Accelerate Okanagan

📋 1 Guidelines

🔗 Connections

Sector

Consulting Ngo

Region

Canada

Guideline Year

2018

Language

English

Tags

Regional

Official Websites

Brand Guidelines

2018

Brand Summary

Mission
  • To give new and growing technology-driven businesses the mentorship, connections, and the community they need to thrive.
Core Values
  • Inclusive
  • Community focused
  • Resourceful
  • Smart
  • Fun
  • Passionate
  • Collaborative
  • Leaders
  • Coaches
Target Audience
  • Entrepreneurs and technology-driven businesses at various stages, including startups, growth-stage companies, and alumni. The audience includes founders seeking mentorship, community, and support, as well as supporters, sponsors, and institutions within the Okanagan tech ecosystem.
Personality Traits
  • Relatable
  • Fun
  • Smart
Visual Identity Overview
  • The visual identity emphasizes bold, modern, and minimalistic designs with geometric shapes, predominantly red tones, and clean layouts. The logo features a stylized network/molecule graphic and bold typography. Brand imagery includes architectural photos, people connecting, and duotone images using brand colors. Graphics and iconography are consistent across programs, with circles and network motifs representing community and connectivity.

Categories

Brand Voice
  • We are in a conversation with our community and it’s important that our brand voice reflects that.

  • RELATABLE MORE THIS: Calling all entrepreneurs! The next Startup Basics series is set to kick off September 15. Connect with us to find out more. LESS THIS: The 2017 SBP will launch September 15. Limited space available. Sign up now.

  • FUN MORE THIS: T-30 minutes to Startup Drinks. Why not kick off happy hour with a Hey Y’all?! LESS THIS: Startup Drinks will take place this Fridayfrom 4:30-6.

  • SMART MORE THIS: To give some perspective on the growth in the tech community, the average annual revenue for a company on RevUP’s first year was $300,000. Today, growth stage companies on RevUP average over $3 million in annual revenues. LESS THIS: The Okanagan tech industry has grown a lot.

