Ottawa organization to launch programming to help Francophone newcomers expand their businesses with support from the Government of Canada
News release
Le Conseil Économique et Social d'Ottawa-Carleton (CÉSOC) to support 100 Francophone entrepreneurs and 50 businesses
August 22, 2024 – Ottawa, Ontario
Strong Francophone communities are an integral part of the social, cultural and economic fabric of Canada. By working with Francophone businesses and organizations, the Government of Canada is helping them reach their potential and create new possibilities for all Canadians.
Le Conseil Économique et Social d’Ottawa-Carleton (CÉSOC), through its entrepreneurial unit CACIA (CÉSOC Business Community for Incubation and Acceleration of Enterprises), is a non-profit organization which plays a key role in supporting Francophone businesses and newcomers as they launch and grow their businesses in Eastern Ontario. Today, the Honourable Mona Fortier, Member of Parliament for Ottawa–Vanier, visited CÉSOC in Ottawa to meet with the organization and learn about its upcoming new CACIA-IDE (Economic Development Initiative) program that will launch in September 2024.
The CACIA-IDE program will provide specific tools and resources to help Francophone entrepreneurs and newcomers in Eastern Ontario. The goal of the program is to coach growing businesses by offering them access to key resources and a network of experienced mentors, and also to develop a leadership program for young entrepreneurs. This program will include training, interactive sessions and more.
While there, MP Fortier announced a $589,580 FedDev Ontario investment towards these initiatives which will support up to 100 Francophone entrepreneurs, including 50 businesses through the CACIE-IDE program. The announcement was made on behalf of the Honourable Filomena Tassi, Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario).
When we build a more inclusive economy, we build a strong economy that works for everyone. The Government of Canada remains committed to creating opportunities for Francophone businesses and entrepreneurs across southern Ontario by providing the tools to facilitate sustainable growth.
Quotes
“Organizations like CÉSOC are creating a strong, inclusive economy by providing critical tools and opportunities to Francophone newcomers as they set down roots, expand their businesses, and create jobs across Eastern Ontario. The Government of Canada is pleased to support these efforts, as we work together to strengthen Francophone communities and opportunities for entrepreneurs.”
- The Honourable Filomena Tassi, Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario
“Le Conseil Économique et Social d’Ottawa-Carleton (CÉSOC) is an important Francophone organization that is having significant impacts on our community. Together we are creating conditions for new Francophone businesses and entrepreneurs to succeed now and in the future.”
- The Honourable Mona Fortier, Member of Parliament for Ottawa–Vanier
“The CACIA-IDE program is a crucial initiative to support the Francophone community of Eastern Ontario. Through this project, we will be able not only to offer resources and mentoring to entrepreneurs launching and growing their businesses, but also to reinforce our region’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. We are grateful to FedDev Ontario for this investment which will have a lasting impact on the economic integration and success of Francophone newcomers.”
- Jephtée Élysée, Associate Executive Director, Le Conseil Économique et Social d’Ottawa-Carleton
Quick facts
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Founded in 1994, CÉSOC plays a key role in providing French-speaking immigrants with the tools needed for their long-term success in Eastern Ontario, more specifically in the Ottawa region.
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FedDev Ontario delivers $800,000 annually through the national Economic Development Initiative (EDI), which is a key component under the Government’s Action Plan for Official Languages 2023-2028. The EDI supports projects that encourage economic diversification, business development, innovation, partnerships and increased support for small- and medium-sized enterprises in Official Language Minority Communities. Applications are now being accepted.
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Today’s investment aligns with the Government’s Action Plan for Official Languages 2023-2028, totalling more than $4.1 billion over five years, and aimed at promoting the vitality of our OLMCs.
Associated links
Contacts
Edward Hutchinson
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario
Edward.hutchinson@feddevontario.gc.ca
FedDev Ontario
Media Relations
media@feddevontario.gc.ca
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