News Release

For immediate release
February 14, 2002

ENTREPRENEURIAL TRAINING PROGRAM DELIVERED IN NEW WATERFORD

NEW WATERFORD, N.S. -- Potential entrepreneurs in the New Waterford area will have access to an entrepreneurial training program delivered in their community with assistance from the Government of Canada.

The New Waterford and District Economic Renewal Association (NewERA) is sponsoring the project and the training will be delivered by the YMCA Enterprise Centre. Enterprise Cape Breton Corporation (ECBC) will contribute the total one year project costs of $59,500

This hands on type of training should really provide a leg up for our budding entrepreneurs, said Mark Eyking, Member of Parliament for Sydney-Victoria, speaking on behalf of Gerry Byrne, Minister of State for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and ECBC. This project will also enhance the other community development activities already in place in the area. 

The training program will be delivered in the Carmel Centre which houses NewERA and will allow interested individuals to work one-on-one with an Enterprise Centre Business Development Officer to develop a business plan. Coupled with the individual consultation will be a customized learning path for each client. This will increase the potential for success of new business start-ups and increase economic development activities and opportunities in the community.

Studies on entrepreneurial development in Canada have indicated the lack of adequate entrepreneurial training contributes to business failures. As well, the YMCA Enterprise Centre has determined through 14 years of research that clients of its Entrepreneurial Training Program are location sensitive. People are more likely to take part in the training program if it is offered in their community. 

The training will contribute to the creation of new businesses in the New Waterford area as well as to the development of a climate that supports
commercial activity, said Carl Getto, Co-ordinator, NewERA. Increased commercial activity will increase other economic development opportunities in the area and result in direct and indirect job creation. 

The New Waterford & District Economic Renewal Association has been serving New Waterford, Lingan, River Ryan, Scotchtown, New Victoria and Victoria Mines since 1998. The non-profit community-based organization has developed a Community Strategic Action Plan which is a blueprint for proposed economic and cultural development. 

Funding for this project was provided for in the February 2000 Federal budget and is therefore built into the existing financial framework.

Enterprise Cape Breton Corporation offers programs in support of economic development initiatives and is responsible for delivering ACOA's programs on Cape Breton Island and in the Mulgrave area.

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FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CONTACT:

Peter A.H. Graham
Office of the Hon. Gerry Byrne
Minister of State for ECBC & ACOA
Tel: (613) 941-7241
Fax: (613) 941-7844

Mark Eyking, MP’s Office
Tel.: (902) 567-6275
Fax: (902) 564-2479

Marcie Stanley, ECBC 
Communications Officer
Tel: (902) 564-7876
Fax:(902) 564-3825

Carl Getto, Co-ordinator
New Waterford & District Economic Renewal Association
Tel: (902) 862-7870