Minister MacKinnon Kicks Off Small Business Week

The Honourable Don MacKinnon, Minister of Development officially kicked off Small Business Week this morning in Summerside. The Summerside Chamber of Commerce hosted this morning's breakfast which marks the first event of this year's Small Business Week.

During the Minister's speech he said, "The Government of PEI recognizes the importance of small business in our province's economy. Through my department, we are working with communities across PEI to invest in solid business ideas that will continue to bolster small businesses and the communities at large."

Minister MacKinnon added, "I am pleased to be part of the creation of new businesses and the expansion of established businesses in Prince Edward Island. Our government will continue to support development within our communities and look to the small business sector to maintain a strong leadership role in our economy."

Small Business Week has been held for the past 20 years throughout Canada. Enterprise PEI and the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency have joined forces with the Business Development Bank of Canada as principal sponsors of Small Business Week 1999 on PEI. This joint effort, in conjunction with the local chambers and business development groups, enables Island entrepreneurs to take advantage of a variety of activities planned throughout the week.