Province and Island businessmen team up to help entrepreneurs
Businesses could get funding between $150,000 and $500,000
Four Island businessmen have partnered with the P.E.I. government to establish a new $4 million angel seed investment fund.
Alex MacBeath, Ron Keefe, Steve Nicolle and Paul Lypaczewski formed a company called Island Capital Partners and have raised $2 million dollars, which the province has matched.
Start-ups and early stage businesses that have a proven idea that is ready to be brought to market can apply for funding between $150,000 and $500,000.
The four investors will decide which applications to approve, and will also act as mentors, offering expertise from seasoned business people.
'The next step'
Economic Development Minister Heath MacDonald said the fund is another way to encourage entrepreneurship in P.E.I.
"It was initiative, I think, of government to say 'You know what, we need to do something here to help our smaller companies grow.'"
MacDonald said the province has used alternate forms of providing money to small businesses through its micro-loan program as well as the Ignition Fund.
"We've done everything that possibly a government could do, I believe, in that regard, as far as the lending side, but this is the next step."
Following suit
Partnerships between private investors and provincial governments is becoming more common.
MacDonald referenced Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador as provinces with similar investment strategies.
"I think if we're going to be in the game to support our entrepreneurs, I think this has to be the way to go," he says.
Island Capital Partners is not accepting applications yet.
- MORE P.E.I. NEWS | New money for legion, ATV club and grist mill in western P.E.I.
- MORE P.E.I. NEWS | Transport Minister promises legislation on airline passenger rights
With files from Laura Chapin