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Innovation, Trade and Rural Development
Business
October 14, 2011

Small Business is Big Business in Newfoundland and Labrador

October 16-22 is Small Business Week, a time to highlight and celebrate the achievements of entrepreneurs who are making a difference in their communities and the province. This year’s theme, Power Up Your Business. Invest. Innovate. Grow., is a call to action for small businesses to embrace the power of innovation as a means of expanding and growing their companies.

“Small businesses are the backbone of Newfoundland and Labrador’s increasingly diversified economy,” said the Honourable Susan Sullivan, Minister of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development. “While they may be termed small, their contributions and the role they play in society is anything but small. They are creating jobs and opportunities, strengthening and building communities and fortifying the provincial economy. Small Business Week recognizes the vision, passion and ingenuity of those who answer the entrepreneurial call.”

Celebrated across Canada for 32 years, Small Business Week has been providing a forum for entrepreneurs to gather, discuss issues, exchange ideas and share experiences. Local events and activities include workshops, conferences, seminars and trade shows.

“Small business confidence in Newfoundland and Labrador ranks amongst the highest in the country,” said the Honourable Derrick Dalley, Minister of Business. “Through the continued focus on the elimination of red tape along with the marketing of the province as an ideal place to live, work and invest, the Department of Business continues to help small businesses thrive.”

In addition to capitalizing on the growth and expansion in Newfoundland and Labrador’s mining and oil and gas sectors, small businesses in the province are increasingly adapting innovative solutions and developing market opportunities in industries such as life sciences, ocean technology, information and communication technologies, aerospace and defence, tourism and aquaculture.

“Although Small Business Week is an opportunity to reflect on the role of small business, entrepreneurs should be much more widely celebrated,” said Bradley George, Director of Provincial Affairs for the Canadian Federation of Independent Business, who further stated the Provincial Government’s declaration of 2011 as Year of the Entrepreneur was true recognition of the key role small business owners play in driving the provincial economy.

Recently, the Department of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development enhanced the complement of programs already available to small businesses, to facilitate growth and greater levels of innovation in all regions of the province. New and established businesses can avail of a range of financial and non-financial programs from business counseling to mentoring, market development strategies and trade and export programs.

“By utilizing innovative solutions and implementing best practices, businesses regardless of size, can become more efficient, competitive and profitable,” said Minister Sullivan. “Through partnerships with our ambitious entrepreneurs, the Provincial Government believes Newfoundland and Labrador is prepared to meet any challenges and excel in a changing global market, with small businesses leading the way.”

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Media contacts:

Scott Barfoot
Director of Communications
Department of Innovation, Trade and
Rural Development
709-729-4570, 690-6290
scottbarfoot@gov.nl.ca
Carol Ann Carter
Director of Communications
Department of Business
709-729-7628, 631-9505
carolanncarter@gov.nl.ca
Bradley George
Director of Provincial Affairs for
Newfoundland and Labrador Branch
Canadian Federation of Independent Business
709-753-7745

2011 10 14                                   1:25 p.m.

 
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