October 16, 2017, FREDERICTON (GNB) – The following message was issued today by Economic Development Minister Francine Landry, who is also minister responsible for Opportunities NB, in recognition of Small Business Week, taking place Oct. 15-21:
Small Business Week is a time for us to pause and reflect upon the incredible entrepreneurs that are helping to drive the New Brunswick economy forward.
As a small business owner, I understand the importance of recognizing the success stories happening all across this province.
As minister responsible for Opportunities NB, I am continually inspired by the amazing startups and small business owners I have the privilege of meeting as I travel across our province. Each of their stories is unique and special in its own way, yet their collective drive and ambition has helped earn our province a growing reputation as a hotspot for startups.
Your government is listening and we are providing New Brunswick’s entrepreneurs the tools they need to accomplish their dreams and help keep our economy growing.
We have taken steps to help small businesses, such as reducing the small business corporate income tax rate from 4.5 per cent to 3 per cent, with a plan to further reduce it to 2.5 per cent next year, and increasing the Small Business Investor Tax Credit for individual investors from 30 per cent to 50 per cent.
At the same time, we have promoted tax fairness by increasing taxes on large corporations and the richest one per cent.
In September, Opportunities NB launched its new Startup and Series “A” funding programs. These new funding models will help innovative New Brunswick startups access the capital they need to be seen and heard in a competitive global marketplace.
Even before this funding came online, Opportunities NB was hard at work, partnering with high-growth companies like LuminUltra, whose products are now being used by organizations like Shell, BASF, 3M, Dow Chemical and NASA. Companies like LuminUltra, Distillerie Fils du Roy, Cardwell Farms Compost Products, Petz International and Bolster Canada are some of New Brunswick’s best ambassadors on the world stage.
Your government is also making the strategic investments necessary to establish New Brunswick as a leader in important new fields like cannabis and cybersecurity. These investments have launched major initiatives like CyberNB and the CyberSmart program, which will ensure that New Brunswick’s next generation of entrepreneurs remains on the leading edge of this important field.
Opportunities NB has assisted hundreds of companies to establish and develop plans for growth, right here in New Brunswick. The professionals at Opportunities NB help New Brunswick companies forge links to a network of investors and like-minded entrepreneurs and gain access to essential funding.
Your government is focused every day on creating the jobs that will support families and grow the economy, right here in New Brunswick; a dynamic place of growth and opportunity, a place of innovation and commerce, and a place we are all very lucky to call our home.
MEDIA CONTACT(S):
Jeff Hull, communications, Opportunities NB, 506-476-2771.