October 7: Free Webinars Teach Small Businesses About New Government Funding Opportunities

Vancouver - The Kootenay Association of Science and Technology (KAST) and Small Business BC kick off a free live webinar series for BC businesses with a panel on Funding Innovation on October 7.  The webinar includes an introduction to Canada’s new $40 million Canadian Innovation Commercialization Program (CICP), announced in Budget 2010, which aims to promote innovation by funding the development of Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) in Canada.

The five-speaker panel is the first of its kind, bringing together representatives from CICP, New Ventures BC, Office of Small and Medium Enterprises, Eligible Business Corporation and Industrial Research Assistance Program to offer insight on how small businesses can access funding and tax credits in Canada.

The next two webinars presented by KAST and Small Business BC include Opportunities in Innovation on October 14, featuring panelists from companies building innovations in science and technology, and SR&ED Tax Incentives on October 21.

“We hope the accessible KAST webinar experience combined with Small Business BC’s network will help bring useful information and expert advice to a wider audience of small business owners,” says KAST’s Amber Hayes, webinar Organizer and Moderator.

The free webinars are part of the many resources offered by Small Business BC to business owners in 50 communities throughout the province.

“We’re confident businesses and business support organizations alike will learn about new funding sources, innovation case studies and other resources available to entrepreneurs by attending these informative webinars,” says Jennifer Reid, Education Manager and Regional Business Development for Small Business BC.

Those interested in participating in the free webinars are invited to register at www.kast.com.

Media Inquiries:
Jennifer Reid, Small Business BC
(604) 775-7343
 reid.jennifer@smallbusinessbc.ca

About Small Business BC
Small Business BC provides advisory services, education and community to help entrepreneurs succeed in all stages of business. Small Business BC is supported by Western Economic Diversification Canada and the Ministry of Finance. For more information, visit www.smallbusinessbc.ca