April 08, 2010
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
Today, the Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification, announced funding to assist Saskatchewan Trade and Export Partnership (STEP) in providing exporter readiness services to Saskatchewan companies.
“By working with small and medium sized businesses in Saskatchewan, this project will help our economy grow and create new jobs,” said Minister Yelich.
Funding will allow STEP to hire two additional consultants to work one-on-one with Saskatchewan companies interested in exporting.
The Western Economic Diversification Canada investment of $210,000, over three years, will result in 300 one-on-one consultations, develop 100 export plans and create 60 new Saskatchewan exporters. This initiative will increase the number of export ready companies in Saskatchewan by 15 per cent.
“STEP is excited to launch a new service delivery around Exporter Readiness and capacity building,” said Lionel LaBelle, President and CEO. “The core objective is to get an increased number of Saskatchewan firms exporting their products and services outside our province. I believe this project will provide valuable services to companies that need initial help in growing their business.”
STEP is a privately led, publicly funded non-profit corporation. Established in 1996 as a public partnership between provincial exporting organizations and the Government of Saskatchewan, STEP has a mandate to coordinate provincial exporting efforts, particularly among small- and medium-sized businesses. Western Economic Diversification Canada works with western provinces, industry associations and communities, promotes the development and diversification of the western economy, coordinates federal economic activities in the West and represents the interests of western Canadians in national decision-making.
For additional information, contact:
Lisa Hutniak
Office of the Minister
Western Economic Diversification Canada
Lisa.Hutniak@wd-deo.gc.ca
Angela Wasylynka
A/Executive Director, Export Services
Saskatchewan Trade and Export Partnership
(306) 787-3972
WD Toll-Free Number:1 888 338-WEST (9378)
Teletypewriter (TTY): 1 877 303-3388
Website: WD is online at www.wd-deo.gc.ca.
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