Brand Imagery
  • We are moving away from the small, digibyte pattern we used in the past and towards a bolder, more expansive direction that feels more modern and breathable. Using the circle from the digibyte which alludes to community and giving back (coming full circle). Pairing the graphic shape with bold architec­tural images and images of people connecting and working together, creates a look and feel that is more in line with where Accelerate Okanagan is today.
  • Coloured digibyte circles set to multiply over black and white imagery. Use the cirlces to create interest or call attention to a specific area on the image.
  • Duotone imagery using AO or Program brand colours. Use sparingly and in tandem with black and white imagery. On the blog and website, always use full colour images -this is meant for marketing collateral.
  • All together now! Place duotone images within the circle shape. Careful with your cropping -this won’t work for all images.
  • Photography notes: use images of people in pairs as this program highlights the one on one coaching and relationships with ElRs and mentors. A mix of age and genders and races preferred.
  • Dark purple, multiplied at 70% overtop of black and white image. Digibyte circle also dark purple.
  • Main purple, multiplied overtop of black and white image changed to Pantone Cool Gray 11.
  • Main purple, multiplied at 70% overtop of black and white image changed. Dark purple digibyte, multiplied.
  • Iconography notes: Across all programs we want to use the same icons for the same content and messages, but with the proper colour adjustments.
  • Photography notes: use images of people in pairs, groups and on their own as this program highlights companies at the early stages of growth. A mix of age and genders and races preferred.
  • Main blue, multiplied at 100% overtop of black and white image. Digibyte circle also main blue.
  • Main blue, multiplied overtop of black and white image changed to Pantone Cool Gray 11.
  • Main blue, multiplied at 70% overtop of black and white image changed. Dark blue digibyte, multiplied.
  • Showcase movement, discovery and conne ctivity.
  • It is important for us to highlight the power of community and continuous connection happening everyday in #OKGNtech. The energy is palpable. Look for photos that capture natural, intimate, in-between moments as well as energetic and relatable experiences.
  • Bright, natural light
  • Movement and interaction
  • Diversity and inclusiveness
  • Funky angles
  • Fish eye
  • Heavy filters
Color Palette
  • The colours are designed for use solely in conjunction with the specific Accelerate Okanagan program they represent.
  • Additional colour options have been included for use with programs that may be introduced in future.
  • The darker shade of these colours is just 50% more black added to the CMYK sliders.
  • PRIMARY (ACCELERATE OKANAGAN BRAND) RGB: 206, 14, 45 CMYK: 12, 100, 91, 3 PANTONE 186 C #cd0e2c
  • RGB: 16, 24, 32 CMYK: 82, 71, 59, 75 PANTONE Black 6 C #0f1820
  • RGB: 151, 152, 154 CMYK: 43, 35, 35, 1 PANTONE Cool Gray 7 C #58505C
  • SECONDARY (PROGRAM BRANDING) RGB: 42, 125, 225 CMYK: 77, 49, 0, 0 PANTONE 2727 C #297ce0 RGB: 206, 14, 45 CMYK: 12, 100, 91, 3 PANTONE 2587 C #cd0e2c RGB: 255, 182,0 CMYK: 0, 31, 100, 0 PANTONE 7549 C #ffb600 RGB: 0, 188, 112 CMYK: 87, 0, 78, 0 PANTONE 7480 C #00bb70
Typography
  • Typographic hierarchy DATES IN RAJDHANI MEDIUM GRAY HEADINGS IN RAJDHANI SEMIBDLD Body copy in Roboto regular. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Duis mollis luctus pretium. Etiam sollicitudin nulla libero, quis mollis odio ornare id. Morbi imperdiet felis nulla, et rhoncus sem fringilla quis. Pellentesque nec maximus arcu. Aliquam ultrices nisl ut aliquam congue.
  • “Pull quotes & neat tidbits of inf ormation using the font Playfair.”
  • PLAYFAIR (HEADLINES & PULL QUOTES) Letterforms of high contrast and delicate hairlines. It references the change from calligraphy quills to ink pens and the change in technology advancements. Notes: Use sentence case, never all caps. Use the regular weight as much as possible.
  • RAJDHANI (SECTION TITLES & HEADLINES) Rajdhani has modularized letterforms and supports the Devanagari and Latin writing systems. The squared and condensed appearance may be interpreted as technical or even futuristic. Notes: Use all caps, with regular to spaced out kerning. Use semibold or regular weights as much as possible.
  • ROBOTO (BODY COPY) Roboto has a dual nature. It has a mechanical skeleton and the forms are largely geometric. At the same time, the font features friendly and open curves. Notes: Use the regular weight as much as possible.
  • Regular: ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWKYZ abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwkyz 1234567890 Italic: ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWKYZ abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwkyz 1234567890 Bold: ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWKYZ abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwkyz 1234567890
  • BOLD: ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWKYZ 1234567890 abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwkyz 1234567890 SEMIBOLD: ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWKYZ 1234567890 abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwkyz 1234567890 REGULAR: ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWKYZ 1234567890 abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwkyz 1234567890
  • BOLD: ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWKYZ 1234567890 abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwkyz 1234567890 REGULAR: ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWKYZ 1234567890 abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwkyz 1234567890 REGULAR: ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWKYZ 1234567890 abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwkyz 1234567890
Logo Usage
  • The logo consists of the digibyte icon on the left and the wordmark on the right. The digibyte represents connection and collaboration, a key element of the AO brand. The line weight, labeled x, is consistently implemented throughout the entire span of the logo to create balance and visual appeal
  • The elements are rearranged to accomodate a centralized layout. By accepting another logo arrangement this will increase the versatility of how the logo can be used.
  • This geometrically sound icon can be duplicated and connected to additional digibytes to form a seamless and visually appealing pattern.
  • DO use the all black or all white logo when required.
  • DO put the logo over top of a light image or colour.
  • DO NOT put the logo over top of a contrasting colour.
  • DO NOT stretch the logo.
  • DO NOT put the logo over top of complex images or patterns.
  • DO NOT change the colour of the logo.
  • These are Accelerate Okanagan’s program logos. They can be used with the tag line or without (“naked logos”) but must always be used in full colour, white or black.
  • Please note there are strict guidelines for using these as they are proprietary and in order to keep it that way they must be used consistently and correctly.
  • DO pair with other logos by using the correct (X) space and a hair line.
  • DO NOT add the name of your accelerator to the logo.
Tone And Messaging
  • We are in a conversation with our community and it’s important that our brand voice reflects that.
  • MORE THIS: Calling all entrepreneurs! The next Startup Basics series is set to kick off September 15. Connect with us to find out more.
  • LESS THIS: The 2017 SBP will launch September 15.
  • Limited space available. Sign up now.
  • MORE THIS: T-30 minutes to Startup Drinks. Why not kick off happy hour with a Hey Y’all?!
  • LESS THIS: Startup Drinks will take place this Fridayfrom 4:30-6.
  • MORE THIS: To give some perspective on the growth in the tech community, the average annual revenue for a company on RevUP’s first year was $300,000. Today, growth stage companies on RevUP average over $3 million in annual revenues.
  • LESS THIS: The Okanagan tech industry has grown a lot.
  • WE ARE Inclusive, Community focused, Resourceful, Smart, Fun, Passionate, Collaborative, Leaders, Coaches
  • WE ARE NOT Exclusive, Self involved, Demanding, Ignorant, Immature, Indifferent, Divisive, Followers, Consultants
Brand Values
  • Sometimes the best way to understand what something is, is to understand what is isn’t.
  • WE ARE Inclusive WE ARE NOT Exclusive
  • WE ARE Community focused WE ARE NOT Self involved
  • WE ARE Resourceful WE ARE NOT Demanding
  • WE ARE Smart WE ARE NOT Ignorant
  • WE ARE Fun WE ARE NOT Immature
  • WE ARE Passionate WE ARE NOT Indifferent
  • WE ARE Collaborative WE ARE NOT Divisive
  • WE ARE Leaders WE ARE NOT Followers
  • WE ARE Coaches WE ARE NOT Consultants
Visual Style
  • The image should feature a predominantly red background with a large, dark red semicircular shape occupying the bottom left corner, curving upwards and to the right. At the top center, a slightly lighter red circle is positioned, smaller in size than the semicircular shape. The overall composition emphasizes warm red tones with smooth, solid color fills, no additional textures or patterns. The arrangement of shapes and tones creates a simple, abstract visual without any text or detailed imagery, focusing on geometric forms and varying shades of red.
  • The image should feature a rectangular background in a solid red color. On the left side, there should be a white graphic symbol representing a stylized network or molecule, composed of interconnected circles and lines arranged in a branching, tree-like pattern, with the circles varying in size, connected by straight lines. To the right of this graphic, in large, bold, uppercase white letters, the text ‘ACCELERATE OKANAGAN’ should be prominently displayed, aligned horizontally. The text should be evenly spaced and clear, contrasting sharply against the red background for high visibility. The overall design is simple, modern, and professional, emphasizing connectivity and movement.
  • The image should feature a background divided into two main areas with distinct colors: the upper left corner in a lighter shade of red and the remaining larger area in a darker red shade. Overlaying the background are two concentric, curved shapes resembling segments of circles, with the larger one in a deep, dark red color and positioned in the center, and a smaller one in a bright red color located toward the bottom right, creating a layered effect. The composition emphasizes contrast between the colors and shapes, with smooth, clean edges and a minimalistic style.
  • The image depicts a modern, multi-story interior of a building, likely a commercial or office space, characterized by a prominent, zig-zagging staircase that spans across different floors. The staircase is centrally positioned, with clean, white surfaces and glass side panels, creating a sleek and contemporary appearance. Surrounding the staircase are several levels, each with open corridors and transparent glass railings, allowing visibility across floors. The building’s interior is brightly illuminated with numerous evenly spaced, round ceiling lights, contributing to a bright, welcoming atmosphere. The walls are painted white, complementing the minimalist design. There are doors and windows along the corridors on each floor, with some doors open, revealing rooms or offices inside. The overall aesthetic is modern and airy, emphasizing open space and transparency, with a sense of depth and perspective created by the multiple floors and the upward view of the staircase.
Iconography
  • Iconography notes: Across all programs we want to use the same icons for the same content and messages, but with the proper colour adjustments.
Layout And Composition
  • The logo consists of the digibyte icon on the left and the wordmark on the right. The digibyte represents connection and collaboration, a key element of the AO brand. The line weight, labeled x, is consistently implemented throughout the entire span of the logo to create balance and visual appeal
  • The elements are rearranged to accomodate a centralized layout. By accepting another logo arrangement this will increase the versatility of how the logo can be used.
  • This geometrically sound icon can be duplicated and connected to additional digibytes to form a seamless and visually appealing pattern.
  • DO pair with other logos by using the correct (X) space and a hair line.
Social Media Guidelines
  • When it comes to social media, every post we make can build on the last one, if we are consistent and develop repeatable habits. By spending time and resources we don’t just gain eyeballs; When we do it well we earn subscribers, pick up followers, and build community.
    1. Increase awareness & reputation as a thought leader.
    1. Engage community interaction & partnerships.
    1. Promote brand awareness & development.
    1. Develop marketing measurement protocols.
    1. Design & implement a structured social media strategy.
  • These categories are designed to streamline the kind of content that we publish. Our community of followers has come to rely on us for certain types of information. Consistently and effectively delivering this content is what will help us to grow our following.

