PEI: The provincial government has introduced two new programs to help businesses develop human resource programs and policies.

The human resource planning program and the implementation program will be administered by PEI Business Development Inc. officers, who will be counseling the businesses one on one.

“Small businesses on Prince Edward Island are facing challenges in training and retaining a solid workforce,” said Minister Brown, Minister of Development and Technology. “Innovative human resource policies are necessary for Island businesses to continue competing at a high level in today’s ever-changing global marketplace.”

The planning program is designed to help small businesses develop long term human resource and to make recommendations to companies on how to improve current policies.

According to the government the program is for “businesses, in all sectors, that do not presently have formal human resource policies in place may be eligible for up to $1,000 in assistance. Applicants must be sole proprietorships, partnerships, cooperatives or limited liability companies with well-developed business plans.”

The implementation program takes the planning program a step further and helps small businesses implement the human resource strategies. Businesses are eligible for financial assistance up to 50 per cent of the cost to implement the program or a maximum of $5,000.

Applications for either program can be found at any Business Development Office, Access PEI centres or online at: http://www.peibusinessdevelopment.com.

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