demonstrated these qualities throughout the course of his career and has imparted his wealth of knowledge and experience, inspiring other Canadian entrepreneurs to achieve national and international success. It is a privilege to be able to recognize his contributions this way.”
As an advocate for advancing entrepreneurship in Atlantic Canada, Mr. Pond also co-created Propel ICT, a start-up accelerator, and the Pond-Deshpande Centre at the University of New Brunswick which encourages emerging entrepreneurs and innovators in the region to accelerate the creation of sustainable, scalable enterprises. “At its core, entrepreneurship is about hard work and determination to make something better,” he says. “It’s about focusing on the greater good, and collectively making positive change. We need more people, especially young people, to embrace this mindset, tackle difficult issues, and continue the proud tradition of Canadian entrepreneurship.”
Mr. Pond is also the chairman and co-founder of East Valley Ventures, an advanced accelerator for Atlantic Canadian start-up companies with a mission of helping passionate Atlantic Canadian entrepreneurs launch meaningful and enduring technology companies.
A national selection committee representing the Canadian business community selected the winner.
The BDC Entrepreneurship Awards are presented throughout the year to recognize outstanding contributions in four pillar areas: serial entrepreneurship, mentorship, innovation, and entrepreneurial resiliency.