A provincial program aimed at attracting and supporting new businesses focused on information technology is expanding to downtown Summerside. The Department of Innovation and Advanced Learning has officially opened new office space for LaunchPad PEI in the historic Holman Building on Water Street. Richard Brown, Minister of Innovation and Advanced Learning, says the new LaunchPad facility will support small business development in Prince Edward Island’s growing information technology sector.

“The Government of Prince Edward Island is committed to working with existing small businesses while attracting new companies to generate employment opportunities for all Islanders,” said Minister Brown. “The LaunchPad program offers a professional working environment for start-up businesses to develop products to take to the marketplace. The services and programs available through LaunchPad will greatly enhance the success rate of new businesses as they move closer to achieving their goals.”

Companies accepted into the program will be offered office space at a reduced rate in the Summerside Launchpad incubator facility, similar to the Atlantic Technology Centre in Charlottetown. The new space on the first floor of the Holman Building in Summerside provides a professional setting for start-up companies and includes office furniture and access to communications technologies. The services of professional mentors, managed by the program advisor, will also be available to participating companies.

Summerside MLA Janice Sherry says Launchpad is a welcome addition to downtown. “The new Launchpad facility and business support programs are positive additions to the Summerside business community,” said Ms. Sherry. “This is an important step forward in revitalizing our downtown core. The program is a great resource for new businesses and will help to attract more economic and employment opportunities to the area.”

For more information on the Launchpad program, visit the website at www.LaunchpadPEI.ca.