Nova Scotia retailers to gain valuable skills to increase sales through global e-commerce
January 24, 2019 – Halifax, Nova Scotia – Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Retailers that embrace the digital economy have opportunities to increase revenues and gain access to more global markets. That's why the Government of Canada is helping companies grow and scale their online operations.
eBay's Retail Revival program, coordinated in conjunction with the Halifax Partnership with support from Nova Scotia Business Inc. (NSBI), will provide local entrepreneurs and brick-and-mortar businesses with the digital marketing and sales skills needed to succeed in a challenging retail climate. Companies interested in expanding through e-commerce will learn how to use the power and technology of eBay's global marketplace to access customers virtually anywhere in the world. Halifax is the first Canadian city eBay selected to participate in this innovative program.
The Honourable Mary Ng, Minister of Small Business and Export Promotion, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), announced a non-repayable contribution of $60,000 to the Halifax Partnership to launch and oversee the program.
The Government of Canada is making smart investments that will create good, middle-class jobs in our country. It is helping Atlantic Canadian businesses access the tools they need to create sustainable economic growth. Support for this project is one way the Government of Canada is working to achieve its Atlantic Growth Strategy outcome of long-term economic prosperity in the region.
"The Government of Canada is working hard to help Canadian small and medium-sized businesses start up, scale up and access new markets. The digital economy has become an integral part of our lives, and its economic influence will increase over time. Our retailers need the tools and skills to compete in a global marketplace."
- The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA
"Our government is a small business–friendly government. We're working hard to make it as easy as possible for businesses to succeed. Canadian retailers have said that they face challenges when it comes to embracing the digital economy, and our job is to help them tackle these challenges."
- The Honourable Mary Ng, Minister of Small Business and Export Promotion
"More and more Atlantic Canadian retailers are looking for ways to increase their business with e-commerce. New markets for local products leads to increased revenue and more jobs in the local economy. I am proud to see Halifax taking the lead by being the first Canadian city to participate in this innovative program."
- Andy Fillmore, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism and Member of Parliament for Halifax
"Small and medium-sized businesses are essential to our economy, and we want to see them thrive. Nova Scotia is partnering with eBay to help our smaller retailers start exporting or grow their exports through e-commerce, and we are making sure the pilot can have both a footprint in Halifax and extend its reach and benefits to retailers in communities across the province."
- The Honourable Stephen McNeil, Premier of Nova Scotia
"Strong, independent small businesses have always played an important role in our local economy and in shaping our character of place. As Halifax and Nova Scotia are working to embrace the innovation economy, we are proud to have this partnership with eBay Canada as an opportunity to keep local retailers competitive in a global marketplace."
- Mike Savage, Mayor of Halifax
"As one of the most robust online marketplaces in the world, enabling entrepreneurs and small businesses is central to eBay's business and purpose. We're thrilled to be working with partners from all three levels of government on a program that fosters inclusive trade by connecting Canadian small retailers to the global economy through eBay."
- Andrea Stairs, General Manager, eBay Canada & Latin America
Quick facts
eBay's inclusive and accessible commerce platform connects millions of buyers and sellers around the world, enabling everyone to participate in the global economy.
eBay's Retail Revival program assists small businesses with onboarding onto its platform and provides ongoing training in sales and marketing, dedicated customer service and additional resources.
The Government of Canada is investing $60,000 in this project through ACOA's Innovative Communities Fund. In addition, the Government of Nova Scotia is contributing $25,000 through Nova Scotia Business Inc.
The Innovative Communities Fund (ICF) focuses on investments that lead to long-term employment and economic capacity building in Atlantic Canadian communities.
