CDC to distribute funds

Author: Frank Matys

Date: Oct 20, 2009

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Frank Matys

The Orillia Area Community Development Corporation will oversee distribution of $450,000 in federal stimulus funds. Simcoe North MP Bruce Stanton is pictured with CDC president John Smalley.

The clock is ticking for businesses and non-profit groups hoping to score a slice of a $450,000 pie with a short expiration date.
Projects approved for grants through new federal stimulus funding being overseen by the Orillia Area Community Development Corporation must be wrapped up early next year.
“This money has to be spent by March 31, 2010,” CDC president John Smalley told a local gathering.
Businesses, non-profit groups and municipalities are eligible for the recently unveiled grant program, which is open to Orillia, the townships of Oro-Medonte, Severn, and Ramara, and the Chippewas of Rama First Nation.
Applications are invited in five categories: business development; internships; skills development, local initiatives, and so-called community capacity projects, such as affordable housing and youth training.
“We are certainly pleased to have this money available to the community,” Smalley added during the recent announcement.
The federal investment is part of a $30 million fund earmarked for communities served by Community Futures Development Corporations in Southern Ontario.
The fund is an initiative of FedDev Ontario, a federal agency created in response to the province’s economic challenges.
“The global recession has created challenges in every region of our country, and the Orillia area is no exception,” said Simcoe North MP Bruce Stanton. “This fund is one more tool to ensure that workers, businesses and organizations in the Orillia area have the resources they need to succeed.”
The Orillia-area CDC supports sustainable communities through economic development and by assisting small business.
“Frankly, we hope that by the end of the year we have the commitment for all of these funds,” Smalley added.
To view guidelines and evaluation criteria and to download the application form, go to www.orilliacdc.com.
Information luncheons will take place at the CDC office on Oct. 29, Nov. 4 and Nov. 19 at noon.
Call 325-4903.