Young business people and aspiring entrepreneurs with disabilities will continue to benefit from an investment by the province and the government of Canada to improve business skills and create jobs across Nova Scotia.
Community Service Minister Joanne Bernard and Peter MacKay, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, today, Nov. 12, announced funding for the Centre for Entrepreneurship Education and Development Inc. (CEED) and the Entrepreneurs with Disabilities Network Society (EDN).
“Creating a vibrant, entrepreneurial culture in Nova Scotia is important for the development of new businesses and the long term success of our economy,” said Ms. Bernard. “By supporting our young and aspiring professionals, CEED and EDN are removing barriers and creating opportunities for social and economic growth that help make our communities stronger.”
The province is investing $311,700 from the Department of Economic and Rural Development and Tourism and $340,000 from the Department of Community Services.
The federal government is investing $475,000 through ACOA’s Business Development Program. CEED is receiving $350,000 to support Nova Scotia entrepreneurship, business skils development and education. EDN is receiving $125,000 to assist in small business counselling, skills development, mentoring and business networking.
“Our government is committed to the productivity and growth of Nova Scotia’s economy,” said Mr. MacKay. “Through these investments, entrepreneurs will continue to receive the programs and training they need to succeed. Support for entrepreneurs results in job creation, confident business people and healthier Nova Scotia communities.”
The Entrepreneurs with Disabilities Network Society supports entrepreneurs and aspiring entrepreneurs with disabilities in rural communities and urban centres across the province. Its focus is to promote and facilitate entrepreneurship among people with disabilities, to represent their needs and to advise government and businesses on how to best serve entrepreneurs with disabilities.
CEED promotes entrepreneurship as a means to supporting independence, self-reliance, improved business skills and more employment in Nova Scotia.
“ACOA and the province have been great supporters of CEED since the beginning. They share our belief that support programs are vital to the success of new and existing entrepreneurs to ensure they receive the advice and guidance they need to survive and grow,” said Heather Spidell, CEO of CEED. “We play a key role in supporting entrepreneurs residing in rural regions to build sustainable communities.”
“The investment from ACOA and the province will allow us to continue to address the gap in services being provided to entrepreneurs with disabilities and offer them the programs they require tailored to their own needs,” said Brian Aird, executive director of EDN. “Entrepreneurs with disabilities face additional challenges, and it’s important that we understand these needs and collaborate with our partners to ensure these obstacles are overcome.”
Source: Release