Cape Breton Partnership receives Government of Canada investment to deliver export program for Cape Breton Island

June 28, 2018 – Sydney, NS – Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)

When a business sells its products and services in international markets, it creates wealth here at home, helping to expand the economy. That is why the Government of Canada is investing $136,326 in the Cape Breton Partnership to deliver the Think Export N.O.W. (Navigating Opportunities Worldwide) program. This program identifies and assists local businesses interested in exporting to new global markets.

The funding was announced today by the Honourable Mark Eyking, Member of Parliament for Sydney-Victoria, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA).

This two-year project supports the Cape Breton Partnership as it helps to improve access to export opportunities for businesses on Cape Breton Island. Working alongside an Advisory Council, the Partnership will work to build the export readiness of Cape Breton based businesses. Think Export N.O.W activities include events, training, round-table discussions, and strategy development.

This non-repayable contribution, through ACOA’s Business Development Program, allows the Cape Breton Partnership to work with the private sector to address barriers to export, to develop an industry database, and to offer export related training to companies interested in development and growth.
Today’s investment builds on commitments made by the Government of Canada and the four Atlantic Provinces to drive economic growth in the region through the Atlantic Growth Strategy, which aims to build on Atlantic Canada’s competitive advantages, such as its strong export potential, its growing innovation ecosystem and its skilled workforce.

Quotes:

“By connecting Canadian businesses with global consumers, we will be able to maintain our competitive edge in the fast-paced international marketplace. Our future depends on our ability to collaborate with government and other stakeholders toward a more vibrant, entrepreneurial, innovative and globally competitive region where Canadians thrive and prosper.”

– The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA

“Long-term economic growth and sustainability in communities across Atlantic Canada rely on the development of emerging and value-added sectors’ ability to access international markets. The Cape Breton Partnership has established itself as a champion for our Island’s private sector by bringing people together, sharing ideas, and creating new opportunities for business growth. Increasing our capacity for export will help Cape Breton face the challenges of today and tomorrow and ensure that the benefits of a growing economy are felt by more and more people across the Island.”

– The Honourable Mark Eyking, Member of Parliament for Sydney-Victoria
“The Cape Breton Partnership focuses our efforts on implementing projects and activities that will foster new growth and opportunities for the people that live and work in Cape Breton. Think Export N.O.W will give businesses in Cape Breton the tools and resources needed to access new markets, raise the value of our exports and attract more foreign investment to the Island. The Partnership is grateful to have the support of ACOA as we continue to unite the private sector and improve our local economy by showing that Cape Breton is truly open for business.”
– Carla Arsenault, President & CEO, Cape Breton Partnership

Quick facts

• The Think Export N.O.W. Advisory Council is made up of members of the local private sector, all levels of government, academic institutions, and First Nations. As of 2018, the Partnership has offices across Cape Breton including: Sydney; Port Hawkesbury; Baddeck; Arichat; St. Peter’s; Ingonish; and Strathlorne.
• The Partnership has 16 staff members in offices across the Island.
• The Partnership has over 150 private sector investors.
• In June 2015, the Partnership started a quarterly business publication called Elevate Magazine.

Contacts:

Alex Smith
Director of Communications and Outreach
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Phone: 902-426-9417 / 902-830-3839 (cell)
E-mail: alex.smith@canada.ca

Carla Arsenault
President & CEO
Cape Breton Partnership
Phone: 902-562-0122 / 902-577-2455
Email: carla@capebretonpartnership.com
Website: www.capebretonpartnership.com