Startup Zone celebrates official opening

There is a buzz of excitement on the corner of Water and Queen Street in Charlottetown and it’s coming from the newly created Startup Zone. The bright, open-concept work space was designed to promote entrepreneurial risk-taking and bold ideas, all in an environment that fosters a community and networking culture.

Sean Casey, Member of Parliament for Charlottetown, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), and the Honourable Wade MacLauchlan, Premier of Prince Edward Island, today announced government support for the Startup Zone and participated in an official opening with new tenants and entrepreneurial stakeholders.

The Startup Zone is a non-profit entity that was created to support entrepreneurship and the startup business community in Prince Edward Island. The 3,600 square feet of modern office space serves as an incubator to support businesses as they develop. It provides these entrepreneurs with support and mentorship, enabling them to become successful. ACOA, through its Business Development Program is supporting this project with a $500,000 contribution. The Government of PEI is investing $514,395 over the next three years to support the long term success of the Startup Zone.

Quotes

“The Government of Canada is showing consistent support for innovation and entrepreneurship across the country. I am pleased to announce our support for PEI’s new Startup Zone. It is a fine example of creating the right conditions for ideas to thrive, for creativity to flourish and for Canadians entrepreneurs to grow.”

-    Sean Casey, MP for Charlottetown, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA

“The economic prosperity of Prince Edward Island is tied directly to the success of Island entrepreneurs and small businesses. Today’s launch of the Startup Zone furthers our government’s commitment to provide budding entrepreneurs with the business model, workspace, and support they need to turn their ideas into viable new businesses.”

-    The Honourable Wade MacLauchlan, Premier of Prince Edward Island

“The Startup Zone provides a space for our entrepreneurial community to gather and continue to grow. Entrepreneurs of all ages and sectors can contribute to developing our diverse economy and create partnerships globally through our incubator space.”

-    Christina MacLeod, Executive Director, Ignition Startup Zone Inc.

Media contact:
Brad Chatfield
Senior Communication Officer
Department of Economic Development and Tourism
902-368-5501
bpchatfield@gov.pe.ca