/EINPresswire.com/ -- OTTAWA, ONTARIO -- (Marketwired) -- 03/08/16 -- Western Economic Diversification Canada

Today, the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for Western Economic Diversification, announced the latest call for proposals under Western Economic Diversification Canada's (WD) Western Innovation (WINN) Initiative. The intake period will open March 14, 2016 and continue until April 13, 2016.

WINN offers repayable contributions to ambitious and creative Western Canadian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to help them commercialize innovative technology-based products, processes and services.

Quick Facts

--  WD launched WINN following extensive consultations across the West. The
    program supports the commercialization of new innovative technologies,
    stimulates greater private sector investment, increases the hiring of
    highly skilled personnel, and accelerates company growth.
--  Eligible firms may apply for a repayable contribution of up to 50
    percent of the incremental costs of a new technology commercialization
    project.
--  The initiative has invested $49 million in 51 projects to date, helping
    to leverage additional private sector contributions in excess of $52
    million.
--  WINN projects assist companies working to bring cutting edge products,
    processes and services to market in growth sectors - including clean
    technology, information and communications technology (ICT), health/life
    sciences, and value-added manufacturing.

Quotes

"The Government of Canada is committed to developing an Innovation Agenda that targets key growth sectors in order to help businesses attract capital, expand into export markets, and make strategic investments that build on competitive regional advantages. With the support of the Western Innovation Initiative, western companies will be able to showcase the strong culture of innovation across the West."

The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for Western Economic Diversification Canada

Additional Links

WD Website: Western Innovation Initiative

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Contacts:
Taylor Paxton
A/Manager, Communications, Marketing and Consultation
Western Economic Diversification Canada
613-282-2984
taylor.paxton@canada.ca

WD Toll-Free Number: 1-888-338-WEST (9378)
Teletypewriter (TTY): 1-877-303-3388
Website: WD is online at www.wd-deo.gc.ca

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