The National Research Council is expanding the presence of its Industrial Research Assistance Program in our region.

In the past, program staff members have flown in from Edmonton to talk with small businesses regarding innovation-related items.

Now, the NRC has announced plans to permanently place an Industrial Research Assistance staff member here in Grande Prairie.

Speaking at the Growing the North conference, President John McDougall says the program supports technology development, both financially and also in an advisory position.

“Experienced advisors in these ITAs who’ve pretty much mostly run businesses, know how it works, and can help the companies do the things they have to do to be successful.”

McDougall says in most cases, companies only need advice in order to move their development forward.

He hopes to have the staff member hired and in place in Grande Prairie within the next few weeks.