24 March 2009
Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island
PEI entrepreneurs and innovators will benefit from a series of workshops aimed at helping them translate their idea, invention or technology into a clear business proposition. The Honourable Keith Ashfield, Minister of State (Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency), and the Honourable Allan Campbell, PEI Minister of Innovation and Advanced Learning, today announced federal and provincial investments for the new initiative.
"The Government of Canada continues to work with our various partners to better positon Atlantic Canadian companies and entrepreneurs to suceed internationally," said Minister Ashfield. "Our support for this initiative will provide PEI companies and inventors with the knowledge and strategic insights required to commercialize their products and showcase them to the global market."
The Summerside Regional Development Corporation, in collaboration with the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) and Prince Edward Island Business Development, will offer The Merwyn Business Translation Workshop to help innovators translate their idea, invention or technology into a clear business proposition. This multi-phased workshop will be led by Doug Hall, professional inventor, founder and CEO of Eureka! Ranch in the United States.
"Prince Edward Island based companies have developed a solid track record for delivering innovative products and services to the global marketplace," said the Honourable Allan Campbell, PEI's Minister of Innovation and Advanced Learning. "The Government of Prince Edward Island is pleased to work with the business community to enhance opportunities as outlined in our economic development strategy, Island Prosperity: A Focus For Change."
The Government of Canada, through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency , is supporting the project through a $200,000 commitment fromits Business Development Program. The Government of Prince Edward Island has contributed $50,000.
This unique business development series begins with an introductory Technology Translation Workshop. The workshop is followed by other strategic sessions, including Eureka! Coaching; Trailblazer Development; and, Winning Ways Growth Sessions. The introductory Technology Translation Workshops will be held on PEI on Saturday, March 28, 2009, from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Credit Union Place in Summerside. This workshop is open to the public. The goal is to help Island businesses and individuals translate, value and fast-track new product or service ideas to the national and international marketplace.
For more details or to register for the public information session, please contact Nancy Milligan, Summerside Regional Development Corporation, at (902) 436-2246 or nmilligan@srdcpei.com.
FOR BROADCAST USE:
PEI entrepreneurs and innovators will soon benefit from a series of workshops aimed at helping them translate their idea, invention or technology into a clear business proposition. ACOA's Minister of State, Keith Ashfield, and PEI's Minister of Innovation and Advanced Learning, Allan Campbell, today announced federal and provincial contributions to this new initiative.
Cindy Roy
ACOA PEI& Tourism
902-566-7569
Major Stewart
PEI Business Development
902-620-3508
