November 10, 2004 St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador For the past ten years, the Canada/Newfoundland and Labrador Business Service Network has been a valuable resource for people seeking information, advice, and research to start or expand a business. Today, the Network hosted an open house with staff, clients and partners to celebrate this milestone. The Network consists of the centre in St. John's, plus 38 sites located across the province, and brings together government and community-based agencies to make their business services more accessible. These services include an extensive business library, on-site computer workstations and business information counselling. The Network is co-managed and co-funded by the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), on behalf of the federal government and by the Department of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development, on behalf of the provincial government. "The Business Service Network simplifies access to business programs and services, and is one way that the Government of Canada provides support for regional entrepreneurship," said the Honourable Joe McGuire, Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency. "It's great to see the continued growth of the Network, particularly through its online services and accessibility in rural areas, and I congratulate them on their 10th anniversary." The Network is also becoming more recognized for its client- focussed approach. Earlier this year, the national network of Canada Business Service Centres won the United Nations Public Service Award for 2004 in the category of Improvement of Public Service Results. "The Business Service Network is useful to our clients, particularly in rural offices, " said Kathy Dunderdale, Minister of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development and Minister Responsible for the Rural Secretariat. "The network ensures that our clients have the same access to business research and materials as larger centres throughout the province. In particular, I would like to pay tribute to the Business Service Network staff who unfailingly provide excellent service." Each year, the Network sees an increase in traffic, through a combination of client walk-ins, telephone, mail, fax and e-mail requests. Currently, the Network receives an average of 600 requests and 10,000 web site visits per month. According to Anastasia Day, Manager of the Network, clients now do more research in advance and are accessing online services: "Throughout our 10 year history, the Network has evolved to meet the changing needs of the small business community. For instance, people can now use our web site to develop a business plan using our ¿Interactive Business Planner' and search a variety of databases for government programs and services, sector studies, the latest business books and events province-wide." More than 80 public and private sector partners are the key contacts at Business Service Network sites, including the Community Business Development Corporations, Regional Economic Development Boards, industry associations, various federal and provincial government departments and other business service providers such as Aboriginal business development groups, Chambers of Commerce and Municipal Councils. The Canada/Newfoundland and Labrador Business Service Network can be accessed via the Internet at http://www.cbsc.org/nl or by calling 1-800-668-1010. FOR BROADCAST USE ONLY: The Canada/Newfoundland and Labrador Business Service Network is hosting an open house today to celebrate its 10th anniversary. The Network offers services for people seeking information, advice, and research to start or expand a business. It includes the centre in St. John's, plus 38 sites across the province, and brings together government and community-based agencies to make their business services more accessible. The Network is co-managed and co-funded by the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), on behalf of the federal government and by the Department of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development, on behalf of the provincial government. -30- Anastasia Day, Manager Canada/Newfoundland and Labrador Business Service Network (709) 772-5974 Valérie Poulin Director of Communications Office of the Honourable Joseph McGuire Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (613) 941-7241 Doug Burgess Director, Public Affairs Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (709) 772-2935 Lynn Evans Director of Communications Department of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development (709) 729-4570
