Backgrounder: Government of Canada invests over $3 million to grow British Columbian businesses and build a skilled workforce

Today, the Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada (PacifiCan), announced over $3 million in funding for four projects that will support small and medium-sized businesses and help workers improve their technical skills.

The projects announced today are:

Composites Knowledge Network            
$1,750,000         
Funding will expand the Composites Knowledge Network at the University of British Columbia, which helps small and medium-sized businesses across B.C. become leaders in composites manufacturing. The Network will purchase new equipment and provide training for businesses in a variety of sectors, including outdoor recreation, clean tech and aerospace.

Small Business BC     
$200,000           
Funding will enhance the BC Marketplace, an online platform that helps businesses across the province connect with consumers. With this support, Small Business BC will help Black, Indigenous, women, LGBTQ2+, youth, new immigrant and Francophone business owners, as well as entrepreneurs with disabilities, expand their digital presence and reach new markets.

Small Business BC 
$495,000
Funding will overhaul Small Business BC’s information technology systems. The upgrades will allow Small Business BC to enhance their digital services, which will especially benefit rural communities.

Palette Skills      
$600,000  
Funding has helped train workers from traditional sectors, including retail, hospitality and tourism, for digital technology sales positions that are in high demand. The project filled gaps in skills training and helped businesses scale up.

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• News Release: Government of Canada invests over $3 million to grow British Columbian businesses and build a skilled workforce