Cape Breton Partnership and CBU Announce Innovation and Entrepreneurship Centre

Earlier today, the Cape Breton Partnership and Cape Breton University announced that the Creative Island Network’s first Innovation space will be up and running by September 2019. The Cape Breton University Innovation and Entrepreneurship Centre will provide entrepreneurship supports and training to students and the Cape Breton community.

“Developing new and better ways of doing things is the path forward for us,” says the Honourable Geoff MacLellan, Minister of Business. “This new centre will give students and entrepreneurs in Cape Breton another place to innovate, meet and do business.” In addition to Minister MacLellan, attendees heard remarks from Cape Breton Partnership President & CEO, Carla Arsenault, Cape Breton University President & Vice-Chancellor David C. Dingwall, and Cape Breton University Island Sandbox Manager, Darren MacDonald.

The Cape Breton University Innovation & Entrepreneurship Centre is the first of several innovation spaces expected to be developed across the island as part of the Creative Island Network, led by the Cape Breton Partnership.

“Entrepreneurship is an important part of growing our Cape Breton economy, and providing access to training and supports is crucial to supporting new and existing entrepreneurs,” says President and CEO, Carla Arsenault. “The Cape Breton Partnership is excited to lead this Creative Island initiative and work with Cape Breton University as we continue to grow our network of spaces to support entrepreneurs and companies in rural communities across Cape Breton Island.”

Following the announcement, attendees had an opportunity to visit the space and speak with Cape Breton University students who were brainstorming on ways to update and use the space.

“The Innovation and Entrepreneurship Centre will help drive economic growth, innovation and the mindset that collaboration and strategic partnerships are the way to prosperity,” says CBU President & Vice-Chancellor, David C. Dingwall. “The Centre directly relates to our strategic plan as we are focused on championing the Island’s prosperity with initiatives like this. We are so proud to have space at Cape Breton University dedicated to building a better future for our Island and its citizens.”

The Cape Breton Partnership launched the Creative Island initiative in 2018. Creative Island is a movement to foster creative courage and attract and keep creative people in Cape Breton, grow and celebrate a culture that values creativity, innovation and entrepreneurship, and increase the ability of entrepreneurs, inventors, makers, creators, and companies to be more innovative.