Government of Canada Announces New Initiative for Canadian Clean Energy Businesses

Natural Resources Canada
2011/83
September 14, 2011

SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA — The Honourable Joe Oliver, Minister of Natural Resources, officially launched the Clean Technology Accelerator program in California today. Developed and managed by the Canadian Consulate General in San Francisco, the Canadian Technology Accelerator (CTA) program aims to provide qualified Canadian technology companies with access to unique resources and contacts to help them grow on a global scale.

“Today’s launch of the Clean Technology Accelerator demonstrates the Harper Government’s commitment to invest in Canadian small businesses and jobs,” said Minister Oliver. “The opportunity to partner strategically with Silicon Valley firms will help to showcase Canadian clean technology companies and provide access to customers and partners in California and other global markets .”

The Clean Technology Accelerator program is located in San Jose’s Environmental Business Cluster, a clean-tech business incubator that specializes in providing commercialization support and facilities for emerging clean energy and environmental technology companies. Specifically, successful program participants will receive:

  • Office space with like-minded global entrepreneurs, provided free of charge by the Government of Canada Trade Commissioner Service for up to three months;
  • Introductions to experienced mentors and advisors;
  • Access to industry leaders and talents;
  • Participation in regular matchmaking and investor events; and
  • Dedicated resources from the Consulate General of Canada, San Francisco/Silicon Valley.

Since the launch of the first CTA program in March 2009, the Government of Canada has supported 66 Canadian businesses and helped increase their average annualized revenue for a total increase in excess of $8 million.

FOR BROADCAST USE:

Natural Resources Minister Joe Oliver today launched the Clean Technology Accelerator program in San Jose, California. Located in San Jose’s Environmental Business Cluster, the program will provide Canadian high-tech clean energy companies with access to customers and partners in California and other global markets.

Media may contact:

Julie Di Mambro
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister
Natural Resources Canada
Ottawa
613-996-2007

or

Media Relations
Natural Resources Canada
Ottawa
613-992-4447

NRCan's news releases and backgrounders are available at www.nrcan.gc.ca/media/index-eng.php.