Bennett Jones is a founding partner with District Ventures, an innovative, non-profit business accelerator led by Arlene Dickinson, one of Canada's leading entrepreneurs. Arlene starred for eight seasons on the hit show Dragons' Den and is the author of two best-selling books. District Ventures is based in Calgary and will focus on one specific sector—consumer packaged goods—making it the first accelerator of its kind in Canada. Bennett Jones' lawyers will provide legal advice and strategy to entrepreneurs, both one-on-one and through events and networking opportunities.

"District Ventures offers a tremendous community to help Canadian entrepreneurs succeed. It's an excellent fit with the work we do with startups at Bennett Jones in helping them grow, gain scale and gain market access," said Bruce Hibbard, partner in Bennett Jones' Calgary office. "Calgary has a high concentration of small businesses and a highly entrepreneurial spirit and we're very pleased to work with Arlene Dickinson, one of the very best entrepreneurs in Canada."

On November 25, 2015, Bruce Hibbard and fellow Bennett Jones partner John Batzel will speak in separate District Ventures events on how to incorporate a big idea and how to turn a great idea into an even better company. On the same day, Bennett Jones associate and trademark agent, Sébastien Gittens, will present on protecting intellectual property.

"The demand for consumer packaged goods never lags," said Arlene Dickinson. "The continuous demand speaks to the real potential for new and burgeoning businesses to play a strong role in Canada's home and export markets. District Ventures connects innovative growth-stage companies in the food and beverage and health and wellness sectors with strategic investors, sponsors and commercialization support."

For more on District Ventures, visit www.districtventures.ca

About Bennett Jones

Bennett Jones is one of Canada's premier business law firms and home to over 380 lawyers and business advisors in nine offices. With exceptional experience in complex cross-border and international transactions, the firm is well equipped to advise foreign businesses and investors with Canadian ventures, and connect Canadian businesses and investors with opportunities around the world.

About District Ventures

District Ventures is focused on taking innovative Canadian entrepreneurs to the next level by connecting them with strategic investors, and leveraging capital injections with innovative business development support in marketing, distribution and commercialization.

Media contact

Peter Zvanitajs
Senior Media Advisor
Bennett Jones
T: 416 777 6128 | C: 437 999 6214
E: zvanitajsp@bennettjones.com