We will help you build and take your research and technology park|innovation district|community|institution|organization|company
to the next level. Drive impact and results from the immediate to the long-term.
Our Services
We’ll help you make your next big plan a success.
Whether you are a research park, innovation district, economic development group, academic institution, business, or industry association, we can help you with your growth initiative.
Our services are designed to support the growth of new and existing business enterprises, new sector clusters and strategic economic initiatives.
Each service includes research, analysis, strategy, representation and execution support so that you have access to all of the tools and resources needed to make evidence-based decisions and take your project over the finish line – getting you tangible results faster.
“However beautiful the strategy, you should occasionally look at the results.” – Winston Churchill
Are you validating a concept but do not know where to begin? Is your business focused in the right areas and the right markets? We can help.
You have a limited amount of time, money and human resources . If you use those resources on a specific area of focus, you will make more of an impact than if you apply them to many different areas. We build strategies that will help to focus your efforts and position you to get results. We’ll hone in on the right opportunities, messaging, and tactical solutions so you can maximize your outcomes.
Having a good strategy allows you to say no – even to the good ideas – ideas that may lead you away from your overall goal.
We’ll help you focus and develop strategies in the following areas:
- Feasibility review and analysis
- Opportunity analysis
- Marketing and business development
- Short- and long-term strategic planning
- Government relations
- Focus and positioning statements
- Value proposition development
- Market validation
- Competitor analysis
This suite of services is designed for start-up ventures, SMEs, industry associations, community organizations, and academia.
Does your community have unique sector strengths and capabilities that have the potential for national and international leadership? We can help.
Sector strengths and capabilities have the potential for the creation of focused clusters that can drive economic prosperity. Clusters are groups of interconnected businesses and institutions in close proximity that benefit from their mutual connections. Clusters stimulate innovation and new business formation in a key industry sector.
Stiletto supports the growth of clusters and niche sectors because we understand the impact their success has on the national economy.
This suite of services is designed for regional and national industry associations, and all levels of government.
We support cluster growth through:
- Reviews of sector ecosystems
- Stakeholder consultations
- Ecosystem mapping
- Gap analysis
- Opportunity identification
- Strategy, execution and implementation assistance
Are you ready to enter a new market, but do not know where to begin? We can help.
Exporting is a key driver of national economic growth and provides companies with a strategic way to expand their markets beyond the borders of your local market.
An export plan is an extension of your business plan. It allows you to evaluate the potential benefits and risks for your company and details the approach to achieve your international sales objectives. Capturing this information in a logical plan can provide you with credibility when dealing with lenders.
We have worked extensively in international markets, particularly the United States, Canada, Europe, Brazil and China and we have considerable experience with federal, state, and provincial programs for both investment and trade opportunities. We’ll support your enterprise through one or a combination of the following services:
- Market research
- Trend analysis
- Competitor profiling
- Competitor positioning
- Corporate position
- Target market analysis
- Export market strategy
- National and international business development
This suite of services is designed to help SMEs companies get to market or expand their domestic and international presence. It is also designed for economic development organizations, provincial governments and industry associations to mobilize foreign direct investment strategies.
Are you wasting hours writing proposals that are not resulting in sales? Are you unsure how to navigate government programs? We can help.
Proposal and grant writing is time consuming and requires specialized expertise. Experience in writing grant applications and proposals has been proven to increase the odds of success.
Stiletto will help you clarify your message and find the right projects and programs to pursue. We’ll show you how to maximize your output and minimize your investments of time and money.
This service is designed for industry associations, startup ventures, and SMEs.
We’ll support you through:
- Reviews of your existing materials
- Guidance and/or preparation of presentations
- Coaching on “perfecting your pitch”
- Strategic reviews of appropriate grants for your organization
- Undertaking government relations on your behalf – helping to shepherd your proposals through the government approval process to ensure the right information is presented to the right audience.
