On Tuesday, February 2, the Coast of Bays Corporation hosted a Business Funding Support Workshop for the economic development agencies and entrepreneurs in the Coast of Bays zone.

Representatives from various agencies making presentations included Bill Carter (Canadian Centre for Fisheries Innovation), Gail Moore (Department of Development and Rural Renewal), Tom Courtney (Human Resources Development Canada), Christine Wheaton (Farm Credit Corporation), Jeff Gillam (South Coast Community Development Corporation), Patricia Hickey (Newfoundland and Labrador Organization for Women Entrepreneurs), Carol Gillis (Department of Human Resources and Employment), and Don Hollett ( Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency).

The day began with a presentation by Ms. Tracey Perry, Executive Director of the Coast of Bays Corporation, outlining the opportunities that exist, the initiatives that are being pursued and the progress made over the last number of years to impress upon the presenters why their resources are important in this area.

In the evening, a public meeting was held at the St. Alban's Lions Club where each agency representative gave a presentation of their various programs and services. This was followed by a question and answer period where situations and experiences were discussed. The meeting was attended by a group of people from around the region involved in the tourism, crafts, agrifoods, fishery and aquaculture, general contracting and environmental sectors.

The workshop finished today with a roundtable discussion of the issues faced by entrepreneurs in various sectors in this region with respect to seeking funding sources.