CALGARY, Alberta, April 7, 2009 — The Honourable Diane Ablonczy, Minister of State (Small Business and Tourism), today announced the launch of a new program to help small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) grow in the knowledge economy and to help students get jobs in the field of information and communications technologies (ICT).
Industry Canada's Small Business Internship Program (SBIP) will help Canadian small businesses hire a total of 400 student interns annually to help with ICT projects, improving their productivity and competitiveness.
“SBIP will help small businesses grow through the power of ICT and e-commerce,” said Minister of State Ablonczy. “Just as importantly, this program will help post-secondary students across Canada gain valuable work experience, while earning money for their education.”
SBIP will allow Canadian small businesses to submit an application to participating delivery agencies in their area. Successful applicants will have the opportunity to directly hire a qualified student intern for a 12-week period to help them with e-commerce ICT projects. SBIP will reimburse up to 75 percent of each participating SME's eligible salary and benefit costs.
“SBIP is an important part of Canada's Economic Action Plan,” added Minister of State Ablonczy. “It is vital during the current economic instability that we do whatever we can to help small businesses, which account for so many Canadian jobs. As well, we need to ensure that Canada's youth have the skills and experience to take advantage of the opportunities that will arise as the economy improves. SBIP will meet both of these needs.”
Industry Canada will send out a request for applications from organizations that want to participate as delivery agencies for SBIP. These delivery agencies will be responsible for selecting SMEs to participate in SBIP. This is being done in anticipation of the first interns being placed with small businesses this summer.
SBIP is a collaborative effort of Canadian small businesses, post-secondary institutions and non-government organizations that offers promising post-secondary students hands-on experience working on e-commerce projects under the mentorship and coaching of entrepreneurs.
SBIP will receive $17.5 million in funding through 2014 as part of the Government of Canada's Youth Employment Strategy.
For further information (media only), please contact:
Catherine Godbout
Office of the Honourable Diane Ablonczy
Minister of State (Small Business and Tourism)
613-947-5856
Media Relations
Industry Canada
613-943-2502
