Innovation, Trade and Rural Development
Business
October 19, 2009

Small Business Week Recognizes Passion
of Newfoundland and Labrador�s Business Community

To celebrate the spirit and passion of entrepreneurs who drive small business growth, the 30th annual Small Business Week recognizes their important contribution in strengthening local economies. Scheduled for October 18-24, the national theme of this year�s Small Business Week Your dream, your business, your passion reflects the energy and efforts of entrepreneurs and acknowledges their commitment to their product or service.

�It is no small undertaking to take a concept, develop it, market it, and ultimately sell it,� said the Honourable Shawn Skinner, Minister of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development. �It requires tremendous dedication, and most importantly, high degrees of passion and belief in what you are selling. As I travel the province, these characteristics are evident with the entrepreneurs I have met from across a wide-variety of industry sectors throughout all regions of the province. The drive, innovation and determination of small businesses contribute significantly to vibrant communities and Small Business Week is an excellent time to recognize those individuals for their hard-work and accomplishments.�

Small Business Week provides training and development opportunities for entrepreneurs and business professionals, along various forums for networking and sharing of ideas. Across Newfoundland and Labrador and the rest of Canada, events include conferences, trade shows, seminars, workshops, and business luncheons.

�Small businesses and entrepreneurs play an essential role in employing people, generating new income and producing economic output in our province,� said the Honourable Ross Wiseman, Minister of Business. �They are the heart and soul of our communities and an integral part of our economy�s strong foundation. Our government knows that building a sustainable economy starts with small business, and that supporting their success spurs growth in other sectors of our society, helping shape a brighter future for all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians. We will continue to build on initiatives that encourage the entrepreneurial spirit and make it easier for small businesses to start-up and succeed in Newfoundland and Labrador.�

To support new and established entrepreneurs, the Department of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development offers a comprehensive toolkit of financial and non-financial business development programs. Programs range from business counseling to developing export strategies, to flexible funding programs, and to mentoring initiatives.

�As the province�s business environment becomes increasingly innovative and targets international markets, the Provincial Government has taken significant steps to ensure that the necessary tools are in place for small businesses to grow and prosper,� said Minister Skinner. �We�re here to support the continued creativity and success of the province�s small business community. Our programs and services reflect that commitment.�

Please visit www.gov.nl.ca/intrd for more information on available programs and services.

Programs within the Department of Business focus on attracting new business opportunities and investment to the province, supporting development of targeted industry sectors, and ensuring more efficient regulation. For more information, visit www.business.gov.nl.ca.

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2009 10 19                           9:35 a.m.