Focused Publications Inc. has received $11,250 from the Provincial Government to help expand its reach throughout Atlantic Canada.

"Focused Publications published Newfoundland and Labrador�s first snowmobile and summer powersports magazines and has established a dedicated readership," said the Honourable Trevor Taylor, Minister of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development. "This funding will allow the magazines to grow, to attract new advertisers, and extend its readership to other provinces in Atlantic Canada."

Incorporated in 2005, Focused Publications Inc. is owned by Andrew Goldsworthy, Bill Jackman, Wayne Young and Jamie Swyers. The company publishes Sledworthy magazine, which targets snowmobilers, along with TREK Magazine which is focused on powersports. Both publications began as tabloid newspapers; however, with a growing readership have become a 48-page glossy magazine.

"Publications are like ambassadors in that they present their subject well and bring knowledge of our province to people in other provinces," said Tom Osborne, MHA for St. John�s South. "These two magazines have the potential to not only connect outdoor users but to promote Newfoundland and Labrador as a destination for outdoor enthusiasts and encourage them to visit our beautiful province."

The company will use the funding to help expand its newsstand and home subscription offerings and penetrate mainland markets.

"When we started Sledworthy our ambition was to connect the provincial snowmobile industry," said Mr. Goldsworthy. "A year later we started TREK Magazine to appeal to summer users of recreational vehicles. Together these two publications filled a void in the Newfoundland and Labrador publishing industry. We helped outdoor recreational users to connect with each other and now we want them to connect with users in Atlantic Canada and, hopefully, to users across Canada."

Funding was provided through the Business and Market Development Program (BMDP). BMDP provides new entrepreneurs and expanding small businesses with matching funding to help them acquire the necessary expertise to pursue new business ideas and markets. The $1 million program is intended to support new growth opportunities in the economy, such as value-added manufacturing activities and export-oriented opportunities.

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