Crafting New Opportunities for Small Businesses

Federal funding announced for the Craft Council of Newfoundland and Labrador 

November 9, 2016 – Torbay, NL – Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency 

Ken McDonald, Member of Parliament for Avalon, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), announced an investment of more than $158,000 for the Craft Council of Newfoundland and Labrador (NL) to further develop the provincial craft industry. Funding was announced today during the official opening of the organization’s Christmas Craft Fair in Torbay.

The Government of Canada, through ACOA, is providing $158,635 towards the project through the Business Development Program. Funding will enable the Craft Council of NL to help craft businesses improve their business skills, productivity and growth. The organization will deliver professional skills development, product research and development, product expansion and marketing, and will also work to enhance craft tourism opportunities. 

The Craft Council of Newfoundland and Labrador is a not-for-profit organization working to maximize the artistic and economic potential of the craft community in the province. The organization has approximately 300 members located throughout Newfoundland and Labrador, which are mainly small enterprises creating handcrafted products in fibre, wood, clay, metal, stone and glass. 

Quotes 

“The Government of Canada believes that public investment is the best way to spur economic growth, job creation and broad-based prosperity. Through this investment in the Craft Council of Newfoundland and Labrador, we are supporting the growth and development of the province’s craft industry, which makes an important contribution to the local economy.” 

-        The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA

“I commend the Craft Council of Newfoundland and Labrador for its continued work to provide support and new opportunities for the talented artisans and craftspeople operating small businesses in the craft industry.  The Government of Canada, through ACOA, is pleased to work with organizations such as the Craft Council on initiatives that help small business operators acquire new business skills and become more competitive.” 

-        Ken McDonald, Member of Parliament for Avalon  

“The Craft Council of Newfoundland and Labrador welcomes the support of the Government of Canada and looks forward to continuing the growth of this vibrant creative industry. Craft professionals in all parts of the province work to support their families and their communities, building businesses and partnerships for the economic and cultural benefit of the province.” 

-        Anne Manuel, Executive Director, Craft Council of Newfoundland and Labrador  

Associated Links 

• Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
• ACOA’s Business Development Program (non-commercial)
• Craft Council of Newfoundland and Labrador

Contacts 

Paul McGrath
Director, Communications
ACOA NL
709-772-2984
paul.mcgrath@canada.ca

Anne Manuel
Executive Director
Craft Council of Newfoundland and Labrador
709-753-2749
amanuel@craftcouncil.nl.ca