Export business advice helps entrepreneurs in Atlantic Canada improve their growth and competitiveness
October 2, 2014 - Moncton, N.B. - Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
The Government of Canada is continuing to support Entrepreneurs’ Forum, an organization that has been providing free, confidential business planning and advisory services to innovative entrepreneurs throughout Atlantic Canada for more than two decades.
The Honourable Rob Moore, Minister of State (Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency), today announced a federal investment of more than $410,000 to assist the organization.
This investment will allow Entrepreneurs’ Forum to continue to leverage local business expertise to help entrepreneurs gain sound, practical advice on key issues including developing growth plans and marketing strategies, introducing or acquiring new or improved technology, commercializing research, developing new products, entering new markets, and seeking new investors or capital.
Through group advisory sessions, the organization provides new and growing businesses across the region with the opportunity to connect with and learn from seasoned volunteer business advisors – local widely-respected business people and professionals – to help them grow and enhance their competitiveness.
Quick Facts:
- The Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) is contributing $332,234, through its Business Development Program, while the National Research Council of Canada Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC-IRAP) is providing $80,000.
- Since 2000, Entrepreneurs’ Forum volunteer advisors have assisted close to 1,300 clients in Atlantic Canada, contributing nearly 23,000 hours of their time, valued at more than $3.1 million.
- Between 2008 and 2013, sales for Entrepreneurs’ Forum clients increased by nearly 67 per cent. At the same time employment grew by more than 34 per cent. And, nine out of 10 clients say they would recommend Entrepreneurs’ Forum services to others.
- Each year, Entrepreneurs’ Forum hosts its Showcase Series events to help raise the profile of local entrepreneurs and to recognize the many volunteer advisors who contribute to their success. This year, Entrepreneurs’ Forum is partnering with Progress Magazine on its Top 101 Companies Awards Tour. The prestigious events, which celebrate the successes of the top 101 Atlantic Canadian companies, will take place across the region from October 2 to October 21, 2014.
- In 2014-2015, Entrepreneurs’ Forum will organize 64 group advisory sessions for Atlantic Canadian entrepreneurs: New Brunswick (16); Nova Scotia (24); Newfoundland and Labrador (12); and, Prince Edward Island (12).
- Entrepreneurs’ Forum is a non-profit organization established in 1992. The organization is based in Nova Scotia, with services also offered in New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland and Labrador.
Quotes:
“Our Government’s top priority remains job creation and securing economic growth. That is why we are pleased to support organizations like Entrepreneurs’ Forum that help our region’s entrepreneurs achieve their business goals. By providing them with the expert advice they need to successfully grow their businesses, innovate, and expand into new markets, we are supporting their efforts to create jobs and economic wealth throughout Atlantic Canada.”
- The Honourable Rob Moore, Minister of State (Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency)
“Entrepreneurs’ Forum is seen as a driving force and one of Nova Scotia’s premier business advisory organizations, providing support services to innovative and high growth entrepreneurs, and it is paramount we recognize the enormous commitment to mentorship throughout the Atlantic Provinces. Our volunteer advisors devote numerous hours to helping talented and determined innovative entrepreneurs succeed.”
- Kathleen Rayworth, Executive Director, Entrepreneurs’ Forum
Associated Links:
Entrepreneurs’ Forum
Contacts:
Kelsie Corey
Director of Communications
Office of the Honourable Rob Moore
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
613-941-7241
Rose May Gallant
Senior Communications Officer
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
506-860-0783
rose-may.gallant@acoa-apeca.gc.ca
