Wai Young, Member of Parliament for Vancouver South today announced federal funding of over $238,000 to Small Business BC for their TradeStart Program. TradeStart will increase trade among B.C.’s small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) by providing them with the tools necessary to access new export markets.
The funding, provided by Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD), will help support an enhanced trade readiness service that will increase the number of export-ready small and medium-sized enterprises through a series of new products, services, seminars and rural outreach.
"Our Government supports small and medium-sized enterprises across the country so they can focus on growing their business and creating jobs for Canadians
" said MP Young, on behalf of the Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification. "I am pleased that TradeStart will give businesses the tools they need to expand their markets and grow our economy.
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"B.C.’s small and medium-sized businesses are significant contributors to the export economy, and account for 38% of the total value of goods exported from the Province,
" said Small Business BC CEO, George Hunter. "In 2010, they exported $29.3 billion worth of merchandise from B.C. The TradeStart program will help ensure that even more small businesses get the knowledge they need to become successful international traders.
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The Government of Canada is committed to advancing the interests of Canada’s industries and continues to help them provide high-quality jobs in the communities that depend on them. Investments that support these industries will be essential to realizing economic opportunities, creating employment, and enhancing the Canadian advantage.
Western Economic Diversification Canada works with the provinces, industry associations and communities to promote the development and diversification of the western economy, coordinates federal economic activities in the West and advances the interests of western Canadians in national decision making.
For additional information (media only) contact:
Jaime Burke
Regional Communications Manager
Western Economic Diversification Canada
Telephone: 604-666-1318
Sara Couper
Communications Coordinator
Small Business BC
Telephone: 604-775-5607
WD Toll-Free Number:1-888-338-WEST (9378)
Teletypewriter (TTY): 1-877-303-3388
WD Website: www.wd-deo.gc.ca.
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