Supporting Programming for Entrepreneurs in South West Nova Scotia
News Release
Funds enable the Acadia Entrepreneurship Centre to solidify continued business development services
January 16, 2018 – Wolfville, NS – Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Small businesses create jobs, generate economic growth and contribute to the vitality of Canadian communities. Accessing outside expertise is often beneficial in helping a small business find solutions to challenges and identify opportunities for growth. That is why the Government of Canada is supporting the Acadia Entrepreneurship Centre (AEC) so it can continue to provide essential advisory, training, innovation and incubation services to experienced business people and first time student entrepreneurs.
The announcement was made today by the Honourable Scott Brison, President of the Treasury Board and Member of Parliament for Kings-Hants, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA).
The Government of Canada, through ACOA’s Business Development Program (BDP), is providing a non-repayable contribution of $270,000 to AEC to ensure the continued delivery of its programming to help entrepreneurs grow their businesses and create skilled employment opportunities.
This investment builds on the Government of Canada and the four Atlantic Provinces’ commitment to drive economic growth in Atlantic Canada through the Atlantic Growth Strategy, by supporting strategic initiatives and organizations that provide entrepreneurs with the tools they need to create and grow successful businesses.
Quotes
“The Government of Canada is committed to working with Nova Scotia’s top academic institutions to promote innovation and to foster effective partnerships between businesses and academia. This encourages an environment where new ideas can thrive, creativity can flourish and the Atlantic Canadian economy can prosper.”
- The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA
“The Acadia Entrepreneurship Centre is a terrific blend of industry and academia in the region. By supporting rising and established entrepreneurs, students and the start-up community, the Centre is good for existing industries such as agriculture and aquaculture and boosts newer industries such as renewable energy and Information and Communications Technology.”
- The Honourable Scott Brison, President of the Treasury Board and Member of Parliament for Kings-Hants
“Acadia continues to work with students to develop entrepreneurial skills and mindsets and to provide support to entrepreneurs and SMEs on campus and in Lunenburg, Kings and Hants counties. With this funding, we will be able to continue providing entrepreneurship programming and business supports to rural firms. This will help contribute to a stronger economic base in the Central Southwestern region of the province.”
- Findlay MacRae, Executive Director, Acadia Entrepreneurship Centre
Quick Facts
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The AEC plays a key role in managing and implementing activities of the LaunchBox program at Acadia University; a multi-governmental approach involving several Nova Scotia post-secondary institutions in the promotion of innovation and business start-ups on university campuses.
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The AEC also manages the Rural Innovation Centre (RIC) in Patterson Hall at Acadia University, which acts as an incubator for new start-ups and hosts sector development organizations including the Acadia Tidal Energy Institute, the Atlantic Wine Institute, and the Acadia Institute for Data Analytics.
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The AEC was recognized earlier this year with the Entrepreneur Support Award by Start-up Canada.
Contacts
Alex Smith
Director of Communications and Outreach
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Phone: 902-426-9417 / 902-830-3839 (cell)
E-mail: alex.smith@canada.ca
Findlay MacRae
Executive Director
Acadia Entrepreneurship Centre
Phone: 902-698-2467 (cell)
Email: Findlay.macrae@acadiau.ca
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