The Honourable Stephen Owen, Secretary of State (Western Economic Diversification) (Indian Affairs and Northern Development) salutes the innovative spirit of entrepreneurs during Small Business Week, October 19-25.

Studies show that the number of small businesses per capita is 40 per cent higher in the West than in the rest of Canada. To fuel this valuable source of economic growth, Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD) provides key funding support to its partners in the Western Canada Business Service Network:

• Canada Business Service Centres
• Community Futures Development Corporations
• Women's Enterprise Initiative offices
• Francophone Economic Development Organizations

Offering over 100 points of service throughout the West, services range from marketing information and funding options, to counseling and support.

Over the past eight years, the Business Service Network has reported investing more than $444 million in micro loan funding and leveraging more than $662 million in additional financing to strengthen entrepreneurship in urban and rural communities in the West.

Canada Business Service Centres in the West have recently reached an important milestone with over one million officer-assisted interactions, which include telephone calls, walk-ins, fax, e-mail and mail contacts.

"By being on the ground in the diverse communities that they serve, network staff and volunteer board members are able to provide the local perspective that brings about meaningful, lasting economic change and community capacity building," said Secretary of State Stephen Owen. "Strategic advice and micro loans lead to the creation of small businesses-the engine of economic opportunity."

As part of its strong involvement in Small Business Week, WD is distributing over one million copies of "Business Services for You," a guide to Western Canada's Business Service Network that provides contact points and information about the unique services offered in communities throughout Western Canada. The guide will be inserted in community newspapers across the West or can be accessed online

As the source of nearly 80 per cent of new jobs, entrepreneurship is a powerful force for prosperity. Western Economic Diversification Canada, through its Business Service Network, helps make small business ownership an option for all western Canadians.

For additional information, contact:

Sandra Souchotte
Director, Communications
Western Economic Diversification Canada
Ottawa, Ontario
Tel: (613) 952-7101
E-mail: sandra.souchotte@wd-deo.gc.ca

Gordon Eckert
Manager, Communications
Western Economic Diversification Canada
Edmonton, Alberta
Tel: (780) 495-3370
E-mail: gordon.eckert@wd-deo.gc.ca

France Guimond
Manager, Communications
Western Economic Diversification Canada
Winnipeg, MB
Tel: (204) 983-6243
E-mail: france.guimond@wd-deo.gc.ca

Susan Schooley
Manager, Communications
Western Economic Diversification Canada
Vancouver, BC
Tel: (604) 666-1318
E-mail: susan.schooley@wd-deo.gc.ca

Joanne Mysak
Manager, Communications
Western Economic Diversification Canada
Saskatoon, SK
Tel: (306) 975-5475
E-mail: joanne.mysak@wd-deo.gc.ca