ICO TECHNOLOGIES Set to Get a $226,885 Boost

The $226,885 (over $163,000 in subsidy and less than $64,000 in loan) in financial support announced by Minister Jean-Denis Girard will make it easier for the Shawinigan-based company to innovate and implement a comprehensive marketing plan.

The estimated $668,000 project promises to create a dozen jobs within two years. The company already has some 40 employees.

"We are proud to be associated with a competitive and innovative company that distinguishes itself in the Quebec marketplace. It is by making best use of the possibilities offered by foreign markets that our small and medium-sized businesses will expand their consumer bases and secure their long-term prosperity. It is clearly a priority for this government to support these companies, so that they reach their full potential," said Minister Girard.  

Established in 2001, ICO Technologies supplies various markets with a wide range of software packages. It is also the only company in Quebec providing a comprehensive range of fully-integrated solutions relevant to the emergency market (i.e. management of operations in environments such as 9-1-1 / emergency operation centers, civil security organizations and police/fire departments). The BeeON range of products (formerly TARGET 9-1-1) has been highly successful ever since it was created.

"We are prepared to make our solutions available abroad," proudly pointed out Claude Bourassa (Chief Executive Officer), before explaining that the organization has expanded its reach to more than 300 cities and MRCs in Quebec.

For Pierre Giguère, member for Saint-Maurice, this announcement "further demonstrates our continued engagement in helping Shawinigan. This is also very good news for ICO Technologies as the firm is going to create and consolidate quality jobs within the community. This organization, which provides significant economic benefits to the region, remains an inspiring success story," he added.