The Government of Ontario is investing more than $2.3 million to support business growth in Muskoka.
According to officials, the funding is part of a more than $20 million provincial investment supporting 22 projects led by Community Futures Development Corporations (CFDCs) across northern Ontario.
Officials said the funding aims to help create and maintain more than 1,100 jobs through business expansion, community growth and economic activity.
The Bracebridge-based Muskoka Community Futures Development Corporation will receive $1.5 million in operational funding over five years as part of this investment. The province said this funding stream will enable the organization to support community strategic planning initiatives and provide small and medium-sized enterprises with access to capital and business counselling services.
Additionally, the organization will receive $812,500 over three years to coordinate training and professional development for the Community Futures Northeastern Ontario network, which includes 16 CFDCs.
CFDCs are not-for-profit organizations staffed by professionals and governed by local volunteer boards of directors familiar with their communities’ needs, concerns and future development priorities.
Provincial officials said last year alone, the Community Futures Program supported 1,092 businesses and more than 1,100 jobs across Northern Ontario.
“Strong businesses, municipalities and First Nation communities are key to a thriving regional economy. By providing critical support to Canadians across the country, we are helping business and community partners adapt to rapidly evolving social and economic realities,” said Patty Hajdu, Minister of Jobs and Families and Minister responsible for FedNor. “Here at home, this means making life better for entrepreneurs, business, families and individuals living and working in our region.”
