Workshops planned on grants and incentives

Numerous local companies are engaged in research and development, however many don’t take full advantage of the tax credits and government incentives available to them, according to Innovation Resource Centre director Rodney Gainer.
The Innovation Resource Centre and PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP are hosting a workshop, Sept. 13, on the Scientific Research and Experimental Development program (SR&ED) – the single largest source of government assistance in Canada.
“There is a lot going on in Prince George,” Gainer said. “There is a fair amount of assistance, it’s just knowing how to apply for it. This will give them an idea of what qualifies for it and what benefits it offers. SR&ED is a great one because it’s open to almost any project.”
Companies can receive up to a 40 per cent tax credit on research and development costs, he added.
Coping with an aging workforce is one of the major areas of research going on in the region, Gainer said.
“You look around and see what’s happening overseas in Europe and down in the U.S. and here. The labour market is shrinking,” he said. “Companies need to be more efficient – produce more with less people.”
Keeping products competitive against cheap imports from Asia and Russia is another major concern for local industries, he said.
Automated production systems at Winton Global Homes and Noratek Solutions’ mobile data entry system – used by road maintenance companies and some local sawmills – are perfect examples of practical innovation, Gainer said.
The presentation will feature speakers Eric Shum and Wayne Henderson.
Shum is PricewaterhouseCoopers’ senior manager in SR&ED practices. He is a chartered accountant and certified information system auditor.
Henderson is the president and CEO of Henderson Capital Group Inc. and acts as the senior business advisor to PricewaterhouseCoopers.
The workshop will take place Sept. 13 at 101-1584 Seventh Ave. from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The registration cut-off day is Thursday.
For more information or to register, call Gainer at 250-564-2755 or e-mail [email protected].