Evaluation of Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada's Bizpal Service

Evaluation Purpose and Methodology In accordance with the Policy on Evaluation and the Directive on the Evaluation Function, the purpose of this evaluation was to assess the core issues of relevance and performance of Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) BizPaL Service. [...] A pilot program was completed in March 2006 with the participation of the provinces of Ontario and British Columbia, the Yukon Territory, the cities of Kamloops and Whitehorse and the Region of Halton. [...] Audit and Evaluation Branch Evaluation of Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada’s BizPaL Service November 2015 The Importance of Small and Medium Sized Business to the Economy With the small and medium sized business population making up the vast majority of Canadian businesses, BizPaL’s target audience is a vital contributor to the economy. [...] To assess the quality of the BizPaL Service, the evaluators reviewed content management (the review, verification and updating of content in the BizPaL database) and quality reporting as well as the number and nature of enhancements made to the website based on client needs research and usability testing findings. [...] In summary, despite the recognition by NBO and the partners that quality of the content in the BizPaL database is critical, challenges exist because of roles and procedures for the maintenance of the service.