Province Brings Businesses, Exporting Experts Together to Boost Trade

Published by the Department of Economic and Rural Development and Tourism

Friday, April 11, 2014

From underwater microscopes, to wild blueberry juice, Nova Scotia businesses are developing a variety of innovative products, and the government is helping export them around the world.

Quotes

“ These businesses understand the importance of trade and expansion into new markets. Government wants to partner with companies that are taking steps to become more competitive and are ready to take their business to the next level. ” Economic and Rural Development and Tourism Minister Michel Samson

“ The overwhelming majority of our business is done outside Nova Scotia and even outside of Canada, so if we are going to grow it's going to be through a systematic approach to export to global markets. Working with our advisor, we were able to tailor our product for a handful of key markets and generate hundreds of leads. ” 4Deep Inwater Imaging CEO Stephen Jones

“ We want to help companies like 4Deep Inwater Imaging expand by building relationships and providing international experience. Sharing this level of expertise gives businesses the chance to grow faster and it creates more opportunities for Nova Scotians. ” BSM Global Partners president Philip Bassil

“ When you're trying to sell your product in a new market, there's no easy way to get your foot in the door. No two markets are the same, and sometimes what works here won't work there. That's why it's so important to be able to access this kind of expertise that will give us a fresh perspective and a better chance for success. ” Van Dyk board member at Leo van Dijk

Quick Facts

• Economic and Rural Development and Tourism Minister Michel Samson announced that 13 businesses throughout the province have received $342,000 in funding from the Global Business Accelerator Program.
• Under the program, businesses hire a professional with international business expertise, and the government reimburses up to 80 per cent of eligible costs, to a maximum of $35,000.
• Halifax-based 4Deep was awarded $35,000 last year from the program and was advised by BSM Global Partners, also of Halifax.
• 4Deep uses patented holographic imaging technology to create simple and powerful underwater microscopes for the oil and gas industry, oceanographic studies, academic research and other sectors.
• In Caledonia, Queens Co., Van Dyk's Health Juice Products Ltd. received $19,754 from the program this year to develop a marketing and promotional strategy for the company's award winning wild blueberry juice.
• The program is administered by Nova Scotia Business Inc. on behalf of Economic and Rural Development and Tourism.
• Applications are now available for the program, and will be accepted until May 20.
• The following businesses received funding from the program:
  • Billdidit, Sydney, $16,800
  • CBCL, Halifax, $6,960
  • Green Power Labs, Halifax, $34,800
  • Jellett Rapid Testing Limited, Lunenburg, $32,000
  • LED Roadway Lighting, Halifax, $27,934
  • Lorax Systems Inc., Halifax, $35,000
  • Louisbourg Seafoods, Louisbourg, $22,320
  • Mindful Scientific, Halifax, $34,672
  • Muwin Estate Wines, Lunenburg, $27,520
  • OEA Technologies Inc., Halifax, $15,000
  • Pivotal Power Inc., Halifax, $35,000
  • Van Dyk's Health Juice Products Ltd., Caledonia, Queens Co., $19,754
  • Znanja Inc., Pictou, $34,240

Learn More

• For more information, guidelines and application forms visit the Global Business Accelerator Program (GBAP) website
• Department of Economic and Rural Development and Tourism

Media Contacts

Michelle Lucas

902-424-8307

Cell: 902-222-1784

E-mail: lucasml@gov.ns.ca

Stephen Jones

4Deep Inwater Imaging

902-444-4449

E-mail: Stephen@4-deep.com

Philip S. Bassil

BSM Global Partners Inc.

902-818-3870

E-mail: philip@bsmgp.com

Randy MacDonald

Van Dyk's Health Juice Products Ltd.

902-542-4405

E-mail: rmacdonald@vandykblueberries.ca