On the second day of Small Business Week, ProfitLearn PEI, a new training initiative for small business managed by the University of Prince Edward Island's Centre for Life-Long Learning, will officially open its doors to students beginning with a reception tonight (6 p.m.), followed by the program's first course, "Motivating Your Employees," at the Borden-Carleton Industrial Mall.
ProfitLearn PEI, which is also receiving financial support from the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), PEI Business Development (PEIBD) and Human Resources Development Canada (HRDC), will expand on the excellent track record already established by ProfitLearn NB. Since 1997, this organization has provided training in both English and French to more than 4,500 small business owners, managers and employees throughout the province of New Brunswick
"Small businesses are the backbone of our national economy. Helping our small business owners acquire the skills they need to ensure their continued success is an important service," said Wayne Easter, Solicitor General of Canada and Member of Parliament for Malpeque, on behalf of the Government of Canada. "I am very pleased that ACOA has been able to provide such significant support to this organization along with the assistance being provided by HRDC."
"The ProfitLearn program is an invaluable resource for small and medium business operators in the province," said Minister of Development and Technology Michael Currie. "This assistance will result in a more knowledgeable marketplace, prepared to meet consumers' needs, and will increase economic growth in Prince Edward Island."
Over the next year, ProfitLearn PEI plans to offer around 40 training courses at locations throughout the Island. The instructor-led workshops will offer hands-on business management tips, tools and techniques centred on six key areas: management, marketing, strategic planning, human resources, finances and information technology.
Dr. Clive Keen, Director of the Centre of Life-Long Learning at UPEI, said "ProfitLearn PEI has many benefits, two of the main ones being affordability for small businesses and delivery of quality training in the very communities in which many of our clients' businesses operate. All our trainers have been selected because of their hands-on knowledge and understanding of the needs of small businesses."
The delivery of ProfitLearn PEI is built around partnerships with local organizations which determine the training needs of their clients, request English or French workshops in their area and promote the workshop opportunities. These partners include Community Business Development Centres, Chambers of Commerce, provincial departments, industry associations, as well as ACOA and PEIBD.
Small Business Week, held from October 19 to 25, 2003, is a nationwide celebration of entrepreneurship, which is organized by the Business Development Bank of Canada and endorsed by the Canadian Chamber of Commerce.
ProfitLearn PEI has received $155,000 through ACOA's Business Development Program, $50,000 from PEI Business Development and $11,000 from the University of Prince Edward Island. The Canada/Prince Edward Island Labour Market Development Agreement, co-managed by Human Resources Development Canada and the provincial Department of Development and Technology, will provide up to $27,476 to support the creation of the co-ordinator's position.