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Got an innovative new knowledge-based product or service? You could win up to $25,000 and get mentored by seasoned business pros through , a province-wide competition for early-stage innovation companies.

Coordinated by New Brunswick Community College (�ǿմ�ý) and funded by the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) with additional support from the Frank McKenna Technology Fund and the City of Miramichi, Spark NB is looking for high-potential knowledge-based companies as it encourages entrepreneurial activity across New Brunswick.

“The nurturing of young innovators and entrepreneurs has always been part of the �ǿմ�ý experience,” said Mary Butler, President and CEO of �ǿմ�ý. “The Spark NB competition allows us to extend our reach beyond our students and alumni to mentor more of tomorrow’s tech leaders.”

Using �ǿմ�ý’s entrepreneurship support infrastructure, along with the training modules of Envision Saint John’s Venture Validation Program, Spark NB will lead participants through 13 weeks of training including opportunity discovery, idea validation, business planning, and finance.

The Government of Canada, through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), is providing a non-repayable contribution of $96,950 to �ǿմ�ý for this project.

“The Government of Canada is committed to helping inspire young Canadians to develop their business ideas and build a strong, competitive economy,” said Jenica Atwin, Member of Parliament for Fredericton, on behalf of the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages and Minister responsible for ACOA . “Our investment in the Spark program will help strengthen the region’s entrepreneurship ecosystem and create leaders that will contribute to building an even stronger business landscape in this country.”

For eligibility requirements and application form, please visit Spark NB

About �ǿմ�ý:

With six campuses across New Brunswick, �ǿմ�ý contributes to New Brunswick’s social and economic prosperity by supporting the aspirations of individual learners, seizing the opportunities of the labour market, and collaboratively solving the challenges of communities and industry.  In addition to more than 90 certificate and diploma programs, �ǿմ�ý also provides specialized and customized training to meet the needs of specific sectors and communities.  Find out more information on �ǿմ�ý programs by visiting: .

MEDIA CONTACT:

Tanya Greer, Lead, Strategic Communications

506-440-9105 tanya.greer@nbcc.ca