Notes for an address by

The Honourable Lynne Yelich
Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification

Funding announcement

Corresponding Document: News Release

Check Against Delivery

Thank you, Gord (Sawatzky), Special Projects Manager for The Business Link.

Good morning, everyone.

I am delighted to be here on behalf of the Government of Canada and my department, Western Economic Diversification.

Before I begin, I would like to acknowledge my fellow platform guests:

• Mr. Clay Buchanan, Regional Director for Alberta Employment and Immigration;
• Ms. Cathy Goulet, Executive Director for the Business Link.
• Mr. Lloyd Visser, Vice President of Environment and Sustainable Development for ConocoPhillips Canada; and
• Mr. Brian Blattler, Vice President of Commercial Affairs for Statoil Canada.

I am pleased to join you this morning for an important announcement that will help strengthen opportunities for small-and medium-sized businesses in northern Alberta.

Northern Alberta has a growing industrial and commercial base that hosts an array of businesses in areas such as oil and gas, construction, forestry and alternative energy. With increased investment and economic activity in the area, along with continued population growth, rural entrepreneurs have opportunities to bring forward new initiatives to meet growing industry demands.

Our Government recognizes that local communities are best placed to overcome their unique challenges, but Government can help create the conditions for these communities to succeed. With the understanding that in today’s competitive environment, starting and running a thriving business can take tremendous time and effort. As most new ventures begin, organizational set-up can be challenging and may take away valuable time for entrepreneurs to focus on driving their vision forward.

This is why I am proud to announce today that the Government of Canada, through the Western Diversification Program, is investing $500,000 dollars towards the delivery of a Mobile Business Incubator project in northern Alberta. Funding towards this initiative will enable our partners at The Business Link to convert three mobile trailers into a portable business support centre.

The Mobile Business Incubator will be transportable, relocating, as required, along the Highway 881 Corridor between Fort McMurray and Lac La Biche. It will provide services to small- and medium-sized companies in need of business expertise, knowledge and advice. Rural entrepreneurs will have access to timely and economical business support services such as business consulting and advisory services, training, high-speed Internet access, referrals to service professionals and meeting rooms for in-person or virtual meetings. Whether it is helping to grow an existing business or kick-start new ideas, the benefits that may be realized through the support of the Mobile Business Incubator project cannot be overstated.

Earlier in the year, Prime Minister Harper identified 2011 as the Year of the Entrepreneur.

This is a reflection that our Government recognizes the essential role that small and medium-sized businesses play in securing Canada's ongoing economic recovery. We understand that small business owners and entrepreneurs create jobs and generate wealth in communities across Canada. The Mobile Business Incubator project will enable entrepreneurs to better focus and develop their business ideas. These ideas, whether they are small or large, will help ensure Canada is well positioned for success in the global economy.

On behalf of the Government of Canada, I would like to extend my congratulations to everyone who has been involved in this project.

I look forward to hearing of the successful outcomes that are realized as a result of this partnership initiative.

Together, we are building a stronger West for a stronger Canada – now and for the future.

Thank you.