New small business centre announced for Nipissing First Nation

Nipissing MPP Monique Smith
News Release

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A new, small business centre for the Nipissing First Nation will help create jobs and support our local economy.

The Ontario government is providing $501,500 through the Aboriginal Community Capital Grants Program (ACCGP) to help build the facility. The centre will provide support services for business activity, enabling local First Nation entrepreneurs to establish businesses in the community and create jobs for members of the Nipissing First Nation. This project is expected to generate new short-term construction jobs and ongoing economic benefits for the broader community.

Construction is expected to begin in May, with completion set for December 2012.

The program is part of the government’s Open Ontario Plan to help strengthen Northern and Aboriginal communities, create jobs and support economic development.

“The Aboriginal Community Capital Grants Program continues to fund important community projects,” Said Monique Smith, MPP for Nipissing. “These investments lead to new economic and social opportunities, helping improve the quality of life for Aboriginal communities, and creating a better Ontario.”

“Investing in community and small business centres in First Nation communities benefits all of Ontario. These investments provide communities with a gathering place and enable them to participate more fully in Ontario’s economy,” said Chris Bentley, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs.

“This is a much appreciated contribution from the Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs, Aboriginal Community Capital Grants Program. Through the hard work of ACCGP staff and the Nipissing First Nation, the small business centre is no longer a dream, but now a reality for our First Nation. The financial assistance to our Small Business Centre project will take us closer to realizing our goals in providing much needed spaces to a wide variety of businesses and programs on Nipissing First Nation and creating long term, sustainable, meaningful employment for our First Nation members,” said Nipissing First Nation Chief, Marianna Couchie.

QUICK FACTS

 The Aboriginal Community Capital Grants Program helps First Nations and Aboriginal organizations build or improve community centres and small business centres across the province.

 Since October 2003, 91 projects have been completed under the program, helping to improve quality of life and support local businesses in over 50 Aboriginal communities.

 Nipissing First Nation is located approximately seven kilometres west of North Bay, Ontario.

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