Helping students and businesses achieve their entrepreneurial potential

From: Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency

News Release

Funds support services at the Sobey School Business Development Centre, creating new opportunities for future business leaders

November 14, 2017 – Halifax, NS – Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency

Supporting future business leaders and small and medium-sized companies will help bring more innovative ideas to market, grow the economy and create more middle class jobs. That’s why the Government of Canada is investing $300,000 in programs offered by the Sobey School Business Development Centre (SSBDC) at Saint Mary’s University that provide education and advisory services, relevant work experience and entrepreneurial problem-solving skills to students and businesses in Atlantic Canada.

The funding was announced today by Andy Fillmore, Member of Parliament for Halifax and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Democratic Institutions, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA).

This support helps develop young leaders through award-winning programs such as Enactus Saint Mary’s, where students solve social problems through entrepreneurial action, and the Spark Zone, which brings together students and community members to launch business ideas and social innovations. These programs and many others offered by the Sobey School Business Development Centre help link the university to the business community, helping to ensure students have the skills they need to succeed in the new economy.

This investment aligns with the Government of Canada’s Innovation and Skills Plan, and builds on commitments made to drive economic growth in Atlantic Canada through the Atlantic Growth Strategy. By supporting strategic initiatives such as this one, entrepreneurs will have access to the tools and talent they need to create and grow thriving businesses that contribute to the regional economy.

Quotes

“The Government of Canada is committed to promoting innovation and to fostering effective partnerships between businesses and academia. Working together creates an environment where new ideas thrive, creativity flourishes, and the right conditions for growth take root, ensuring the Atlantic Canadian economy remains at the leading edge.”

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

“Linkages between universities and the business community are critical to the growth of the Atlantic economy. Initiatives such as those led by the Sobey School Business Development Centre help develop world-class student business leaders and connect them with growth-oriented businesses that are interested in recruiting and retaining top talent.”

- Andy Fillmore, Member of Parliament for Halifax and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Democratic Institutions

“The Government of Canada and ACOA have long supported entrepreneurship and innovation at Saint Mary’s and in our region. We are pleased to continue this partnership that helps develop businesses that drive innovation and provide growth and employment into the future.”

- Dr. Robert Summerby-Murray, President, Saint Mary’s University 

“This funding has allowed innovative business accelerators like The Pipeline to be built, to support new and existing businesses. The initiatives and programs offered through the SSBDC to support business development and growth wouldn't be possible without the support of the Government of Canada.”

- Ross Arsenault, Project Manager for The Pipeline, a SSBDC Program

“The support of ACOA allows us to enhance the prosperity of our region through business development. The SSBDC has helped thousands of organizations of all sizes, across many sectors. We connect experts and researchers with businesses to offer innovative and cost-effective solutions."

- Eric Crowell, Director, Sobey School Business Development Centre

Quick Facts

  • Enactus Saint Mary’s won a national award this year for creating an aquaponics system, which enables isolated communities to grow their own fruits, vegetable and fish year-round.

  • From the period of April 1, 2016 to March 31, 2017, the SSBDC delivered more than 100 business management skills events to local small and medium-sized enterprises and 58 entrepreneurship awareness events to students.

  • The Government of Canada’s support for the delivery of SSBDC programs is provided though ACOA’s Business Development Program.

Contacts

Lori Selig
Communications Manager
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Phone: 902-266-7477 (cell)
E-mail: lori.selig@canada.ca

 

Margaret Murphy
Associate Vice President – External Affairs
Saint Mary’s University
Phone: 902-420-5517 / 902-229-2264 (cell)
Email: Margaret.murphy@smu.ca

 

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