Gander software development company receives marketing assistance

A Gander accounting software development company has received $9,000 from the Department of Industry, Trade and Rural Development to help market its financial software.

IOA Software is a Newfoundland and Labrador company with its head office in Gander and offices in North York, Ontario and Vancouver. The funding provided under the Small Business and Market Development Program is being used to increase market share in the Toronto area for IOA�s two main products, Integrated Office Accounting, and Integrated Office Payroll.

"This young company formed almost two years ago has six full-time employees and four contractual employees," said Kelvin Parsons, Minister of Industry, Trade and Rural Development. "This funding will help the company mount a new marketing campaign in Toronto to expand its customer base and increase new employment opportunities right here at home. It is a good example of the success small businesses throughout Newfoundland and Labrador are experiencing today."

IOA is a joint partnership between Jim Hollohan and Perry Harris of Gander. With assistance from the National Research Council�s Industrial Research Assistance Program, IOA is also developing multi-currency and French versions of its software.

"Our new marketing initiative is expected to net us significant new business. IOA Software already has several thousand clients, demonstrating that it is possible to develop a successful software export business in any area of Newfoundland and Labrador," said Mr. Hollohan. He adds that IOA Software is acknowledged in the 2002 Canadian Accounting Software Survey as a nationally recognized accounting product.

The marketing support to IOA Software is being provided under the department�s Small Business and Market Development Program. This program provides funding to new entrepreneurs and expanding small businesses to help them acquire the necessary expertise to pursue new business ideas and markets in new growth areas of the economy. Departmental funding must be matched by an equal amount provided by the business.

Media contact: Clifford Grinling, ITRD, (709) 729-7066.

2003 01 15                                       10:05 a.m.