Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development
November 15, 2016

The following statement was given today in the House of Assembly by the Honourable Christopher Mitchelmore, Minister of Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development:

Recognizing Global Entrepreneurship Week

Mr. Speaker, I rise in this Honourable House today to highlight November 14-20 as Global Entrepreneurship Week.

Global Entrepreneurship Week is a celebration of the innovators and job creators who launch startups that bring ideas to life, drive economic growth and contribute to advancements in human welfare. The week inspires people everywhere through local, national and global activities designed to explore their potential as self-starters and innovators.

We are pleased that Futurpreneur Canada – an organization that has fueled the entrepreneurial passions of young enterprise for two decades – is hosting Global Entrepreneurship Week for the eighth consecutive year. Over the past two years in Newfoundland and Labrador alone, they have funded 35 young business owners.

There are some great events planned to take place in the province this week, including: a pitch event, a branding session, an entrepreneurial networking breakfast and a women’s economic forum. These activities connect participants to potential collaborators, mentors and even investors, introducing them to new possibilities and exciting opportunities.

Mr. Speaker, the Provincial Government is very engaged in innovation and entrepreneurship and the important role both play in the economic future of our province. Last week, the Honourable Premier launched, The Way Forward, a vision which emphasizes the importance of support for entrepreneurship and innovation – from the introduction of a new procurement act to the development of a Business Innovation Agenda.

I am pleased to say that in the very near future, the Provincial Government will be launching the engagement process for the development of a new Business Innovation Agenda – one that is focused on building the pool and capacity of the province’s innovation and growth-driven businesses. We look forward to this process and seeing the continued growth of innovation and small business in Newfoundland and Labrador and applaud our entrepreneurs for their tenacity, commitment and the successes they have and continue to achieve. Thank you.

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2016 11 15                              2:20 p.m.