Microsoft Canada collaborates with Arlene Dickinson to fuel YouInc.com community for entrepreneurs

TORONTO, Oct. 8, 2013 /CNW/ - Microsoft Canada is very proud to announce a new collaboration with one of Canada's most notable business icons, Canadian business leader Arlene Dickinson, in support of her new online community YouInc.com that celebrates and empowers entrepreneurs around the world.

Microsoft Canada is bringing its business technology expertise to YouInc.com, the online community and resource hub for entrepreneurs. The collaboration between the technology leader and a venture capitalist on the CBC hit series Dragons' Den, Arlene Dickinson launched on Wednesday, October 2.

"Microsoft Canada is extremely excited to support this incredible initiative.  We believe that entrepreneurs and SMB's have a significant role in driving innovation in Canada.  Technology is the foundation for successful businesses and we are thrilled that Microsoft Canada will be the platform to enable entrepreneurs and SMB's realize their full potential" said Dennis Cerasoli, Vice President, Small and Midmarket Solutions and Partners Group at Microsoft Canada

As part of the collaboration, Microsoft Canada will co-create new content for YouInc.com on business technology solutions for entrepreneurs, including in-depth articles and features, exclusive offers, and direct access to experts with whom entrepreneurs can interact with for advice on technology challenges they may encounter.

"Technology is the fuel for our growing entrepreneurial economy," said Dickinson. "To be the best in the world, entrepreneurs need to have the technological tools and support which enable them to put their ideas and innovations into tangible, successful action, so I couldn't ask for a better collaborator than Microsoft Canada."

YouInc.com gives entrepreneurs a community through which they can share, connect and grow through help and insights from peers and recognized experts alike. Microsoft Canada has a proud history of working with small and medium sized businesses to provide the full suite of technological solutions to enable them to reach their full potential.

About Microsoft Canada:

Established in 1985, Microsoft Canada Inc. is the Canadian subsidiary of Microsoft Corporation (Nasdaq "MSFT") the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential. Microsoft Canada provides nationwide sales, marketing, consulting and local support services in both French and English. Headquartered in Mississauga, Microsoft Canada has nine regional offices across the country dedicated to empowering people through great software - any time, any place and on any device. For more information on Microsoft Canada, please visit www.microsoft.ca.

About YouInc.com:
Arlene Dickinson launched YouInc.com in October 2012 as part of Arlene Dickinson Enterprises Ltd., a company created to invest in, serve and support entrepreneurs. YouInc.com serves as a member-based platform for entrepreneurs and small and medium-sized business owners around the world.   Over the course of her career, Dickinson has invested in, assisted and advised hundreds of companies from local, sole proprietorships to multi-billion dollar international businesses. In addition to heading up YouInc.com and Arlene Dickinson Enterprises (ADE) which launched in October 2012, Dickinson remains CEO of Venture Communications Ltd., the national marketing company she has owned for more than 25 years, as well as a venture capitalist on the hit CBC series Dragons' Den. www.ArleneDickinson.com.

Website:  www.YouInc.com
Twitter: @YouInc  
Facebook: You Inc
LinkedIn: YouInc

SOURCE: Microsoft Canada Inc.

Andrea Giroux
Veritas Communications
[email protected] / 416-955-4574