BUSINESS MENTORSHIP PILOT UNDERWAY IN BATTLEFORDS REGION

The Business Mentorship Institute of Saskatchewan (BMI) is conducting a pilot project in the Battlefords region designed to better connect local businesses and increase business competitiveness. The project encourages successful businesses to assume a mentorship role by providing advice and guidance to fledgling businesses with similar needs.

"When businesses become involved in the community and help out other businesses, it further spurs economic growth and strengthens the community as a whole," Deputy Premier and Regional Economic and Co-operative Development Minister Clay Serby said. "The strength of this program is its emphasis on collaboration and knowledge sharing among businesses. Greater collaboration aimed at expanding and retaining local businesses is essential in creating a vibrant entrepreneurial culture within the community and the region."

The project is designed to target the specific needs of protégés by seeking out mentors with relevant skills, knowledge and experience. Anyone who has completed one year of business operation and is considering expanding, exporting, or diversifying product lines, or who is seeking advice on accounting and marketing may qualify as a protégé. Training workshops and participant recruitment are underway. The pilot project, which will run from September to December, will serve as a template for business mentorship projects across Saskatchewan.

Representatives from BCU Financial, the Battlefords Tribal Council and Northwest Regional College have already received instruction from the BMI on training participating mentors.

"This is an important project and a great partnership between the Battlefords Chamber of Commerce and Saskatchewan Regional Economic and Co-operative Development," Battlefords Chamber of Commerce president Rob Rongve said. "The impressive knowledge base and combined business acumen of the mentors will bolster activity and promote the continued economic growth of the region."

"I am pleased to roll out this valuable project in the Battlefords region," Business Mentorship Institute Executive Director Barb Cox-Lloyd said. "Under the stewardship of highly qualified business and community leaders, assistance will be available to entrepreneurs and community-based enterprises."

Anyone interested in becoming a mentor or protégé can contact Regional Development Co-ordinator Daniel Bean at (306) 446-7611.

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For More Information, Contact:

Donna Rehirchuk Regional Economic and Co-operative Development Regina Phone: (306) 787-2359