Skip to content

Clement announces $1.9 million in FedNor funding for the region

Nipissing-Timiskaming MP Jay Aspin was very happy to welcome FedNor Minister Tony Clement to Nipissing University Thursday afternoon as the minister brought greetings by way of $1.9 million in funding for five initiatives in the region.
Nipissing-Timiskaming MP Jay Aspin was very happy to welcome FedNor Minister Tony Clement to Nipissing University Thursday afternoon as the minister brought greetings by way of $1.9 million in funding for five initiatives in the region.

Clement, who was clearly pleased to be making the announcement, said the funding is meant to support business development and trade, and help create jobs in the North Bay region.

“The Harper government is investing in initiatives that enhance business development and competitiveness, helping growth-oriented companies reach their full potential,” said Minister Clement.

“Today’s announcement will not only create jobs to fuel the local economy, it will also pave the way for long-term growth and prosperity.”

“These investments demonstrate how our government is working with local organizations and businesses to capitalize on economic development opportunities and create jobs,” added Aspin.

“We are committed to supporting Northern Ontario communities diversify their economy.”



Groups receiving funds are :

NECO Community Futures Development Corporation (CFDC) $960,000
A FedNor investment of $960,000 will enable the NECO CFDC to provide small and medium-sized businesses with access to capital and business counselling services, as well as support for regional community economic development and planning activities for a three-year period. Based in North Bay, the NECO CFDC is one of 24 such organizations funded by FedNor to serve Northern Ontario businesses and communities.

Réseau de développement économique et d’employabilité de l’Ontario (RDÉE) $605,610
FedNor funding of $605,610 will enable this Francophone organization to implement an export development program in Northern Ontario entitled Affaires et Alliances. The program will focus on activities that promote economic and commercial development opportunities for small and medium-sized businesses in various sectors such as manufacturing, natural resources, agri-food and tourism.

Innovation Initiatives Ontario North $264,000
FedNor funding of $264,000 will allow Innovation Initiatives Ontario North to implement the Step Forward Entrepreneurs Program designed to enhance innovation, commercialization, management and trade capacity within small and medium businesses. The two-year program will help entrepreneurs in the Nipissing–Temiskaming, West Nipissing and Parry Sound–Muskoka regions grow their businesses and create jobs.

Nipissing University $23,400
The Biomass Innovation Centre at Nipissing University will benefit from a FedNor investment of $23,400 to develop a biomass strategy and road map for the region. The project aims to assess the current state of biomass developments and provide a targeted approach to the establishment of a vibrant biomass cluster in the Nipissing region.

YOUTH INITIATIVES $27,500
Wip Ware Inc.
FedNor funding of $27,500 will enable Wip Ware Inc. to hire a youth intern to complete an analysis of operational systems to help improve the company’s quality assurance process and its products. The intern’s responsibilities will include reviewing designs, testing products, and helping develop a prototype system to be evaluated in the laboratory and tested in the field. Wip Ware Inc. is a locally-based, private-sector company specializing in optical measurements and analysis tools.