Simon Fraser University is one step closer to delivering a new business mentoring program, thanks to an investment of nearly $30,000 from Canada’s New Government through Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD).

Russ Hiebert, Member of Parliament for South Surrey-White Rock-Cloverdale and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs and the Minister of Western Economic Diversification, made the funding announcement today on behalf of the Honourable Rona Ambrose, President of the Queen’s Privy Council for Canada, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs and Minister of Western Economic Diversification. The $29,912 in funding, through WD’s Western Diversification Program, will go toward an early stage business mentoring program for technology companies in British Columbia.

“Canada’s New Government is supporting innovative businesses and strengthening Canada’s technology sector,” said MP Hiebert. “This initiative fosters B.C.’s technology and innovation sector by providing emerging technology companies with sound business mentorship and advice.”

The funding will support the University Industry Liaison Office at Simon Fraser University in delivering a business mentoring program to 19 early stage technology companies over a 12-month period. The program will also recruit ten new companies, of which three companies are from outside the Greater Vancouver Area. The project follows a successful pilot project in 2005-2006, also supported by Western Economic Diversification Canada.

"This is a program critically needed to encourage entrepreneurship and the creation of new business ventures," said Mr. Michael Volker, Director of the University/Industry Liaison Office at Simon Fraser University.

The program will feature professional mentoring panels that offer guidance in several key business areas, including: legal, accounting, corporate finance, sales and marketing, entrepreneurship and technology.  Panel members include local business professionals who volunteer their services to the technology community.

Western Economic Diversification Canada is a department of the Government of Canada that works in partnership with the provinces, industry associations and communities to promote the development and diversification of the economy of Western Canada.

Note: This web version of the news release was amended after its release October 12th, correcting the title of Mr. Russ Hiebert.

For additional information, contact:

Karl Yeh
Communications Advisor
Western Economic Diversification Canada
(604) 666-4714