Mentorship Program at Université de Moncton to Expand

From: Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency

News release

February 11, 2019 – Moncton, NB – Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)

Investing in innovation and entrepreneurship is critical to fuelling economic growth in New Brunswick, and throughout Atlantic Canada. Le Programme de mentorat en entrepreneuriat Patrick Albert (PMEPA) (in French only) established by l’Université de Moncton’s Centre Assomption de recherche et de développement en entrepreneuriat (CARDE) (in French only), is investing in young entrepreneurs by expanding its mentorship program and increasing partnerships with the francophone business community throughout the province.  

Since 2015, the mentorship program has encouraged innovative thinking and provided one-on-one guidance to student entrepreneurs by placing them with mentors familiar with the regional business climate. The program is now expanding to strengthen ties between its established pool of mentors and the francophone business community, with the aim of creating new strategic partnerships, sparking innovation, and deepening cooperation between entrepreneurs and existing businesses. The expansion will include close collaboration with the Conseil Économique du Nouveau-Brunswick (CÉNB) (in French only).

In support of these goals, the Government of Canada is providing a contribution of $94,875 towards the expansion of this program. The Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Health and Member of Parliament for Moncton-Riverview-Dieppe, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), along with Sébastien Deschenes, Dean of the Business Faculty, made the announcement today.

This project aligns with the priorities of the Atlantic Growth Strategy, which is committed to driving economic growth in the region by working with academic institutions, businesses, and emerging entrepreneurs to help cultivate a culture of innovation leading to the creation of good quality jobs and increased prosperity for Canadians.

Quotes

“The Government of Canada is committed to supporting innovation and growth for Atlantic Canadian companies. We recognize that a focus on people, skills and leadership is critical to moving Atlantic Canada’s economy forward. CARDE’s mentorship program will help fuel local business partnerships, deepen ties between entrepreneurs and business leaders, and spark innovation that will help the region’s economy remain globally competitive, and lead to the creation of good jobs and a thriving middle class.”

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

“The mentoring and leadership being provided by CARDE’s program has already connected young entrepreneurs with the guidance and resources they need to build thriving businesses in New Brunswick. I’m thrilled to see the program expand and build on its momentum. The contribution of these experts, committed to working together and building a strong, resilient business community, will help fuel economic growth throughout the region, and potentially lead to innovations and new ideas that will benefit us all for many years to come.”

- The Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Health and Member of Parliament for Moncton-Riverview-Dieppe 

“Le Programme de mentorat en entrepreneuriat Patrick Albert (PMEPA) was launched in autumn 2015 by leaders in New Brunswick’s francophone business community who wanted to engage student entrepreneurs at the Université de Moncton by asking them a simple question: ‘Do you have an entrepreneurial spirit?’ This new facet of the program, in partnership with the Conseil Économique du Nouveau-Brunswick, will bring the programme’s resources to those who have already taken the plunge in business. The goal remains the same, to create the best opportunities for success for our entrepreneurs.’’

- Sebastien Deschenes, Dean of the Business Faculty, Université de Moncton

Quick facts

  • The Government of Canada is investing $94,875 in this project through ACOA’s Business Development Program (BDP).

  • The BDP primarily assists Atlantic Canadian entrepreneurs who want to start a business, increase productivity or improve operations.

  • The Business Development Program continues to build on the objectives of the Innovation and Skills Plan, a multi-year strategy to create well-paying jobs for the middle class and those working hard to join it.

Contacts

Jennifer Houle
Senior Communications Officer
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
506-261-5534

Université de Moncton
Direction des communications, affaires publiques et marketing
506-858-4129

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