NS News: Province Supports Small Businesses to Compete Globally

Velsoft Training Materials is one of many small businesses in Nova Scotia competing in new global markets, while creating jobs and a better future for families here at home.

The Global Business Accelerator Program provides funding support to Nova Scotia businesses so they can connect with experts who can help build world-class companies that can compete anywhere.

This year’s funding recipients were announced at an event today, July 25, in New Glasgow.

“The Global Business Accelerator Program is helping companies acquire the knowledge and expertise they need to sell goods and services all over the world, which is a key piece of our jobsHere plan,” said Justice Minister Ross Landry, on behalf of Economic and Rural Development and Tourism Minister Graham Steele.

“Supporting businesses like Velsoft Training Materials to become more globally competitive will help them compete for some of the big opportunities on the horizon.”

The 12 recipients of the first round of the Global Business Accelerator Program are:
— Acadian Seaplants Limited, Halifax
— G2 Research Limited, Halifax
— Health Outcomes Worldwide, Cape Breton
— Master Merchant Systems Software, Halifax
— Media Spark, Cape Breton
— NewPace Technology Development Inc., Halifax
— Nicom IT Solutions, Halifax
— Nova Advanced Composite Solutions Inc., Halifax
— Resolution Optics Inc., Halifax
— SimplyCast Interactive Marketing, Halifax
— Velsoft Training Materials, New Glasgow
— Video Game Addicts Interactive Inc., Halifax

“One of our members recently told me that the Global Business Accelerator Program is the best program they’ve seen yet in Nova Scotia to help businesses increase global competitiveness, and help open doors to international markets,” said Digital Nova Scotia president and CEO Ulrike Bahr-Gedalia. “Competition is fierce, so recruiting the best talent and putting on your ‘global thinking cap’ is a must, and this program is well-suited to support Nova Scotia companies in securing their place as worldwide players.’

Velsoft Training Materials is a leading provider of innovative, customizable training materials, eLearning software, and blendedlearning solutions to tens of thousands of companies in more than 160 countries worldwide. Velsoft employs 28 Nova Scotians at its head office in New Glasgow.

“We need to compete around the world every day, and the opportunity for education and training development with products like ours is immense,” said Velsoft CEO Jim Fitt. “Velsoft is pleased to be a part of the province’s Global Business Accelerator Program, which will help further our growth and market share.”

Businesses will be reimbursed up to 80 per cent, to a maximum of $35,000, of the eligible costs of hiring a professional with international business expertise. The program is administered by Nova Scotia Business Inc. on behalf of Economic and Rural Development and Tourism.

Helping businesses compete globally is one of the three pillars of jobsHere. More than 300 Nova Scotia companies are being supported through the province’s international business development programs.

Applications for the second round of funding will be accepted starting today until September 13, 2013. More information on the program, including guidelines and an application form, is available at www.gov.ns.ca/econ/gbap.

The province is helping small businesses find the support they need more quickly and easily with a new toll-free number (1-855-324-4668), through business.novascotia.ca, and by bundling programs and services into five clear entry points.

Source: Release

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