In the past week, the federal government has announced that five funding programs associated with the Department of Canadian Heritage will be cut as of March 31, 2009.

Chief among these programs is Trade Routes, which provides assistance for producers of cultural products to travel to foreign markets and showcase their content. Also affected is the National Training Schools Program, which has provided funding for important institutions such as the Canadian Film Centre, Institut National d'Image et du Son (INIS) and the Banff Centre for the Arts.

Michael A. Mendoza interviews Debbie Schmidt Johnson of M & S Solutions about her recent meeting with a group of Canadians participating in SXSWi 2008 and shares a few thoughts on growing a business in Texas.

Austin is a city that celebrates the entrepreneur. Debbie moved to Austin in 2006, and it turns out that it is the perfect place to share her knack for growing a successful business.

Digital Content Creation Entrepreneurs Network (DC²EN) Incubation Program

This is an opportunity not to be missed. Project teams will receive training, business development advice, high-level networking opportunities and significant access to distinguished mentors and facilities. Qualified companies will receive 100% sponsorship for participation in this program valued at approximately $50,000.00 CDN.

Digital Content Creation Entrepreneurs Network (DC²EN) Incubation Program

This is an opportunity not to be missed. Project teams will receive training, business development advice, high-level networking opportunities and significant access to distinguished mentors and facilities. Qualified companies will receive 100% sponsorship for participation in this program valued at approximately $50,000.00 CDN.

Advanced Education and Technology is considering developing an electronic game to engage and inform students about careers in the Trades and thereby increase the number of students pursuing Trades education. The goal is to enhance parents and learners’ knowledge and awareness of Alberta’s advanced learning system through a collaborative, awareness and mentorship campaign. If you a Digital Alberta member, you may request a copy of this RFP by emailing info@digitalalberta.com.

New high-tech business environment marks next frontier in diversification of Alberta's economy

Increasing the number of new companies in emerging advanced technology sectors is the goal of Alberta’s action plan Bringing Technology to Market. This $178-million plan highlights a range of coordinated actions - from a research and development tax credit to increased investment capital to technology-specific business supports and new technopreneurship projects.

A conversation with Edmonton’s leading broadband network company, Statusfirm.

Business Week's special January 2008 report says that the traditional broadcast model of "take-what-we-offer-you" is being replaced by the new consumer demand for a "give-me-what-I-want-when-I-want-it" model. It’s a fundamental shift in the way television programming is delivered as the control of programs and content move out of the hands of the traditional broadcasters and into the hands of the viewer.

nextMEDIA – The Future of Digital Content wrapped Sunday in Banff, Alberta, concluding two days and three evenings of presentations, keynote addresses, workshops, and networking events. This was the fourth year for the event, which has consistently delivered a ‘look forward’ on issues affecting both the broadcast and digital media sectors.

This past weekend, nextMEDIA 2008 was held in Banff, Alberta, sold-out again for the second year in a row. Attending nextMEDIA were some of the top executives, producers and creators working in the field of digital content and media, converging from around the world to talk about the future of entertainment in a multiplatform world. One of the most talked about panels at nextMEDIA was "Harnessing the Power of Social Media Platforms", presented by Digital Alberta, Banff New Media Institute and Calgary Economic Development.

Digital Alberta is sponsoring another Market Access Program for the Casual Games Industry. From July 23 to 25th, Casual Connect Seattle brings together the most talented and knowledgeable experts in the casual gaming field with the best of networking and learning. This is the premiere event for the casual games industry with over 3,000 professionals attending, including Real Games, Big Fish, Microsoft Casual Games, Pogo, Mumbo Jumbo, Pop Cap, Real arcade and more.