Our Case Studies
bwtech@UMBC
Cyber Security and Information Technology, Life Science
University of Toronto Scarborough and Centennial College
Cleantech, Agri-Food
Northeast Community College
Centennial College
Cleantech, Agri-Food
Trent University, City of Peterborough, and Peterborough Economic Development
Cleantech, Water technologies
University of New Brunswick
Advanced Manufacturing, 3D Printing
New Brunswick Community College
National Indigenous organization
Venn Innovation
Kingston Economic Development Corporation and Queen’s University
Cleantech, Digital Technologies
Ignite Fredericton
Cybersecurity, Smart Grid
Government of New Brunswick
Smart Grid, Natural Resources, ICT, Engineering Services
Pump House Brewery
Food and Beverage
Our Team
We will tailor our team of professionals to your specific needs and project demands. Our associates are experts in their field, from seasoned consultants to up and coming talent. We have a passion for our work – and we deliver.
Laura has 25 years’ experience in leading change, generating results, marketing products and services, lobbying, building relationships, and successfully negotiating new business opportunities and contracts. A trained facilitator and an MBA candidate, she brings a wealth of knowledge in export markets and has helped companies of all industries in expanding to new markets. An award-winning business person, Laura has a passion for merging traditional industries with high-tech solutions and creating clusters of innovation.
Connect with Laura on LinkedIn.
Laura O’Blenis
President & CEO
Ariella specializes in strategic design, development, planning, and execution support for high-impact initiatives, institutions, and products. She works at the nexus of academia, industry, government, economic development and communities, in both traditional and emerging industries. Ariella completed her post-doctoral research at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre and holds a PhD in Chemistry from the University of Toronto, a Master of Science from the Weizmann Institute of Science, and a Bachelor of Science from Bar-Ilan University in Israel.
Connect with Ariella on LinkedIn.
Ariella Lukach, PhD
Vice President Strategy & Positioning
Austin has over 30 years’ experience associated with research and technology parks and developing successful communities of innovation. He specializes in governance modelling and launching of new organizational structures. Having served in leadership roles with Innovation Place, AURP Canada, and AURP International, he has been recognized by the International Association of Science Parks as a research park expert. Austin is a trained facilitator of the Pacific Institute’s Investment in Excellence program and a co-founder of TALM Services.
Connect with Austin on LinkedIn.
Austin Beggs
Research and Technology Park Strategist
Jenna specializes in conducting primary and secondary research, collecting and analyzing data to assist clients in providing evidence-based recommendations. She takes a leadership role in select projects ensuring coordination across multiple channels until a project’s completion. Jenna holds a Bachelor of Business Administration (Honors in Marketing) from the University of New Brunswick and is an MBA Candidate at the Faculty of Business at the University of New Brunswick.
Connect with Jenna on LinkedIn.
Jenna Evans, MBA Candidate
Director of Operations & Team Lead
Sydney specializes in marketing material preparation and positioning, programming development, and business analysis. During her studies, she worked as a consultant for start-up companies in Atlantic Canada to help them develop their business ideas and create strategies for growth. She also has experience as a support for secondary and primary research (including focus groups and interviews). Sydney holds a Master’s of Business Administration (Concentration in Entrepreneurship) and a Bachelor of Science (Medicinal Chemistry), both from the University of New Brunswick.
Connect with Sydney on LinkedIn.
Sydney McAdam, MBA
Marketing & Communications Manager
Cailee specializes in managing project files, reviewing, analyzing, and synthesizing data. She has managed, conducted research and completed data analysis to contribute to team efforts in making evidence-based recommendations to clients. Cailee holds a Bachelor of Business Administration (Economics and Finance) from the University of New Brunswick.
Connect with Cailee on LinkedIn.
Cailee Mousek
Business Analyst
Tara specializes in professional communication, with over 20 years’ experience in the private and public sectors. Her experience also includes primary and secondary research, project management, and relationship building. Tara is passionate about fostering community, while engaging and learning with others through inclusive and equitable practices. Tara holds Masters and undergraduate degrees from the University of Guelph, and a Certificate in Civic Engagement and Global Citizenship.
Connect with Tara on LinkedIn.
Tara Sutton, MA
Project Lead
Katherine specializes in asset mapping in the following areas: community and entrepreneurship ecosystems, university research excellence, and research and technology park assets. She has participated in several entrepreneurial initiatives at Saint Mary's University as a venture capital associate at Venture Grade, the only university-student raised and led fund in Canada. Katherine holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the Sobey School of Business at Saint Mary's University.
