Foundation Partners With Microsoft To Launch BizSpark

FREDERICTON (NB) – May 27, 2009 – New Brunswick Innovation Foundation today announced that it has been selected to join the Microsoft BizSpark Program as a Network Partner.  The BizSpark Program is a new global program designed to accelerate the success of early stage startups by giving them access to Microsoft's most current full-featured development tools, platform technologies and production licenses.

« Having the knowledge and talent to create your own tech business is one thing, having the right tools to do it is another, » says Calvin Milbury, president and CEO of the New Brunswick Innovation Foundation, « this program provides software, support and visibility at a time when they are most valuable and least affordable – during the first three years. »

Microsoft is committed to helping entrepreneurs to transform their ambitions into sustainable, dynamic business and to foster innovation.  The BizSpark Program does this by connecting startups to active members of Microsoft’s global software ecosystem that can provide mentorship, guidance and resources.

« We understand the difficulties startups face in trying to create a viable, scalable and sustainable business, especially in today’s economy, » says David Crow of Microsoft Corp., « Microsoft BizSpark provides startups with a unique opportunity to grow their business by taking advantage of the breadth of the Microsoft platform and new ways to gain market exposure. »

To be eligible for the program, startups must be actively engaged in development of software-based product or service that is a core piece of their business model, have been in business less than three years, and have less than U.S. $1 million in revenue. Startups may enroll for the program by obtaining a sponsorship from the New Brunswick Innovation Foundation.

The New Brunswick Innovation Foundation makes venture capital investments in new, growth-oriented companies and funds applied research.

For more information visit www.nbif.ca or contact:
Chet Wesley, Director of Communication
877-554-6668
researchservices@nbif.ca

David Crow
Web Platform Evangelist
Microsoft Canada
david.crow@microsoft.com