While the Canadian tech sector remains stronger than the United States, layoffs are occurring. And given the current economic downturn, a program created several years by a Carleton University professor to create new companies and jobs is being dusted off.

The LEAD TO WIN course was first offered in 2002 with practical business advice for would-be entrepreneurs, and is returning yet again.

"We're going to take about 30 people to start with, and if past history is any lesson, about 15 companies will be created and a couple may be more than 100 employees," says Professor Tony Bailetti, who created the Carleton program.

The first course created about 300 jobs and attracted more than $100 million in investment.

"I looked at this program as a way to go beyond what I know now," says Kelly McDonald, recently let go by Nortel after eight years and now working on his MBA and a new business idea.

Mike Foster has started up and been CEO of two companies, and now he has a new idea.

"It's all about knowledge," Foster says. "It's about learning new things about new ways to get a company going in the current economy."

Two successful Ottawa tech entrepreneurs both took the LEAD TO WIN course seven years ago: Brian Hurley, who started Liquid Computing, and David Vicary, founder of Nakina Systems.

Both men say the help continues long after the teaching is over, and plan to act as mentors when the course begins in May.

"The real differentiator for this program is that you come into the program with an idea for a business, and then you are helped to develop that idea," says Vicary.

Ottawa Mayor Larry O'Brien, himself a tech entrepreneur, was quick to offer city support for LEAD TO WIN after hearing of its resurgence.

"I think this approach is the only (one) to take because it combines practical advice with measureable progress," O'Brien says.

Erin Kelly, executive director of the Ottawa Chamber of Commerce, plans to tell her counterparts in other cities about the idea. Her group is working on money and contacts for potential customers for the new firms.