Connect with Katherine on LinkedIn.
Katherine vanZutphen
Research Analyst
Rosalynd specializes in secondary research, data analysis, and information consolidation to make informed recommendations and validated solutions for clients. She has worked with a variety of clients on several projects, including conducting detailed demographic research to build a case for a proposed institute. Rosalynd holds a Master's degree in Economics from Dalhousie University, where she focused on natural resource economics and completed her research tehsis on Nova Scotia's offshore natural gas market.
Connect with Rosalynd on LinkedIn.
Rosalynd Mitchell, MA
Business Analyst
Joshua has over 10 years of teaching and research experience at the post-secondary level. He specializes in high-level research, data analysis, and effective, concise messaging and communication. He conducts broad-based research and writing services with an expertise in health, cleantech, food and beverage, among other sectors and topics. Joshua holds a Master’s of Arts (English Literature) from Carleton University.
Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.
Joshua Prescott, MA
Senior Researcher
Rachel specializes in funding applications for clean technology, cybersecurity, agri-technology, and advanced manufacturing organizations and projects. She has previously worked with the Federal Government, providing procedural guidance for the grant review process at the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada. Rachel holds a Master’s of Engineering Physics from McMaster University, and a Bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering from the University of New Brunswick.
Connect with Rachel on LinkedIn.
Rachel Savidge, MSE
Program Analyst
Samantha excels at market positioning, primary research, complex analysis, and interpersonal communications. She has experience conducting outreach and interviews with companies and organizations and has a diverse understanding of what makes a business thrive. Samantha holds a Bachelor of Business Administration (Honors in Marketing and Concentration in Accounting) from the University of New Brunswick. She is also a JD Candidate at the Schulich School of Law at Dalhousie University.
Connect with Samantha on LinkedIn.
Samantha Gray, JD Candidate
Project Manager
Sarah has nearly 10 years of experience conducting market research and strategic planning. She specializes in optimizing operating capabilities to design and implementing business strategies and improving processes. Sarah has proven success in helping governmental departments, associations, and businesses think of the big picture in an ecosystem’s perspective. Sarah holds a Master’s of Environment, specializing in climate change, from the University of Melbourne and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Psychology from Queen’s University.
Connect with Sarah on LinkedIn.
Sarah Sloan, MA
Chief Operating Officer
Patricia is an information professional with more than 30 years’ experience, specializing in customized business research, data insights, knowledge management, strategic planning, adult education and marketing communications. She has extensive experience in the provision of competitive intelligence reports, environmental scans, demographic analyses, and more. Patricia holds a Master’s of Information Studies (Library Science) from the University of Toronto, and a Master’s of Education (Distance Education) from Athabasca University.
Connect with Patricia on LinkedIn.
Patricia Presti, MLS, MED
Chief Information Services & Lead Researcher
Kim is a writer and editor with more than 20 years of professional experience. She has worked in higher education, health care, corporate communications, and media relations. Kim has helped garner funding from provincial and national funding organizations and private donors for initiatives in health promotion, academic scholarship, and community-based research. Kim holds a PhD in English from the University of Waterloo, with her dissertation focused on plain language. She also holds an MA in English Language and Professional Writing (Co-op) from the University of Waterloo and a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Guelph.
Connected with Kim on LinkedIn.
Kim Garwood, PhD
Research & Editorial Specialist
David has more than 25 years’ experience as a consultant and working with industry, not-for-profit organizations and governments across Canada. His focus areas include economic development strategic plans, economic impact analysis, immigration strategy, demographic profiling, sector development and investment attraction. David was named by Progress Magazine as one of the foremost economic development thinkers in Atlantic Canada. David holds a Master’s of Business Administration and has completed additional education from Harvard University and the University of Waterloo.
Connect with David on LinkedIn.
David Campbell, MBA
Chief Economist
Lynda is a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA, CA) and President and CEO of Aperture Capital Consulting, a New Brunswick-based consulting firm. Her specialties include corporate governance, administration of corporate finance projects, raising capital, business modelling, and financial analysis. Lynda excels in developing and providing interim financial management solutions.
