THUNDER BAY, Ontario, August 14, 2013 – The Honourable Greg Rickford, Minister of State for Science and Technology, and FedNor, and Minister Responsible for the Ring of Fire, today announced a Harper Government investment to help the Nishnawbe Aski Development Fund create jobs, enhance entrepreneurial and business planning skills, and promote business development and growth in Northwestern Ontario.
“Our Government is committed to ensuring entrepreneurs and businesses across Canada have the right tools and expertise they need to take advantage of economic development opportunities that lead to job creation, economic growth and the long-term prosperity of our communities,” said Minister Rickford. “Today’s announcement does just that by enabling the Nishnawbe Aski Development Fund to provide targeted support to First Nation businesses throughout the region, giving them the tools to seize and capitalize on opportunities related to the development of the Ring of Fire, right here in Northern Ontario.”
With a FedNor investment of $4,427,212 over three years, Nishnawbe Aski Development Fund (NADF) will offer a variety of business development services, including marketing and communications, strategic planning, and project management. Resources will be available to First Nation communities serviced by NADF, with a strong focus on the nine Matawa communities, to help them successfully develop business opportunities and derive long-term economic benefit from mining-related developments.
Nishnawbe Aski Development Fund (NADF) is a federally funded Aboriginal Financial Institution that provides financing, business support, and economic development services to Aboriginal businesses in Northern Ontario. In addition to the variety of programs it offers, NADF is a Community Futures Development Corporation that provides small and medium-sized enterprises with access to capital and business counselling services.
“We are excited about this strategic funding as it will help enhance entrepreneurial and business skills, increase business opportunities for our youth, and ensure the long-term sustainability of new businesses in our communities by providing the support services they need,” said Arlene Jung, Chair of Nishnawbe Aski Development Fund.
The funding announced today is provided through FedNor’s Northern Ontario Development Program, which supports projects that strengthen community economic development, enhance business growth, and facilitate innovation throughout the region.
“Our Government remains focused on providing the right environment for economic growth, through effective cooperation across all sectors, to keep Canadians working and to ensure the long-term prosperity of all our communities,” concluded Minister Rickford.
To learn more about our programs and services, please visit: fednor.gc.ca and follow us on Twitter @FedNor
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For more information, please contact:
Mary Ann Dewey-Plante
Director of Communications
Office of the Honourable Greg Rickford
613-943-6177
Kim Fewchuk
Communications Officer
FedNor
705-971-4112 or 1-877-333-6673 Ext 306