A St. John�s company has received funding to help commercialize new marketing software it has developed. Jackman BrandMarketing Inc. has received $125,000 from the Provincial Government�s Commercialization Fund to help market its software, Thrive, which helps small retailers measure the success of their marketing efforts.

"This company has developed an innovative product that has the potential to assist many industries and sectors both locally and abroad," said the Honourable Trevor Taylor, Minister of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development. "The Commercialization Fund was established to assist companies like Jackman BrandMarketing to bridge the gap between research and commercialization so new products like Thrive can reach its markets."

JBM has developed a marketing measurement software specific for small- to medium-sized retail businesses which allows retailers to measure the success of marketing efforts. The company applied to the Commercialization Program for assistance with the required working capital to commercialize, market and launch its new software in Canada and the United States.

"Thanks to the innovative approach of the Provincial Government�s Commercialization Program, JBM is one step closer to establishing Thrive as affordable and easy-to-use marketing advisory software," said Bill Jackman, brand-marketing expert and president of JBM. "Our company�s Thrive software will help millions of small business owners throughout North America increase their chances for long-term business success. When small businesses succeed, everyone wins."

Delivered by the Department of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development, the Commercialization Program bridges an identified funding and investment gap between product research and product marketing. Through this program, the Provincial Government supports private sector enterprises in activities leading to the development of innovative, market-ready products and services. Proposed initiatives must demonstrate innovation enhancement consistent with the province�s innovation strategy, Innovation Newfoundland and Labrador: A Blueprint for Prosperity. The program provides assistance of up to 75 per cent of total costs, to a maximum of $500,000 per project.

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