September 7, 2012
Businesses Invited to Apply for Support Under Technology Utilization Program
Businesses looking to introduce, modify, or replace technology to improve their operations are invited to submit an expression of interest under the Provincial Government’s Technology Utilization Program.
“The addition or upgrade of technology can substantially improve the productivity of a company,” said the Honourable Keith Hutchings, Minister of Innovation, Business and Rural Development. “Through the Technology Utilization Program, the Provincial Government is helping small businesses become more productive and successful. I encourage businesses to take a look at their operations and consider how they can be improved through technology and make contact with my department through this expression of interest.”
Through this competitive process, businesses are first invited to submit an overview of their project followed by a more detailed application. The deadline for submissions is October 10. For more information on the program, visit www.gov.nl.ca/ibrd or contact one of the Department of Innovation, Business and Rural Development’s offices, which are listed in the backgrounder below.
“Innovation is key to developing and maintaining the competitiveness of any economy competing in the global marketplace,” said Bob Tetford, Provincial Chair, Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters. “Our provincial economy, like any other, must innovate and develop in order to attract new business and ensure the continued success of ventures already established. Both experience and research show that companies involved in the manufacturing and exporting sectors are one of the main driving forces behind developing new technologies and, even more importantly, bringing them successfully to market. The Technology Utilization Program is an excellent program for those companies who wish to innovate by adapting new technology.”
The Technology Utilization Program is a program under Innovation
Newfoundland and Labrador: A Blueprint for Prosperity. The program provides
non-repayable contributions, up to 80 per cent of eligible project costs to
a maximum of $75,000, and is designed to
assist businesses improve processes, product quality, efficiency and
competitiveness. It also equips businesses with technology to become more
energy efficient and reduce emissions.
Since its launch in 2006, Newfoundland and Labrador’s first innovation strategy has guided Provincial Government investments in private sector enterprises, educational institutions, and key infrastructure. Some of the successes stemming from the strategy include an increase in the province’s telecommunications capacity, creation of the Research & Development Corporation, and the establishment of the Craig L. Dobbin Genetic Research Centre.
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Media contacts:
| Scott Barfoot Director of Communications Department of Innovation, Business and Rural Development 709-729-4570, 690-6290 scottbarfoot@gov.nl.ca |
Jackie Field Operations Manager Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters Newfoundland & Labrador 709-772-3227 |
BACKGROUNDER
Offices of the Department of Innovation, Business and Rural Development
| Corporate Office-St. John’s 709-729–7000/7097 |
Corporate Office-Marystown 709-279–0204 |
Labrador Region Charlottetown 709-949–0378 Labrador City 709-944–4046 Happy Valley-Goose Bay 709-896–2400 Forteau 709-931–2908 |
Western Region St. Anthony 709-454–3521/3508 Port Saunders 709-861–3004/3096 Corner Brook 709-637–2976 Deer Lake 709-635–2613 Stephenville 709-643–2600/1228 Port aux Basques 709-695–9871 |
Central Region Springdale 709-673–3481 Baie Verte 709-532–4772 Grand Falls-Windsor 709-292–4450/4451 St. Alban’s 709-538–3796 Gander 709-256–1480 |
Eastern Region Clarenville 709-466–4170 Marystown 709-279–5531/5533 |
Avalon Region Carbonear 709-596–4109/4116 Placentia 709-227–1350 St. John’s 709-729–7017 Ferryland 709-432–3019 |
2012 09 07 12:40 p.m.