Level up your next project with media and strategy expertise.
Using market research, the Business and Commercialization Innovation Centre (BCIC) will develop the strategy needed to set your business up for success.
Our team of experienced experts include marketing professionals and student and graduate researchers, who are here to help navigate the process of building a strong brand.
Develop and execute surveys and focus groups to gain insights from your customer base.
Understand the market you are entering, conduct feasibility studies, or research the business environment to understand how to position products and services in the market.
Create a comprehensive understanding of competitors, pricing, distribution and marketing, and develop core elements of a business strategy.
Content planning and community management.
High resolution photo and video assets for social media, web and advertising.
Create branding for your business, including names, logos, and brand collateral.
By working with Research and Innovation, we provide you with a unique way to advance product development, improve performance or take an innovative leap forward in the marketplace, thanks to government funding from various sources, and opportunities available with our Innovation Centres.
Are you looking to advance your organization? Do you have an innovative idea but lack the resources to bring it to life? We can help.
Our applied research teams collaborate with local small- and medium-sized businesses in a wide range of specializations. We are ready to put together a strong research team determined to find the appropriate solution for you.
Still want to learn more about us?
Check out Project Successes or read more about our award-winning work in News and Publications.
Faculty and researchers play an integral part of an applied research project. Their specialized knowledge and experience allow them to direct the research in a way that optimizes results for their industry partner. They also ensure that the research assistant (student) and/or research associate (graduate) can progress as an industry professional through a positive real-world learning experience.
As for personal gain, the faculty and research leads benefit from professional development, and the ability to apply what they have learned and accomplished into their course-based teaching.
We have three ways to get involved with us:
Learn more about the Research Opportunity Fund.
To receive information on conducting course-based projects, or to discuss working with us as a Research Lead, contact David DiPietro.
Are you a current student or recent graduate looking to obtain employment in your field? Looking to gain valuable work experience sought by today’s employers?
Niagara College’s Research and Innovation division can help you grow as an industry professional. As a student employee with one of our research centres, you will collaborate with local industry and community partners to conduct innovative research projects in various specializations.
Looking to get hands-on job experience?
Want to work alongside faculty and staff researchers to assist industry and community partners with leaping forward in the marketplace? Apply today to work with us.
New job opportunities are shared frequently on Research and Innovation’s social media channels and posted below as they become available.
Opportunities are located at the Welland Campus and/or Daniel J. Patterson Campus in Niagara-on-the-Lake (DJP NOTL).
For more information on eligibility requirements and how to apply, please visit our Students page to review current job opportunities.
We have three ways to get involved with us:
Learn more about the Research Opportunity Fund.
To receive information on conducting course-based projects, or to discuss working with us as a Research Lead, contact David DiPietro.
Looking to get hands-on job experience?
Want to work alongside faculty and staff researchers to assist industry and community partners with leaping forward in the marketplace? Apply today to work with us.
New job opportunities are shared frequently on Research and Innovation’s social media channels and posted below as they become available.
Opportunities are located at the Welland Campus and/or Daniel J. Patterson Campus in Niagara-on-the-Lake (DJP NOTL).
For more information on eligibility requirements and how to apply, please visit our Students page to review current job opportunities.
Meet the team and learn all about BCIC’s resources, services and capabilities.
Learn more about how our award-winning team can help provide solutions for your industry.
As the Associate Director with BCIC, Paula is a dynamic leader with a deep-rooted passion for fostering small businesses’ growth.
Armed with a diploma in Sales and Marketing and an Advanced Diploma in Marketing Administration from Niagara College, Paula also holds a Bachelor of Commerce from Nipissing University. Her academic background is a testament to her commitment to mastering the nuances of marketing and business development.
Before stepping into her current role as Associate Director of the Business and Commercialization Innovation Centre, Paule honed her skills as an entrepreneur. She successfully ran her own marketing firm, specializing in accelerating the success of small businesses. Her hands-on experience with startups and establishes enterprises alike has equipped her with a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities that small businesses face.
Paula leverages her expertise to guide a team of marketing and branding professionals, offering solutions to small- and medium-sized enterprises in the areas of marketing strategy, and media services.
As a Research Lead for BCIC, specializing in strategy, Helen supports student and post-graduate research assistants in offering real-world solutions to business seeking to solve various business challenges.
Helen holds a post graduate certificate in Public Relations and Events Management through the Public Relations Institute of Ireland, a Master’s degree in Community and International Development and a BA degree in Economic and Social Policy which are both awarded by the National University of Ireland, Galway.
She has worked for several years with various business ranging from Fortune 500 companies, media organizations, start-ups, research organizations and social enterprises. Prior to her current role as a Research Lead, she worked in communications and marketing roles primarily with a focus on marketing strategy.
As a Research Lead for BCIC, specializing in media, Sarah’s passion in her role is serving as a support for businesses and their teams as they work towards their goals.
Drawing on years of marketing experience, she supports student and post-graduate research assistants in offering real world solutions to businesses seeking to solve various business challenges. Sarah is a marketing director and consultant who focuses on supporting small businesses in their digital marketing and branding efforts.
She graduated from the University of Guelph with a Bachelor and Masters of Landscape Architecture. Her path into communications began in design school as she built her creative skills and engaged with students and community stakeholders through research and teaching. During this time Sarah also shared her fine art practice through social media, leading to exciting opportunities such as an instructional video with NBC Universal streaming service Bluprint (now Craftsy) in 2019, her residency and solo exhibit with National Historic Site, Schneider Haus in 2020 and the release of her first book in 2021.
