Directory of French-Language Services and Entrepreneurial Recognition Award

Location	Nova Scotia
Organization	Conseil de développement économique de la Nouvelle-Écosse(CDÉNÉ)
Description	In Nova Scotia, the CDÉNÉ created a directory of more than 600 businesses that offer services in French. The directory (paper version and electronic version with search engine) allows consumers to search for services offered in French in various sectors throughout the province. In addition, the directory ranks the businesses based on the level of service offered in French using the RDÉE Canada classification system.
Objectives	•  Promote the use of French as a language of business in Nova Scotia • Provide the Acadian and Francophone community with a tool that identifies and promotes businesses that offer services in French • Offer a tool for the identification of services in French for new Francophone arrivals in Nova Scotia
Activities	•  Hiring two students through the Provincial Cooperative Employment Program to implement the project • Research and collection of relevant information from suppliers of services in French (fall 2006) • Identification and confirmation of sponsors (winter 2007) • Advertising campaign to promote listings • Distribution of 5,000 free copies of the directory • Creation of the Entrepreneurial Recognition Award (bilingual services category)
Partners	• Private sector sponsors • Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) • Government of Nova Scotia
Funding	• Private sector sponsorship • ACOA • Government of Nova Scotia • Project management by CDÉNÉ
Results	•  Increased number of postings of business announcing their offer of bilingual services • Increased ability to identify and obtain services in French in Nova Scotia • Increased merchant awareness of serving the public in the language of choice
Ingredients for success	•  Use of a combination of electronic and paper versions improves accessibility •  Hiring students to implement the project
Challenges	• Increase the number of sponsors and the financial participation of partners • Achieve directory self-funding, including its management • Update directory electronically
For additional information	http://www.cdene.ns.ca/ (in French only) 1-866-55CDENE info@cdene.ns.ca