Includes tools to assess performance, connect companies, provide training
Small and medium-sized companies in Alberta will now have greater access to business tools, resources and services to improve productivity and competitiveness because of government funding.
Through the Western Economic Partnership Agreement (WEPA), the governments of Canada and Alberta are contributing $2.4 million each, for a total of $4.8 million, towards the Productivity Alberta initiative to support firms in realizing productivity gains through cost reductions in operations, improved processes and more effective management of assets.
“This investment will provide small and medium-sized businesses with the resources to succeed in today’s competitive global market place,” said James Rajotte, MP for Edmonton-Leduc, on behalf of Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification. “This will help businesses grow and create even more jobs in our communities.”
The funding will enable Productivity Alberta to significantly expand services and products to rural, small and medium-sized businesses throughout the province, according to Doug Griffiths, parliamentary assistant to the Minister of Alberta Finance and Enterprise.
“Connecting businesses with the tools they need to improve their productivity and competitiveness is key to Alberta’s overall economic sustainability.”
The funding is supporting activities such as an online tool to assess productivity performance, connecting companies with technology-based solutions, providing supply chain training and developing a program to improve energy efficiency among manufacturers.
Productivity Alberta is an industry-guided service that works collaboratively with organizations across the province to enhance value-added activity, increase innovation and help build a skilled workforce to improve the long-run competitiveness and sustainability of Alberta’s economy. More information can be found at www.productivityalberta.ca.
Through the Canada-Alberta WEPA, Canada and Alberta are jointly contributing $50 million, over four years, to strengthen economic activity and improve quality of life in Alberta communities.