Connect with Lynda on LinkedIn.
Lynda Savoie, CPA
Chief Financial Analyst
David has over 20 years’ experience in management and consulting, including business strategy, conceptualization and development of new solutions, business casing, feasibility analysis, planning and implementation. He is an entrepreneurial leader with a diverse range of experience across several vertical industries including finance, government, communications, healthcare, and technology. David has a strong track record for delivering successful projects to clients that achieve their goals and position them well for the future.
Connect with David on LinkedIn.
David Randall
Strategic Collaborator
David is an independent consultant based in Silicon Valley with a focus on regional economic development and higher education initiatives. With a mission of advancing Canadian engagement and interest in Silicon Valley, he has an extensive network that includes Canada Moose Lounge, Expansion Quebec, and senior government and academic partners. David holds a Bachelor of Arts (History) and an LLB from McGill University, and a Master’s of Arts (Intercultural Relations) from Lesley University. He is a member of the Bar in Ontario and Massachusetts.
David Stewart, LLB
In-Market Representative, Silicon Valley, USA
Gregory has over 25 years’ experience in real estate, strategy, planning, design, brokerage, and development. For over a decade, he managed various aspects of the real estate portfolio for the Purdue Research Foundation and oversaw the development of multiple park expansions and facility types. He is a Landscape Architect and a LEED Accredited Professional specializing in Building Design and Construction. Gregory holds an Executive Master’s of Business Administration and a Bachelor of Science in Landscape Architecture, both from Purdue University.
Connect with Gregory on LinkedIn.
Greg Napier, MBA, RLA
Strategic Advisor
Jeanne has a passion for helping innovation-focused organizations and mission-based companies - and their leadership - shape and share their stories. She is an accomplished writer, editor, and speechwriter with executive-level experience in strategic planning, public relations, branding, media relations, community engagement, program development, and financial communications. Over the course of her career, Jeanne has served on the boards of organizations including the Association of University Research Parks, Alliance of Women Entrepreneurs, Campus Philly, Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau, and the National Museum of Industrial History.
Connect with Jeanne on LinkedIn.
Jeanne Mell
Strategic Advisor
Jackie worked for Sandia National Laboratories, a U.S. Department of Energy National Laboratory, for 35 years. While at Sandia, she founded and led Sandia’s Economic Development Department for more than 20 years, including the Sandia Science & Technology Park, a 2000-person technology community which Jackie led since its inception. Jackie is a Past President of the Board of Directors for the Association of University Research Parks (AURP), and chaired AURP’s inaugural Washington Summit, resulting in the first Science Park legislation introduced in both the US Senate and House. She served on Congressional Advisory Boards, and was an Honorary Commander at Kirtland Air Force Base, all supporting industry-academia clusters.
Jackie Kerby Moore
Strategic AdvisorOur Clients
We have worked with more than 200 communities, technology parks, innovation district, departments, academic institutions, centres of entrepreneurship and innovations, and companies since 2010. We have closed more than $350 million in deals, revenue, and grants on behalf of our clients.
Here are some examples of the great organizations we’ve had the pleasure of working with.
Make a Point Stiletto
Get the guidance and tools you need to confidently move forward.
You’re faced with a big opportunity, but you may lack the resources, expertise, or capacity to seize it and make the most of it. Other consulting firms don’t offer the specific expertise you need to get the results you desire.
That’s where we come in. Our expert team operates where science and technology meet business opportunity on the national and international stages. We use evidence-based research and strategy to identify new markets, validate concepts and fine tune value propositions so you can make the best-informed decisions for your organization.
We’ll help you focus your business, position your offering and bring clarity to your message in order to captivate investors, clients and partners.
Specializing in knowledge industries, commercialization, technology transfer and innovation, we bring a team of professionals to the table as problem solvers to help you dig deeper into complex issues and industries.
With Stiletto, you get a partner that is invested in your success. We go beyond delivering plans and materials, giving you personal guidance and advice on how to confidently move forward. We keep engaged with our clients even after the project is complete to ensure that they have what they need to continue the momentum.