Cape Breton Craftspeople Connect to the Internet

A new project spearheaded by the Cape Breton Centre for Craft and Design in Sydney is showing more than 100 Cape Breton craftspeople how to expand their markets, including selling their products over the Internet.

The project, called Connect, Content, Commerce, focuses particularly on preparing craft producers for export opportunities. It shows craftspeople how to launch and run e-commerce businesses, one aim being to develop a strong Internet presence that will help Cape Breton producers sell crafts online.

The project is funded by various government agencies.

"We are pleased to invest in a project that is creating opportunities for our many talented craftspeople," Tourism and Culture Minister Rodney MacDonald said during a tour of the centre today. "We know the craft industry provides employment for thousands of people, many of whom are in rural areas. We also know that crafts contribute to our export revenues. We made a commitment to market new initiatives that would help Cape Breton''s economy. This initiative speaks to the kind of new efforts my government is committed to supporting."

"This new initiative for the Centre for Craft and Design serves to broaden its role to assist economic development on Cape Breton Island," said Mark Eyking, MP for Sydney-Victoria, speaking on behalf of Robert G. Thibault, Minister of State for Enterprise Cape Breton Corp. and Jane Stewart, Minister of Human Resources Development Canada. "The project will enhance business skills and assist in efforts to bring Cape Breton products to the world market."

The export initiative will run for 10 months and will include a conference for craft businesses where Internet sites will be launched and where cultural businesses can learn more about e-commerce. Various professional-development sessions will be held in communities across the island, based on interest and need.

Project costs will be in the $119,000 range, with support from the Department of Tourism and Culture, Enterprise Cape Breton Corporation, Human Resources Development Canada and the Cape Breton County Economic Development Authority. The Port Hawkesbury Parks, Recreation and Tourism Department is also helping to manage the project with the Sydney centre.

"Through this exciting project, the Cape Breton Centre for Craft and Design will help deliver education and training designed to build the capacity of Cape Breton craftspeople to be more proficient entrepreneurs and marketers," said Carol Beaton, executive director of the centre. "The project will contribute to the realization of the economic growth potential of the island''s craft sector."

The Cape Breton Centre for Craft and Design is a focal point for the craft industry. It works directly with professional and recreational craftspeople on matters such as education, training and business development.