Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development
October 19, 2015
Small Business Engines of Economic Growth
Provincial Government Recognizes the Contributions of Newfoundland and Labrador's Small Business
The Honourable Darin King, Minister of Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development, today recognized October 18-24 as Small Business Week and acknowledged the social and economic contributions of the province's business community, entrepreneurs and economic development groups throughout the province.
"During Small Business Week, we celebrate the vital role that small businesses play in our provincial economy. Our government is proud to play an important role in supporting Newfoundlanders and Labradorians who may be interested in starting a small business and in helping to grow the existing dynamic businesses throughout our province. However, it is the innovators and entrepreneurs who take an idea and turn it into a viable business model, providing employment and supporting economic growth."
- The Honourable Darin King, Minister of Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development
Approximately 98 per cent of all Canadian businesses have fewer than 100 employees, and in this province, small and medium-sized businesses employ almost 40 per cent of the total workforce. To ensure flexible funding and serve the needs of small and medium-sized businesses, over $38 million is available through the Business Investment Fund to help businesses grow and compete in their markets and allow new businesses to expand into the province.
"As we celebrate Small Business Week, the volunteers and staff of CBDCs are proud to acknowledge the impact that small businesses have in supporting and growing a strong business economy in our rural communities. Entrepreneurship is a viable career choice, one that can help Newfoundlanders and Labradorians be successfully employed in their own communities."
- Roseanne Leonard, Managing Director, Newfoundland and Labrador Association of CBDCs
The Department of Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development offers a variety of programs and services that help businesses become more innovative and increase productivity. New and established businesses can avail of a range of programs from business counselling, market development strategies, and trade and export programs.
Small Business Week, which runs from October 18-24, was launched nationally by the Business Development Bank of Canada in 1981. Throughout the week, local chambers of commerce and economic development groups coordinate a range of events that help create awareness of the value of small businesses. For information about national events, please visit, www.bdc.ca 
QUICK FACTS
- October 18-24 is Small Business Week in Newfoundland and Labrador.
- Small and medium-sized businesses play a vital role in sustaining and growing Newfoundland and Labrador's economy, with small and medium-sized businesses employing almost 40 per cent of the province's total workforce.
- The Department of Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development offers a range of programs from business counselling to mentoring, market development strategies and trade and export programs.
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Media contacts:
|
Tansy Mundon
Director of Communications Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development 709-729-4570, 693-1865 tansymundon@gov.nl.ca |
Roseanne Leonard
Managing Director NL Association of CBDCs 709-745-4406 Roseanne.leonard@cbdc.ca |
2015 10 19 4:20 p.m.