Innovation, Trade and Rural Development
April 29, 2010

Coming together and working towards a common interest has many benefits.

To quote the Newfoundland and Labrador Organization of Women Entrepreneurs or NLOWE as it is more commonly known "the greatest opportunities arise from pooling resources and working together to better export to international markets."

As a government, we share this view and are working with partner organizations like NLOWE to create new　international business opportunities for companies from across the province.

Central to the approach of encouraging partnerships and collaboration is the Business Networks Program.　Administered by the Department of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development, this program is advancing the export agenda of local businesses. Through it, companies across a variety of industry sectors including aerospace and defence, aquaculture, and manufacturing are working collectively to improve their competitiveness.

Currently, the Department of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development is working with NLOWE on a network of women business owners who have joined forces to pursue export markets for their products and services.

Through this network, business owners can leverage the advantages of being certified as a women-owned business by WEConnect Canada.

This internationally-recognized certification can lead to increased access to the supply chain of larger corporations and public sector organizations with supplier diversity policies. Members can also acquire valuable skills related to export readiness, market entry strategies, matchmaking, and contract negotiations.

Bernice Walker from Corona College in Grand Falls-Windsor believes that networks and greater collaboration provide entrepreneurs with the keys to a world of opportunities. Collaborating with other businesses and thinking beyond the province's borders has led it to generating business in Northern Canada, United States, and as far away as South Africa. Corona College is one of several network members, which also includes Applecore Interactive, Pilot Communications and TeleLink.

In June, representatives of the network will be participating in a trade mission led by NLOWE that will take them to Baltimore for the National Conference and Business Fair.

This conference will provide network members with the opportunity to connect with global corporate buyers through a series of one-on-one meetings. While in the Capital Beltway area that encompasses the Washington, D.C. and Baltimore loop, members will also meet with other businesses to explore potential linkages.

I wish the network of women business owners the best of luck as they proceed forward. I am confident that through greater collaboration and partnerships they can capitalize on any and all opportunities to realize success.