A new program designed to encourage Island companies to develop and implement improved productivity, quality food and safety or environmental management was launched today. The Quality Improvement Support Program will benefit companies who want to pursue trade and export opportunities and improve their competitiveness in a global marketplace.
The program will make it easier for eligible Island companies to develop and implement a productivity or quality improvement program. From past experience, importers have clearly stressed the importance of some "Quality" certification when dealing with exporters.
The program provides financial assistance to eligible PEI businesses to acquire professional expertise that will provide quality assurance documentation, auditing, and registration/certification leading to the creation or enhancement of a Quality Improvement Program or a certified Quality Education Program for management and employees.
"Exporting on Prince Edward Island is a major contributor to our provincial economy," said Development and Technology Minister Mike Currie. "The value of provincial exports was estimated at $350 million in 1996; today that number has risen to close to $700 million annually. It is important that we provide our exporters with every tool they need to continue to expand this important sector."
Through the Quality Improvement Support Program, companies can receive:
• up to 40 per cent of the cost of engaging outside expertise associated for the design, development and implementation of plans aimed at improving productivity, quality food and safety or environmental management;
• up to 40 per cent of the cost of technical equipment used in testing, inspection or measurement of quality improvement and identified as being required for implementation of the plan;
• up to 40 per cent of the purchase cost and/or the registration costs for certified quality education programs for management or key supervisory employees.
Maximum allowable assistance per project is $16,000, and only one application per business per calendar year is permitted. For more information or to obtain an application, call Prince Edward Island Business Development at 368-6300. Applications are also available at www.peibusinessdevelopment.com.