Seven additional communities on the Northern Peninsula have signed on to partner in the BizPaL program, bringing the total number of municipalities involved throughout the province to 108. The communities of St. Lunaire-Griquet, Raleigh, Hawke’s Bay, Cook’s Harbour, River of Ponds, Goose Cove East and Cow Head join over 1,000 other Canadian cities and towns participating in this online information service. The Honourable Sherry Gambin-Walsh, Minister of Service NL, made the announcement during Small Business Week, recognizing the outstanding contribution of Canada’s small and medium-sized businesses. The BizPaL program is the result of a unique partnership among federal, provincial, territorial and municipal governments. The free program provides a simple, three-step process that makes it easier for small businesses to acquire permits and licences, allowing business owners to focus on growth and job creation. The provincial BizPaL website is accessed thousands of times each month by local businesses, and potential business operators from outside the province. To date, Service NL has added an average of 10 municipalities within Newfoundland and Labrador per year. For more information on the BizPaL program, please visit www.bizpal.gov.nl.ca. Quotes “We recognize the important role small and medium-sized businesses play in helping strengthen the economy. Innovative tools like BizPaL help entrepreneurs navigate the requirements of establishing and operating a small business, while saving time and money.” Honourable Sherry Gambin-Walsh Minister of Service NL “As we celebrate Small Business Week, there is no doubt small businesses are the heart of the Newfoundland and Labrador economy. They help create employment opportunities, stronger communities and a more diversified economy. BizPal plays an integral role in this, by providing rural communities an avenue to serve their residents better. It is great to see seven communities on the Great Northern Peninsula take advantage of this innovative service as they continue to focus on energizing their local economies.” Honourable Christopher Mitchelmore Minister of Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation “At its heart, making it easier for small businesses means simplifying how businesses interact with government and offering valuable, high quality and quick services. BizPaL is a perfect example of how the Federal Government and its provincial and municipal partners are working together to benefit small businesses.” Honourable Mary Ng Federal Minister of Small Business and Export Promotion

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Learn More BizPaL (Provincial) BizPaL (National) Business Development Bank of Canada’s Small Business Week Follow us on Twitter: @GovNL, @ServiceNL_ and @TCII_GovNL Media contacts Krista Dalton Service NL 709-729-4748, 685-6492 kristadalton@gov.nl.ca Eric Humber Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation 709-729-4819, 725-9655 erichumber@gov.nl.ca Mallory Clyne Director of Communications Office of the Minister of Small Business and Export Promotion 343-291-3553 mallory.clyne@canada.ca