9 October 2009
Moncton, New Brunswick
The Government of Canada, through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), today announced an investment of more than $2.2 million in the Seed Capital Program across New Brunswick. The program, which focuses on helping entrepreneurs to start, modernize or expand their businesses, is delivered by the Community Business Development Corporations (CBDCs) in rural New Brunswick and by members of New Brunswick’s Enterprise Network in urban areas of the province.
“The Government of Canada is committed to making strategic investments that help improve the competitiveness and productivity of local businesses and enhance long-term growth in our communities,” said the Honourable Keith Ashfield, Minister of State (Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency). “Our contribution toward this important program allows us to continue to encourage new start-ups across the province. Investments such as this and others through our government's Economic Action Plan are providing timely and targeted stimulus to communities across Canada.”
“The Seed Capital Program is not only about much needed access to capital for entrepreneurs, it also provides business skills training and counselling, which are very important in today’s markets,” commented Sharon DeRoche, President of the New Brunswick Association of CBDCs.
“Our clients know that New Brunswick communities are the best place to start and grow a business. The Seed Capital program is often the missing piece needed to turn their innovative ideas into reality. This program coupled with the array of free services available for entrepreneurs in their communities, continues to help foster New Brunswick’s entrepreneurial spirit,” said Richard LeBlanc, Executive Director of the Enterprise Network.
This investment of $2,247,088 is made possible through ACOA’s Business Development Program.
The Seed Capital Program has been operating for over 10 years in New Brunswick, and is administered by the 10 CBDCs, as well as Enterprise Fredericton, Enterprise Greater Moncton and Enterprise Saint John. Over the past 10 years, the Seed Capital program has helped more than 2,500 entrepreneurs throughout the province.
The Government of Canada today announced an investment of more than $2.2 million in the Seed Capital Program across New Brunswick. The Program, which focuses on assisting entrepreneurs to start, expand or modernize their business, has been delivered for over 10 years in New Brunswick by the Community Business Development Corporations (CBDC) in rural areas and Enterprise Agencies in Fredericton, Greater Moncton and Saint John.
This investment of $2.2 million was made possible through ACOA’s Business Development Program and was announced today by the Honourable Keith Ashfield, Minister of State for ACOA.
Erin Filliter
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of State (ACOA)
613-941-7241
Paul LeBlanc
Senior Communications Officer
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
506-452-3310
Richard LeBlanc
Executive Director
Enterprise Network
506-453-6141
Line Doiron
Executive Director
NB Association of CBDCs
506-548-2406
