An entrepreneurship centre on the West Coast will expand its services and foster greater collaboration between Memorial University, College of the North Atlantic, and local business, thanks to investments announced today in Corner Brook by the Provincial and Federal Governments.
“The goal of this investment is to expand the Navigate Entrepreneurship Centre’s ability to be a vital business development resource for young residents of the Western region. By promoting entrepreneurship and encouraging collaboration between the province’s two public post-secondary institutions and established businesses, we will help spur economic growth and move Newfoundland and Labrador forward.”
- The Honourable Gerry Byrne, Minister of Advanced Education, Skills and Labour
The event coincides with Small Business Week in Canada, taking place from October 16 to 22. During the week, the Provincial Government will join entrepreneurs and economic development groups in celebrating the significant social and economic contributions small businesses make throughout the province.
“The Navigate Centre is fulfilling an important role in supporting entrepreneurship and small business start-ups in the region by supporting students, faculty and staff in small business establishments. The centre is both expanding and evolving its scope and presents exciting opportunities for innovation and business development. The Provincial Government is pleased to support the centre and looks forward to its future success.”
- The Honourable Christopher Mitchelmore, Minister of Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development
Along with fostering a growing partnership between College of the North Atlantic and Grenfell Campus, Memorial University, the Navigate Entrepreneurship Centre’s expansion of services will include:
- New space for College of the North Atlantic students to use computers, smart board technology, and plan business ventures;
- Active involvement of Grenfell Campus students with College of the North Atlantic students in entrepreneurial and business development workshops, information sessions and conferences;
- Development of new business relationships among students, faculty and staff at the two post-secondary institutions;
- Establishment of an advisory committee tasked to encourage business owners to promote and support entrepreneurship and mentorship, especially for young entrepreneurs;
- Identifying areas of potential partnerships with Qalipu First Nation; and
- Profiling and marketing of students' business opportunities and start-up ideas.
The total investment for expansion at the Navigate Entrepreneurship Centre is more than $250,000. The Federal Government, through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) is investing more than $102,000 and the Provincial Government is contributing approximately $31,500; $19,500 of which is from the Department of Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development and $12,000 from the Department of Advanced Education, Skills and Labour. The remainder will be contributed by Memorial University and College of the North Atlantic.
“The Government of Canada understands the importance of entrepreneurship in developing and maintaining a diverse economy. Planting the seeds of entrepreneurship at the university and college level is critically important to building a strong Canada for today and into the future. Congratulations to the Grenfell Campus of Memorial University of Newfoundland and to the College of the North Atlantic for their vision and for their commitment to the Navigate Entrepreneurship Centre.”
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Gudie Hutchings, Member of Parliament, Long Range Mountains, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
An initiative of Grenfell Campus, Memorial University, and College of the North Atlantic, the Navigate Entrepreneurship Centre has played a strong role in the creation of more than 71 businesses and over 123 full and part-time jobs in the Western region.
“The college is proud to support entrepreneurship and innovation and all that Navigate encompasses. This fits well with our mandate as an educational leader within Newfoundland and Labrador. We are pleased to support this renewal of a strong initiative supporting young entrepreneurs for the west coast of the province.”
- Bob Gardiner President and CEO (Interim) of College of the North Atlantic
The Navigate Entrepreneurship Centre was established in 2004 at Grenfell Campus to introduce ambitious young people to the resources, programs and people that can help them grow their ideas from the drawing board through to commercialization.
“Grenfell Campus is proud of the relationship it has established with College of the North Atlantic through the Navigate Business Entrepreneurship Centre. Our Office of Engagement and our Business Program have both been working closely with College of the North Atlantic to ensure programs promote economic development through the growth of entrepreneurship in the region. We are excited about upcoming projects, which will provide Navigate and other community partners access to the state-of the-art technology to begin their entrepreneurial venture and gives start-ups space and supports to grow their business.”
- Dr. Mary Bluechardt, Vice-President, Grenfell Campus
For more information on the Navigate Entrepreneurship Centre, visit: www.navigatesmallbusiness.ca.
QUICK FACTS
- The Provincial and Federal Governments are helping the Navigate Entrepreneurship Centre expand its services and foster collaboration between Memorial University, College of the North Atlantic, and the local business community.
- The Navigate Entrepreneurship Centre was established in 2004 at Grenfell Campus to introduce ambitious young people to the resources, programs and people that can help them grow their ideas from the drawing board through to commercialization.
- Through an investment of more than $250,000, the centre will foster entrepreneurship and entrepreneurial skills in students, graduates, and staff from Grenfell Campus and College of the North Atlantic.
- Expansion of the Navigate Entrepreneurship Centre is aligned with the Atlantic Growth Strategy, and initiatives related to business start-ups and business skills development.
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Media contacts:
John Tompkins
Director of Communications
Department of Advanced Education, Skills and Labour
729-0753, 728-7762
jtompkins@gov.nl.ca
Debbie Marnell
Director of Communications (A)
Department of Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development
709-729-4819, 699-9048
debbiemarnell@gov.nl.ca
Roger Hulan
Communications Specialist
College of the North Atlantic
709-643-7938
roger.hulan@cna.nl.ca
Pamela Gill
Communications Manager
Grenfell Campus
709-637-2187, 632-0936
pgill@grenfell.mun.ca
Paul McGrath
Director, Communications
ACOA NL
772-2984
Paul.McGrath@canada.ca