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Working with the West

Innovative Development Programs for Small Business

International Trade Personnel Program (ITPP)

The International Trade Personnel Program (ITPP) has now ended. ITPP was designed by Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD) to help small and medium-sized businesses become more competitive internationally while providing new employment to post-secondary graduates. The program supported the growth of export-oriented businesses in Western Canada by providing small and medium-sized businesses with funding to hire recent post-secondary graduates. Graduates worked on international trade projects that helped access export markets.

Statistics for the International Trade Personnel Program, such as project approvals and numbers of jobs created are still being prepared and will be made available in December 2005.

First Jobs in Science and Technology (FJST)

The First Jobs in Science and Technology Program (FJST) is now complete. FJST was created by Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD) to help companies adopt, acquire, integrate or commercialize new technologies. The Program helped Western Canadians access their "first jobs" in areas related to their field of training by supporting the employment of recent science and engineering graduates. These graduates provided businesses with valuable technological expertise to develop or adapt new or existing technology.

Statistics for the First Jobs in Science and Technology Program, such as project approvals and numbers of jobs created, are still being prepared and will be made available in December 2005.

What other services may I be eligible for through Western Economic Diversification Canada?

Small and medium-sized businesses in most rural and urban centres can easily access WD's and a range of other business services through WD's Business Service Network.

With over 100 points of service in urban and rural communities across the West, the Business Service Network is made up of several integrated organizations that provide entrepreneurs with what they need to establish a business or make it grow.

Our Western Canada business service network partners work in their local communities to ensure western Canadians have direct access to information and advice on a wide range of financing alternatives. They will help you determine your eligibility for those that best suit your needs. Services they offer range from marketing information and funding options, to counseling and support. For information on the services our network provides and the network member nearest you, visit http://www.wd.gc.ca/pos/default_e.asp.