Today the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador and the Government of Canada announced a total investment of more than $2.7 million for the Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Technology and Innovation (NATI) to offer the Business Tech Solutions Program to Newfoundland and Labrador companies. The announcement was made by the Honourable Andrew Parsons, Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology, and the Honourable Seamus O’Regan, Minister of Natural Resources and Member of Parliament for St. John’s South-Mount Pearl, on behalf of the Honourable Mélanie Joly, federal Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages.
COVID-19 severely impacted small businesses across Atlantic Canada. As the pandemic has reshaped the way business is conducted, companies need to adapt and pivot to reach new customers and opportunities. That is why the provincial and federal governments are helping local companies adapt and adopt new technologies.
This program being administered by NATI, will help businesses purchase digital solutions and access expertise so they can create online sales systems and generate new revenue streams. NATI anticipates that the program will help more than 170 small- and medium-sized businesses in the province.
Today’s announcement is further proof of the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador and the Government of Canada’s commitment to grow the economy by helping local businesses to digitize their operations. This support is needed as businesses work to recover from the devastating effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Quotes
“COVID-19 has tested the limits of small business in our province, across the country and around the world. In the face of such challenges many local businesses have been working hard to adjust, proving their resilience by pivoting in innovative ways to continue to reach clients and serve both here and abroad. Today’s funding will help businesses in our province continue to adjust, creating effective online digital solutions to help them boost revenue and manage costs.”
Honourable Andrew Parsons
Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology
“As our economy reopens, we’re working with local organizations such as NATI to ensure that Atlantic Canadian companies can bounce back and remain competitive. NATI’s Business Tech Solutions Program will help local businesses pivot their operations so they can adopt new technology, access new opportunities from online business, and become more resilient. Our message is clear: we’re committed to supporting businesses as they reopen and will continue to take steps so that Canadians feel safe returning to work, school, and social activities.”
Honourable Mélanie Joly
Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages and Minister responsible for ACOA
“The pandemic has created greater demand for online shopping. This program will help more Newfoundland and Labrador companies do business online, which will grow their businesses and create good jobs.”
Honourable Seamus O’Regan
Minister of Natural Resources and Member of Parliament for St. John’s South-Mount Pearl
“While the COVID-19 pandemic has been extremely challenging, there is an opportunity for businesses to move online, automate processes, and adopt digital capabilities. The Business Tech Solutions Program offers assistance to small- and medium-sized businesses, helping to establish our province as a digital, innovation-based economy.”
Paul Preston
CEO of NATI
– 30 –
Learn more
Follow us on Twitter: @GovNL and @IET_GovNL
Media contacts
Lisa Lawlor
Industry, Energy and Technology
709-729-5777, 631-8155
Lisalawlor@gov.nl.ca
Alexander Cohen
Office of the Minister of Economic
Development and Official Languages
alexander.cohen@canada.ca
Paul McGrath
ACOA NL
709-689-5731
paul.mcgrath@canada.ca
Marlayne Hardy
NATI
709-330-7122
marlayne@nati.net