August 09, 2010
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
A total of 200 communities in rural Western Canada can stimulate better brainstorming, knowledge sharing and information gathering through the Western Canada Business Service Network video conferencing system, thanks to an investment from the Government of Canada.
Funding of $260,000 provided by Western Economic Diversification, was announced by Kelly Block, Member of Parliament for Saskatoon-Rosetown-Biggar, on behalf of the Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification, to assist Community Futures Partners of Saskatchewan (CFPS) in self supporting video conferencing and professional development services.
"Our Government recognizes that strong, vibrant communities are essential to our economy," said MP Block. "This project will help strengthen our communities by providing improved access to important programs and training resources for rural entrepreneurs."
Funding will allow a migration of the current infrastructure and equipment to a consolidated location and support connectivity costs for an effective electronic network. The expanded network will give rural businesses the opportunity to deliver more cost effective e-learning. The network will also increase capacity for business development, enabling sharing of best practices, implementation of new processes and access to new learning opportunities for clients.
"We are now providing an excellent tool to bridge the accessibility gap experienced by rural entrepreneurs to access business training and resources," said Lewis Oteruelo, Executive Director, Community Futures Partners of Saskatchewan.
The Western Canada Business Service Network consists of several integrated organizations that provide entrepreneurs with services and resources to help Western Canadians start, to grow and expand their businesses.
Community Futures (CFs) are grassroots, non-profit business organizations that deliver small business services and community economic development. They provide a range of business programs and services, tailored for local economic conditions. Funded by Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD), CFs build stronger and diversified economies in small and rural communities.
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:
Joanne Mysak
Manager, Communications
Western Economic Diversification Canada
Phone: (306) 975-5942
Lewis Oteruelo
Executive Director
Community Futures Partners of Saskatchewan
(306) 477-3030
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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