North Claybelt Community Futures Development Corporation to create opportunities for youth, communities and entrepreneurs in the Kapuskasing region
News release
The local grassroots organization will deliver youth entrepreneurship training, community economic development and business growth services thanks to an investment of $3.6 million from the Government of Canada
March 3, 2020 – Kapuskasing, ON – Federal Economic Development Initiative for Northern Ontario – FedNor
For more than 30 years, the North Claybelt Community Futures Development Corporation (CFDC) has been helping local entrepreneurs start or expand their businesses, and communities strengthen their economy. The community-based, not-for-profit organization provides a full range of business development services, including access to capital, mentoring, information and referrals, as well as support for community economic development and special projects.
The North Claybelt CFDC is run by a volunteer board and staffed by experienced business and economic development professionals.
Fostering the next generation of Canadian entrepreneurs
North Claybelt CFDC is a leader among its peers in the development of innovative initiatives that seek to encourage and train existing and would-be entrepreneurs. These initiatives include Entrepreneur Francophone Plus, which provides support to Francophone small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to improve their competitiveness, and the Head Start in Business, which provides entrepreneurship training to youth between the ages of 5 and 29.
Head Start in Business is now being delivered across Northern Ontario as a partnership initiative between the region’s 24 CFDCs and more than 140 community stakeholders. North Claybelt CFDC will use an investment of $2 million from the Government of Canada to administer the highly successful pan-northern youth training initiative for a three-year period.
Supporting the growth of communities and small businesses
Through its small business financing and counselling services, the North Claybelt CFDC supports the development and growth of local SMEs. In fact, since 2016, the North Claybelt CFDC has helped more than 185 local businesses to create or maintain more than 221 jobs across the region. The organization also supports communities in their efforts to build the local economy through strategic planning and economic development projects.
The North Claybelt CFDC will continue to provide its broad range of programs and services to local businesses and communities for the next five years thanks to a Government of Canada investment of $1.6 million.
As part of a visit to Kapuskasing, the Honourable Filomena Tassi, Minister of Labour, announced the FedNor funding totalling $3.6 million in support of the two projects with the North Claybelt CFDC. This announcement was made on behalf of the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages
Quotes
“Community Futures organizations throughout the country are helping small and rural communities strengthen their economy. Every region is unique and these locally run organizations are delivering tailored solutions thanks to support from the Government of Canada. Today’s announcement supports entrepreneurs of all ages in Kapuskasing and across Northern Ontario, and contributes to growing our economy and creating good-quality jobs.”
– The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages and Minister responsible for FedNor
“Business owners and entrepreneurs are the lifeblood of Northern Ontario’s economy. This investment in the North Claybelt CFDC is helping to strengthen and diversify the local economy, while enhancing business growth and the economic outlook for youth, municipalities and Indigenous communities throughout the region.”
– The Honourable Filomena Tassi, Minister of Labour
“I would like to thank the Government of Canada for its continued support for the Head Start in Business initiative. This investment will ensure our future leaders have the training they need to fully contribute to Northern Ontario’s economy and will help decrease youth out-migration across the North. Today’s announcement also allows our organization to continue supporting new and existing businesses, as well as job creation in the region. ”
– Gilbert Peters, Vice-Chair, North Claybelt CFDC
Quick facts
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FedNor is the Government of Canada’s economic development organization for Northern Ontario. It works closely with businesses and community partners to build a stronger Northern Ontario. FedNor offers programs and services, as well as financial support of projects that lead to job creation and economic growth.
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The investments announced today were provided through FedNor’s Northern Ontario Development Program and the Community Futures Program, which support projects that promote sustainable community economic development, enhance business development and growth, and facilitate innovation.
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The Honourable Mélanie Joly is the Minister responsible for the six regional development agencies, including FedNor.
Associated links
Contacts
Alexander Cohen
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages
alexander.cohen2@canada.ca
Brian Williamson
Director of Communications
FedNor
705-280-0075
brian.williamson@canada.ca