The Honourable Don MacKinnon, Minister of Development, today announced a new policy whereby quarterly reports would be issued to the public to outline the progress of business support programs offered by the Department Of Development and Enterprise PEI.
"This new policy will help better inform islanders not only about the success Island entrepreneurs have had partnering with our department, but it will also better educate the public about the types of business support programs offered. Our government is partnering with Island companies to help them grow their businesses, creating jobs and wealth for Islanders," said Minister MacKinnon.
Minister MacKinnon commented on the need for existing Island companies and potential entrepreneurs to be aware of the support they can obtain by partnering with the Department of Development. "Our government is committed to helping Island businesses expand and to seeing new businesses start up. I am pleased to see this new policy in place because it will serve as an example to potential entrepreneurs, particularly young Islanders, that it can be done here at home and that by seeking out partnerships with our government we can help them succeed," Minister MacKinnon remarked.
The Department of Development and Enterprise PEI offer a variety of programs to help Island entrepreneurs grow their businesses covering areas such as financing, professional services, and marketing. Some of the Department's programs include the Entrepreneur Loan Program, the Equity Investors Program, the Low Interest Loan Program, the Small Business Development Program, the Professional Services Assistance Program and the Export Development Program.