Province Invests in Business Development in Antigonish

Small businesses in Antigonish County can get help with business planning to start or grow their business.

Economic and Rural Development and Tourism has invested $5,000 in St. Francis Xavier Enterprise Development Centre's new Ideas and Entrepreneurship course, which teaches participants how to build a comprehensive business plan.

"Investing in courses such as this is one way jobsHere, our plan to grown the economy, is working to help strengthen our workforce," said Economic and Rural Development and Tourism Minister Percy Paris. "This training will teach small business owners important tips on how to be more productive and competitive."

The course will focus on important components of successful business planning, including marketing, sales, product pricing, profitability, accessing capital and operational efficiency. It will also include an introduction to Internet marketing.

"We think it's important for local communities to come together to support and grow entrepreneurial talent," said Paula Brophy, training and outreach development officer with St. Francis Xavier Enterprise Development Centre. "Entrepreneurs are one of the biggest contributors to job creation in Canada, and by assisting the small business owner, we are, in fact, helping the entire community."

The 12-week course begins today, Sept. 21, and runs one night per week for three hours. The course will be led by staff from the development centre and will include expert guest speakers each week.

Funding for the program comes from the Community Development Fund, which assists regional areas and rural communities with local planning and entrepreneurship. It helps develop co-operatives and projects to ensure sustainable communities across Nova Scotia.