ConnexionWorks Entrepreneurial Program Gets a Boost
News release
Federal support helps fuel new business start-ups in Saint John
February 20, 2025 · Saint John, New Brunswick · Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)
Fostering innovation and entrepreneurship sparks new business ventures, creating jobs and delivering valuable products and services to communities across Canada. The Government of Canada is investing in ConnexionWorks and renewing its support to programming for entrepreneurs in the Saint John area.
Today, Wayne Long, Member of Parliament for Saint John – Rothesay, announced an investment of $545,249 in ConnexionWorks through ACOA’s Regional Economic Growth through Innovation (REGI) program. The announcement was made on behalf of the Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA.
With this support, ConnexionWorks will offer its Premier Entrepreneurship Program over the next two years, providing early-stage entrepreneurs from the Greater Saint John region with the training, resources, and networking needed to launch their businesses. The organization will continue to work with strategic academic and business partners to promote a culture of entrepreneurship and innovation, with the goal of boosting the number of new businesses in the region.
Today’s announcement reinforces the Government of Canada’s commitment to entrepreneurs and businesses, helping them seize opportunities for growth and success.
Quotes
“Your federal government is here to help Atlantic Canada’s businesses grow and succeed. By supporting programs like ConnexionWorks' Premier Entrepreneurship Program, we are giving new businesses the tools they need to get off the ground, create jobs, and keep our local economy moving."
- The Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA
“I am genuinely excited for ConnexionWorks. I have followed them along their journey, and this is an organization that works hard to help new entrepreneurs make their business dreams a reality. Their unwavering dedication to supporting start-ups, actively engaging our business community and creating new opportunities is making a real difference in the Saint John region."
- Wayne Long, Member of Parliament for Saint John-Rothesay
"We are incredibly grateful to receive funding support from ACOA, which significantly enhances the investment we dedicate to our local entrepreneurs. Our ConnexionWorks team is committed to fostering strong business leaders and serves as a vital resource for anyone with the ambition to start a business.”
- Heather Acker, Co-Founder, ConnexionWorks
Quick facts
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ConnexionWorks is a not-for-profit organization founded in 2015, focused on providing an inclusive and collaborative environment to support the success of entrepreneurs and businesses in the Greater Saint John region.
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Funding for this project is provided through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency’s Regional Economic Growth through Innovation (REGI) program, which supports projects that promote sustainable community economic development, enhance business development and growth, and facilitate innovation.
Associated links
Contacts
Connor Burton
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Connor.Burton@acoa-apeca.gc.ca
Ann Kenney
Senior Communications Officer
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Ann.Kenney@acoa-apeca.gc.ca
Neena Gandhi
Director
ConnexionWorks
Neena.Gandhi@connexionworks.ca
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