Here's a message from our sponsor, Alberta Catalyzer:
Many families and individuals worry about the safety and independence of loved ones who require special accommodations for driving. What if a single evaluation could ensure the safety and independence of drivers who have faced physical or neurological challenges? Enter Abilities Occupational Therapy, a startup dedicated to addressing this crucial need with comprehensive driving evaluations and vehicle modifications.
With wait times for medical driver assessments reaching up to one year and availability limited, Abilities Occupational Therapy offers a tech-enabled solution that significantly reduces these delays. Their comprehensive evaluations by occupational therapists and driving experts provide accurate and timely assessments, enabling individuals who have experienced physical or neurological injuries return to driving safely and independently much sooner, thereby improving their quality of life and helping them their independence.
Before joining Velocity, a program stream of Alberta Catalyzer, Abilities Occupational Therapy faced significant challenges in recruitment and traction. Co-Founder and CEO Karl Driver recalls, "While in Velocity, some great doors opened for us, and we obtained a big contract for driving evaluations in Edmonton."
One of the most impactful aspects of the program was the resources and coaching provided. Karl highlights, "Sam Raheel, Jillian McLaren, and my coach Jennifer were instrumental in our growth."
Abilities Occupational Therapy is looking to continue growing and to join an accelerator in the near future.
If you're a founder looking to elevate your business, consider joining Alberta Catalyzer to fast-track your startup with know-how and expert guidance.
Alberta Catalyzer offers merit-based, pre-accelerator programs for early-stage tech entrepreneurs in Alberta at no cost. These programs are developed and delivered by Platform Calgary and Edmonton Unlimited, with support from partners and organizations across the Alberta Innovation Network. They are made possible by the generous support of the Alberta Scaleup and Growth Accelerator Program, run by a consortium led by Alberta Innovates. The consortium includes the Government of Alberta, Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan), The City of Edmonton through Edmonton Unlimited, and the City of Calgary's Opportunity Calgary Investment Fund allocated $35 million over three years to retain business accelerators. It's part of the Alberta government's goal to help create 20,000 jobs and increase technology firm revenue to $5 billion by 2030.
Photo: Abilities Occupational Therapy co-founder and CEO Karl Driver (Ampersand Grey)