Fourth Intake of WINN helps western Canadian businesses build competitive innovation capabilities to seize opportunities in the global marketplace
OTTAWA, Oct. 31, 2017 /CNW/ - Small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Western Canada will be able to grow and move their innovative technologies from the later stages of research and development to the global marketplace, as a result of Government of Canada support.
The call-for-proposals for Western Economic Diversification Canada's (WD) Western Innovation (WINN) Initiative was launched today by the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for Western Economic Diversification Canada.
Applications will be accepted until November 29, 2017.
WINN investments support innovative SMEs with the greatest potential to energize the western economy and become instruments of growth. Funding support will focus on clusters where western Canadian companies are innovating, such as clean technology, clean resources, digital technology, advanced manufacturing, value added agriculture, and health biological sciences.
WINN offers repayable contributions to western Canadian entrepreneurs to help move their innovative ideas, products and services from the test bench to the marketplace.
Quick Facts
- WD launched WINN in 2013 following extensive consultations across the West. The program supports the commercialization of new innovative technologies, stimulates greater private sector investment, creates demand for highly skilled personnel, and accelerates company growth.
- Eligible businesses may apply for a repayable contribution of up to 50 per cent of the incremental costs of a new technology commercialization project.
- The initiative has invested over $97 million in 85 projects to date, helping innovative SMEs leverage additional private sector contributions in excess of $145 million.
- WINN supports the federal government's Innovation and Skills Plan. This plan helps to make Canada a world-leading centre for innovation that creates well-paying jobs and grows the middle class.
Quotes
"Getting new products into the hands of consumers is a challenge for entrepreneurs. The Western Innovation (WINN) Initiative can help bridge this commercialization gap by giving businesses the boost they need to move their ideas from the later stages of research and development to the marketplace."
- The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for Western Economic Diversification Canada
Additional Links
Additional Products
- Innovation and Skills Plan
- Western Innovation (WINN) Initiative
- Western Economic Diversification Canada Announces the Opening of the Next Intake of the Western Innovation Initiative
- Western Innovation (WINN) Initiative Assists Western Small- and Medium-Sized Enterprises Move Ideas to the Marketplace
- Government of Canada Announces New Initiative to Support Technology Commercialization and Business Growth in the West
WD Toll-Free Number: 1-888-338-WEST (9378)
Teletypewriter (TTY): 1-877-303-3388
Website: WD is online at www.wd-deo.gc.ca
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SOURCE Western Economic Diversification Canada
Media Relations, Western Economic Diversification Canada, 613-227-7393, [email protected]
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