Government of Canada supports small businesses in southern ontario through Canada’s Economic Action Plan

September 23, 2009

Niagara Falls— The Honourable Rob Nicholson P.C., Q.C., M.P. for Niagara Falls, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, on behalf of the Honourable Gary Goodyear, Minister of State (Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario), today announced the South Niagara Community Future Development Corporation will receive an investment of $1,025,000. to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) — key drivers of economic activity in Southern Ontario.

Southern Ontario’s 37 CFDCs will receive a total of $30 million from the Government of Canada’s Community Adjustment Fund (CAF) in 2009–2010. This funding is part of the $350 million that the CAF will receive over two years for projects in Ontario. The new measures will increase access to capital and business support for rural SMEs by enhancing products and services offered by Ontario CFDCs.

“Through FedDev Ontario, the Government of Canada is taking an active role in this transformation of Southern Ontario’s economy and in helping to position the region for long-term economic sustainability,” said Minister Nicholson.

“Job creation and economic development are key priorities we share with the federal government,” said Sandy White, chair of the South Niagara Community Futures Development Corporation. “This new federal program will help fund business start ups and expansions as well as funding key community projects and initiatives.  I am pleased the federal dollars will deliver direct economic benefits to our territory.”

“This investment will help rural communities strengthen and diversify their local economies,” said Minister of State Goodyear. “It will also give SMEs in Southern Ontario opportunities to grow and create new jobs.”

Recently, the Government of Canada proposed a five-point stimulus plan for CFDCs in Ontario to improve access to capital for rural SMEs. The points focus on:

• increased capitalization for additional loans;
• increased loan cap from $150 000 to $250 000 per loan;
• increased operating dollars (up to $100 000 per CFDC) to allow CFDCs to perform outreach and get more loans out, more quickly;
• enhanced partnerships with the Business Development Bank of Canada and other commercial lenders; and
• heightened awareness of CFDCs and the services they provide.

CFDCs are community-based, not-for-profit organizations funded through the Community Futures Program. They are run by boards of local volunteers and are staffed by professionals who encourage entrepreneurship and the pursuit of economic opportunities. CFDCs offer a variety of business and community economic development services, including business planning and guidance, access to capital, and strategic community planning.

To find out more, visit the Ontario CFDCs website.