Government of Canada supports business development and growth in the Sudbury East and West Nipissing regions

News release

FedNor investment to assist up to 75 businesses over five years and create or maintain 180 jobs

April 15, 2021 – Sturgeon Falls, ON – Federal Economic Development Initiative for Northern Ontario – FedNor

Across the country, Community Futures Development Corporations (CFDCs) are helping entrepreneurs start or expand their businesses, and investing in communities to strengthen the economy. In Northern Ontario, these community-based, not-for-profit organizations are working hard to create jobs and provide a full range of business development services, including access to capital, mentoring, information and referrals, as well as support for community economic development, recovery efforts and special projects.

Marc G. Serré, Member of Parliament for Nickel Belt, and Paul Lefebvre, Member of Parliament for Sudbury, today announced a Government of Canada investment of $1.6 million to help create jobs and maximize business and economic opportunities in the region that includes Dokis First Nation, French River, Markstay-Warren, St. Charles, Nipissing First Nation and West Nipissing. The announcement was made on behalf of the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages and Minister responsible for FedNor.

Provided through the Community Futures Program, administered by FedNor in Northern Ontario, this targeted investment will enable Economic Partners Sudbury East-West Nipissing Inc. to offer business counselling and access to capital services, as well as support community strategic planning initiatives. This five-year initiative is expected to assist up to 75 businesses and create or maintain 180 jobs.

Today’s announcement highlights the Government of Canada’s ongoing commitment to support small businesses as they overcome the impacts of COVID-19. Initiatives like these will ensure that small businesses, which are the backbone of the Canadian economy, can play a major role in Canada’s economic recovery, create jobs and maximize opportunities for growth.

Quotes

“Canada’s economic recovery depends on the health of small and medium-sized businesses across the country, including in the Sudbury East and West Nipissing regions, which is why we continue to have their backs. Through regional development organizations, like FedNor in Northern Ontario, we are proud to be supporting businesses in their efforts to develop, grow and diversify the economy.”
- The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages and Minister responsible for FedNor

“There is no doubt that small businesses are the backbone of our economy. Our government recognizes the important role that Community Futures Development Corporations play in supporting small business and economic diversification. I am pleased that today’s announcement will help create and maintain jobs, while accelerating growth and improving the economy in the Sudbury East and West Nipissing regions.”
- Marc G. Serré, Member of Parliament for Nickel Belt.

“Small businesses are important to Canada’s economy because they provide jobs for Canadians, contribute to communities through taxes, fuel innovation and offer potential for future growth. I’m proud that today’s announcement will help maximize business and economic opportunities made possible through our government’s support of Economic Partners Sudbury East-West Nipissing Inc.”
- Paul Lefebvre, Member of Parliament for Sudbury

“We are pleased to partner with FedNor and the Government of Canada to champion community economic development, assist with business start ups and support growth in our region. The funding announced today will enable us to continue our important work to create jobs and strengthen the regional economy.”
- Claude Bouffard, Board Chair, Economic Partners Sudbury East-West Nipissing Inc.

Quick facts

  • The funding announced today is provided through FedNor’s Community Futures Program (CFP), which supports projects that promote sustainable community economic development, enhance business development and growth, and facilitate innovation.

  • Based in Sturgeon Falls, Economic Partners Sudbury East-Nipissing West Inc. is one of 24 Community Futures Development Corporations (CFDCs) funded by FedNor to serve Northern Ontario businesses and communities.

  • CFDCs are community-based, not-for-profit organizations run by volunteer boards and staffed by experienced business and economic development professionals.

Associated links

Contacts

Catherine Mounier-Desrochers
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Economic
Development and Official Languages
catherine.mounier-desrochers@canada.ca

Barclay Babcock
Communications Officer
FedNor
705-690-0957
barclay.babcock@canada.ca

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