Government Of Canada Invests Nearly $300,000 To Benefit Local Small Business Sector And Community Economic Development

June 20, 2008

PORT COLBORNE — The Government of Canada is continuing to support the growth and success of communities and the small business sector in rural Southwestern Ontario with an investment in the South Niagara Community Futures Development Corporation (CFDC).

A federal investment of $297,500 was announced today by the Honourable Robert Nicholson, Member of Parliament for Niagara Falls, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, on behalf of the Honourable Tony Clement, Minister of Health and Minister for FedNor. The funding will support the organization’s ongoing operations over the next year.

“The South Niagara CFDC has grown to become a vital contributor to the economic prosperity of the entire region and our Government is proud to support their ongoing efforts,” stated Minister Nicholson. “This funding will allow the CFDC to continue to foster economic diversification, strengthen the small business sector, and create jobs.”

As reaffirmed in Budget 2008, the Government of Canada is making investments in people, knowledge, modern infrastructure and a sound and efficient financial sector to provide the foundation for local people and companies to succeed locally and in the global economy.

The South Niagara CFDC provides services to enhance local economic development and small business growth, including access to capital, business counselling, community-based projects, strategic community planning and socio-economic development.
                                               
“We are proud of the leadership role we have played in the region for more than 21 years,” said Sandy White, Chair of the South Niagara CFDC. “With this continuing financial support and with the confidence shown in us by FedNor, we can build on our past success and contribute to a prosperous future for the businesses and residents of Port Colborne, Niagara Falls, Fort Erie and Wainfleet.”   
                                                 
The South Niagara CFDC is one of 61 Community Futures Development Corporations in rural and Northern Ontario funded by FedNor’s Community Futures Program.
                                               
To find out more about Ontario CFDCs, visit: http://cfdc-ontario.ic.gc.ca