  • 2. Branded and Accelerate Okanagan-generated content Interviews and blog posts, event photos, company culture

  • 3. Community Sharing Alumni, member company and community member news/achievements, community events and awards

  • News, People Stories, Resources, photo albums, events Ensure links preview and do not show up in the post copy Refrain from using emojis or hashtags.
  • People Stories, Office action,events, jobs, quotes, news Heavy hashtag use is encouraged. Keep hashtags in additional comment. Refrain from using emojis.
  • News, People Stories, Resources, events, quotes Ensure links preview and do not show up in the post copy Light hashtag use is encouraged. Refrain from using emojis.
  • Bright, lively, and relevant images showcasing people interacting and participating.
  • Bonus points for images with brand colours.
Digital Guidelines
  • • Email • Website • Blog • Facebook • lnstagram • Twitter • Linkedin • Digital advertising • Social advertising • Media
  • News, People Stories, Resources, photo albums, events Ensure links preview and do not show up in the post copy Refrain from using emojis or hashtags.
  • People Stories, Office action,events, jobs, quotes, news Heavy hashtag use is encouraged. Keep hashtags in additional comment. Refrain from using emojis.
  • News, People Stories, Resources, events, quotes Ensure links preview and do not show up in the post copy Light hashtag use is encouraged. Refrain from using emojis.
🐛 Report