Vancouver, British Columbia -- Western Economic Diversification Canada has partnered with Coast Capital Savings and the United Chinese Community Enrichment Services Society (S.U.C.C.E.S.S.) to launch a new program that will help immigrants start their own business. The Honourable David L. Emerson, Minister of Industry, on behalf of the Honourable Stephen Owen, Minister of Western Economic Diversification and Minister of State (Sport), today announced $186,000 for the “Business Links for New Immigrants” program. More than ever, new immigrants are the driving force behind small business and local economies,” said Minister Emerson. “The Government of Canada is committed to turning entrepreneurial ideas into dynamic businesses, great jobs and export opportunities.” The Business Links for New Immigrants program, offered at S.U.C.C.E.S.S.’ Business Development and Training Centre, will link new entrepreneurs with an experienced business advisor who will provide advice on preparing a business plan and applying for a loan. Participants will also be offered ongoing support for their business activities. Many new immigrants face barriers in language, culture and lack of credit history when accessing business financing,” said Lilian To, CEO of S.U.C.C.E.S.S. “Through the partnership with Western Economic Diversification Canada and Coast Capital Savings, we hope to assist new immigrants to remove those barriers and become contributive members to the local economy.” Business Links for New Immigrants is fostering the entrepreneurial spirit that new Canadians bring to the economic health of our communities, ” said Lloyd Craig, President and Chief Executive Officer of Coast Capital Savings. “This joint partnership has created a unique opportunity for our credit union to share our expertise and resources to help immigrants get the skills they need to develop sound business plans and achieve their goals. We look forward to financing many of these business ventures as they come forward.” The Business Links for New Immigrants program will complement other programs offered by S.U.C.C.E.S.S.’ Business Development and Training Centre, which provides business services, training courses and networking opportunities to help immigrants gain employment, establish a business, and improve their business and management skills . F or more information about the Business Links program, contact Thomas F. C. Tam, program director of the Business Development and Training Centre, at 604-639-5588. S.U.C.C.E.S.S. is a not-for-profit organization that has been devoted for over 30 years to providing a diverse range of services to facilitate the effective settlement and integration of new immigrants into the Lower Mainland. Coast Capital Savings is Canada’s second largest credit union with $6.7 billion in assets, 300,000 members and 41 branches across the Fraser Valley, Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island. Coast Capital Savings is contributing $15,000 annually and providing training and implementation support to the program. The credit union will also provide qualified entrepreneurs with business start-up financing. Western Economic Diversification Canada is the federal department mandated to support economic diversification in communities across Western Canada through activities that encourage Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and Sustainable Communities. Federal funding for this initiative was provided for in the March 2004 budget. - 30 - For additional information, contact: Susan Schooley Manager, Communications Western Economic Diversification Canada (604) 666-1318 Web site: www.wd.gc.ca Renée Gillen Press Secretary Office of the Minister Western Economic Diversification Canada (613) 954-1110 Thomas F.C. Tam Program Director S.U.C.C.E.S.S Business Development and Training 604-639-5588 Sheira Hallam, Manager, Corporate Communications Coast Capital Savings 604-517-7652 WD Toll-Free Number 1-888-338-WEST (9378) World Wide Web Site: English: http://www.wd.gc.ca French: http://www.deo.gc.ca
