ConnexionWorks to offer new coaching, networking program for Saint John area entrepreneurs
News release
January 19, 2024 · Saint John, New Brunswick · Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)
Supporting innovation and entrepreneurship leads to exciting new business ventures that provide jobs, products and services for communities and Canadians. The Government of Canada is helping ConnexionWorks deliver a new pilot program to support entrepreneurs in the Saint John area.
Today, Wayne Long, Member of Parliament for Saint John – Rothesay, announced an investment of $472,469 in ConnexionWorks through ACOA’s Regional Economic Growth through Innovation (REGI) program. The announcement was made on behalf of the Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA.
With this support, ConnexionWorks will deliver the Premier Entrepreneurship Program, a 12-month pilot focusing on specially designed programming for new business ventures including training, coaching, and networking in the Greater Saint John region. The organization will also work with strategic academic and business partners to encourage a culture of entrepreneurship and innovation and increase the number of new businesses and high growth firms in Atlantic Canada.
Today’s announcement highlights how the Government of Canada is contributing to Atlantic Canada’s momentum by strengthening our communities, creating new opportunities, and setting the stage for a strong, sustainable future.
Quotes
“Your government is committed to helping entrepreneurs and small business owners across Atlantic Canada. Initiatives like ConnexionWork’s Premier Entrepreneurship Program are helping new businesses access the training, resources, and networks they need to succeed and grow. This is how we create a strong, diverse economy that works for all Canadians.”
- The Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA
“I am so pleased that the Government of Canada is empowering entrepreneurs through organizations like ConnexionWorks, that are working hard to strengthen entrepreneurial services, engage our business community, and create new opportunities for prosperity in this region and for my riding of Saint John-Rothesay.”
- Wayne Long, Member of Parliament for Saint John-Rothesay
"With this ACOA contribution we are able to strengthen the entrepreneurial landscape in the Saint John Region. ConnexionWorks is the place to start your business. Now with ACOA’s support we can offer our entrepreneurs more programs and business advisory resources so they have a clear guided path for them to grow their ideas into successful businesses that will help our region and our province to thrive.”
- Doug Jenkins & Heather Acker, Co-Founders, ConnexionWorks
Quick facts
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ConnexionWorks is a not-for-profit organization founded in 2015 with the focus of providing an inclusive and collaborative environment to support the success of entrepreneurs and businesses in the Greater Saint John region.
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Funding for this project is provided through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency’s Regional Economic Growth through Innovation (REGI) program, which supports projects that promote sustainable community economic development, enhance business development and growth, and facilitate innovation.
Associated links
Contacts
Connor Burton
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Rural Economic Development and of the
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Connor.Burton@acoa-apeca.gc.ca
Ann Kenney
Senior Communications Officer
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
ann.Kenney@acoa-apeca.gc.ca
Neena Gandhi
Director
ConnexionWorks
Neena.Gandhi@connexionworks.ca
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