Canada NewsWire
OTTAWA, Feb. 18, 2020
Successful solutions will support Canadians with print disabilities and improve the accessibility of digital information
OTTAWA, Feb. 18, 2020 /CNW/ - As the single largest purchaser of goods and services within Canada, the federal government is using procurement to help Canadian small and medium-sized enterprises (SME) start up, grow and scale up.
Through the Innovative Solutions Canada (ISC) Challenge Stream, the Government of Canada invites SMEs to propose innovations that address specific government challenges. Successful applicants may receive up to $150,000 to develop a proof of feasibility. If accepted into Phase 2, SMEs could receive up to $1 million to develop a working prototype. By funding the development of innovations, the Government helps SMEs accelerate their journey to market and create good middle-class jobs across Canada.
Today, ISC launched the following challenges:
Innovative Solutions Canada is a key component of the government's Innovation and Skills Plan, a multi-year plan to make Canada a global innovation leader and prepare Canadians to succeed in tomorrow's economy.
Quotes
"Our government is using its purchasing power to help small businesses innovate and become more competitive. To achieve this, our focus is squarely on our greatest asset: our people. Supporting innovative work from small businesses will help us reduce existing barriers for Canadians living with a disability and give them equal opportunities to obtain the middle-class jobs of today and tomorrow."
– The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry
"As Canada's largest buyer, our government is in a unique position to be a leader on issues such as accessibility. Through this initiative, we are demonstrating our commitment to using these opportunities to foster growth and innovation in homegrown businesses."
– The Honourable Anita Anand, Minister of Public Services and Procurement
"This is a small business–friendly government that is working hard to reduce red tape and make it easier for Canadian small business owners to start up, scale up and access new markets. Innovative Solutions Canada is a fantastic program that uses government procurement to help small businesses develop and then commercialize their innovations. These are worthy new challenges, and I can't wait to see the ideas from Canadian small businesses. When small businesses in communities across the country succeed, our economy grows and middle-class jobs are created."
– The Honourable Mary Ng, Minister of Small Business, Export Promotion and International Trade
"Through initiatives such as the Alternate Format Business Technology Challenge, we are breaking down existing barriers to improve access to print materials for all Canadians. This investment in the development of alternate format materials promotes inclusion by design and helps ensure persons with disabilities have better opportunities to read and learn. Our country is at its best, and we all benefit, when everyone has opportunities to participate on an equal basis. Together, we are building a more accessible and inclusive Canada."
– The Honourable Carla Qualtrough, Minister of Employment, Workforce and Disability Inclusion
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SOURCE Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada
View original content: http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/February2020/18/c3160.html