New centre for business development opens in Regina

[CAWED]

DECEMBER 16, 1998

_NEW CENTRE FOR BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT OPENS IN REGINA_

_REGINA, Saskatchewan -- Natural Resources Minister Ralph Goodale,
Saskatchewan Economic and Co-operative Development Minister Janice
MacKinnon and Women Entrepreneurs of Saskatchewan Inc. Chairperson
Joan Chase today officially opened the Centre for Business Development
in Regina._

The centre brings together business development services of various
government and non-government agencies. Centre members are _Western
Economic Diversification Canada_, _Saskatchewan Economic and
Co-operative Development_ and _Women Entrepreneurs of Saskatchewan
Inc. (W.E.)_. The centre also has seven associate members.

"The new Centre for Business Development is an excellent resource for
existing and potential entrepreneurs in Regina and southern
Saskatchewan," said _Minister Goodale_ on behalf of _Ron J. Duhamel,
Secretary of State for Western Economic Diversification_. "The centre
illustrates how the Government of Canada is responding to calls for
increased partnership between all levels of government, while
fulfilling its commitment to provide increased access to programs and
services to help expand opportunities for western Canadians."

"This location offers entrepreneurs a ‘one-stop’ source of
business information and counselling," _MacKinnon_ said. "The centre
is also more conducive to a team approach by member agencies to the
concerns and needs of the people who are creating the jobs in our
dynamic and diversified economy."

Centre services will include: general business information; advice on
government programs and services; business pathfinding and referrals;
workshops; a client resource area and work space; and a regional site
of the _Canada-Saskatchewan Business Service Centre_. Partners will
deliver services either individually or collectively.

"We are pleased to be a partner in the Centre for Business
Development," _Chase_ said. "One of our objectives is to provide
affordable, effective entrepreneurial programs and services to women
entrepreneurs throughout the province. Partnering with other
organizations helps us achieve that goal, by increasing our
effectiveness and exposure to women in business."

The centre’s associate members include the _Canada-Saskatchewan
Business Service Centre_, _Aboriginal Business Canada_, _Agriculture
and Agri-Food Canada_, the _Business Development Bank of Canada_, the
_One-Stop Business Resource Centre_, the _Regina Public Library_ and
the _Regina Regional Economic Development Authority_.

The centre is located at 1925 Rose Street in Regina.