Stepping Stones expands small business potential

Nipissing MPP Monique Smith
News Release

**********************

Stepping Stones celebrated the Summer Solstice and unveiled project strategies and goals thanks to a $100,500 grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF). The Hon. Monique Smith, MPP for Nipissing, joined OTF representative Mary-Lou Arrowsmith in congratulating Stepping Stones at the Summer Solstice Social.

“By providing important support to our entrepreneurs, The Stepping Stones project will serve to strengthen our local business community," said Nipissing MPP Monique Smith. “This Ontario Trillium Foundation grant will help more entrepreneurs in Nipissing and equip them with the tools they need to succeed.”

Over the next two years, the OTF grant will support economic development potential in small businesses by providing skills development opportunities. Funding has been used to hire a project manager to oversee the initiative and promotional material to engage entrepreneurs in the North Bay area. “This grant will help to expand small business learning opportunities by developing and delivering small business workshops,” said Project Manager Jenn Galan.

“NECO CFDC and its board of directors are extremely pleased with the generous support from the Ontario Trillium Foundation. The funding will insure that entrepreneurial growth and economic development will continue to grow in the region,” stated Patricia Aspin Lecour, NECO Executive Director.

Delivered by NECO Community Futures Development Corporation, Stepping Stones assists new entrepreneurs by providing low cost office space, business consultation, learning opportunities and resources. Stepping Stones is attempting to fill a void by for new entrepreneurial and building a hub by working with community and business partners.

A leading grantmaker in Canada, the Ontario Trillium Foundation strengthens the capacity of the voluntary sector through investments in community-based initiatives. An agency of the Government of Ontario, OTF builds healthy and vibrant communities. www.trilliumfoundation.org

**********************