October 24, 2005
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
KAPUSKASING , ONTARIO -Brent St. Denis, Member of Parliament for AlgomaManitoulinKapuskasing , on behalf of Belinda Stronach, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development and Minister responsible for Democratic Renewal , today announced funding of $80,093 to the North Claybelt Community Futures Development Corporation to promote self-employment in Kapuskasing.
"I am delighted to announce this project that is giving people the resources needed to start their own business," said Mr. St. Denis. "Not only will this project support small business development in the area, but it will also help individuals realize their potential through self-employment."
"The Government of Canada is pleased to provide funding for an initiative designed to help unemployed workers in the Kapuskasing area create and manage their own business," said Minister Stronach. "This project will undoubtedly have a positive impact on the community and the local economy."
Under this project, the North Claybelt Community Futures Development Corporation will provide information sessions, assessments, small business counselling, and one-on-one coaching and mentoring to unemployed individuals in the Kapuskasing area. These services will help 20 new participants develop and implement their business plan in order to sustain self-employment. The organization will also provide support to participants by providing Income Tax information, performing on-site visits, and conducting monthly meetings to review business activities.
The Self-Employment Benefit program provides eligible unemployed participants with income support, planning assistance, and mentoring while they get their business up and running. Financial support-in the form of EI Income Benefits-is provided for a maximum of 52 weeks, or up to 78 weeks for eligible participants who have a disability. Activities funded under the Self-Employment Benefit include business plan development and implementation as well as business and personal skills development-skills such as marketing, presentation, and negotiation techniques.
Today's announcement is linked to the Government of Canada's Workplace Skills Strategy, aimed at helping Canadians acquire the skills they need to find and keep meaningful and productive jobs. The Government of Canada recognizes that Canada 's future competitiveness depends on a highly skilled work force and on high-performance workplaces that focus on skills development.
Funding for this initiative was provided for in the February 2005 federal Budget and is therefore built into the existing fiscal framework. This project has been reviewed to ensure compliance with the Department's administration of its grant and contribution programs and is subject to review under the Financial Administration Act.
PROJECT SUMMARY
Government of Canada contribution:
$80,093 through the Self-Employment Benefit program
Objective: provide information sessions, assessments, small business counselling and one-on-one coaching and mentoring to unemployed individuals in the Kapuskasing area.
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