Government of Canada funding helps Georgian College support small and medium-sized businesses

Sept. 5, 2013

Small and medium-sized businesses will benefit from a recent contribution made to Georgian College through the Digital Technology Adoption Pilot Program (DTAPP), an initiative delivered by the National Research Council of Canada Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC-IRAP).

Georgian College is using the $100,000 of support from DTAPP, in addition to the $150,000 previously received, to provide a variety of services, including training, seminars and workshops.

This total contribution of $250,000 allows the college to advance its plans for supporting businesses by two years beyond what was previously scheduled. The services are offered through Georgian College’s Centre for Applied Research and Innovation (CARI).

“Georgian will leverage its academic capabilities with business leaders and resources from surrounding communities to offer business advisory and mentoring services,” said Chris Berni, CARI manager. “This will help develop new business ideas and technologies to support local and regional small and mid-size enterprises.”

Businesses must apply for support, and assistance is determined on an individual basis. Details are customized according to the eligibility and needs of each enterprise.

Assistance can include use of a facility, business planning and determining market feasibility. CARI is also planning to host a series of seminars for businesses. Invited participants will include such government and associations as Excellence in Manufacturing Consortium and Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters.

Technical, marketing and business advice are also available. A wide range of equipment may be accessed, such as Georgian College’s robotics lab, rapid prototyping mechanical testing equipment and computer labs.

“Students who are proficient in various technologies or systems will be available to conduct preliminary projects with small and mid-size enterprises to demonstrate and introduce them to these technologies,” Berni said. “An example would be a student from the Automotive Product Design program demonstrating the use of particular computer-automated design (CAD) software and its potential to develop rapid prototypes.”

Business owners interested in receiving support through the program may contact Chris Berni at 705-728-1968, ext. 1345.