Government of Canada Helps Fund Organization of Rendez-vous Innovation 2011 in Bas-Saint-Laurent

RIMOUSKI, QUEBEC--(Marketwire - March 25, 2011) - The Honourable Denis Lebel, Minister of State for Canada Economic Development, announces the awarding of $15,226 in non-repayable funding to the Société de promotion économique de Rimouski (SOPER) for the organization of Bas-Saint-Laurent's Rendez-vous Innovation 2011. The event, now in its second year, will be held April 14th in Rimouski and is expected to draw some 200 participants.

"Rendez-vous Innovation 2011 is an ideal forum for showcasing the dynamism and expertise of Bas-Saint-Laurent's economic stakeholders in the area of innovation. This event reinforces the region's reputation as an ideal destination for small and medium-sized enterprises, which is why the Government of Canada is so proud to be associated with it," explained Minister of State Lebel.

This financial assistance will serve for bringing in renowned speakers, leasing halls and equipment and promoting the event. In addition to conferences and workshops, Rendez-vous Innovation 2011 will feature networking activities to encourage the building of alliances and business partnerships among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), research and technology transfer centres, business incubators, development and financing agencies, and so on. These activities are expected to have a positive impact on business competitiveness and profitability. 

"Rendez-vous Innovation 2011 is in perfect alignment with Canada Economic Development's priorities in that it helps stimulate a culture of innovation while bolstering the region's economic prosperity," the Minister of State added.

The government funding announced today has been granted through the Business and Regional Growth program, a measure aimed at helping enterprises improve their performance, become more competitive and engage in more innovation. In supporting this event, Canada Economic Development is furthering efforts to strengthen the Bas-Saint-Laurent innovation cluster and increase the critical mass of innovative SMEs.

Established in 1999, the Société de promotion économique de Rimouski (SOPER) is dedicated to promoting the arrival and establishment of new enterprises in Rimouski as well as to fostering the development and reach of existing businesses in the area. The organization also works to further Rimouski's economic diversification by promoting the city on the local and international stage.

Canada Economic Development is online at www.dec-ced.gc.ca. Subscribe to the Agency's press releases at http://www.dec-ced.gc.ca/eng/media-room/mailing-list/list.html to keep up with the latest news.