Today, Marc G. Serré, Member of Parliament for Nickel Belt and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources and to the Minister of Official Languages, announced a significant Government of Canada investment of $999,620. This funding will enable the LaCloche Manitoulin Business Assistance Corporation (LAMBAC) to continue delivering the Northern Ontario Women (NOW) program across Northern Ontario. The announcement was made on behalf of the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services and Minister responsible for FedNor.
Supporting Women Entrepreneurs
The NOW program offers up to $5,000 to women-owned and women-led small businesses, helping cover the cost of professional and training services. This support aims to address challenges faced by women entrepreneurs, particularly in rural areas where services and training are often scarce or unaffordable. Led by LAMBAC, the NOW program is supported by all 24 of Northern Ontario’s Community Futures Development Corporations (CFDCs), which promote the program and deliver local training events. This initiative is expected to support over 110 businesses and create 145 full-time jobs.
Since its inception in 2019, the NOW program has supported nearly 400 women-owned and led businesses, leading to the expansion and modernization of over 260 businesses and the creation of more than 300 full-time jobs in Northern Ontario.
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Quotes from Leaders
“This investment provides the supports and training women entrepreneurs need to succeed. It helps women-owned, women-led businesses grow, create jobs, and build a fair economy in Northern Ontario.”
— The Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services and Minister responsible for FedNor
“From tackling pay equity to modernizing parental leave, the federal government is taking action on gender equality. When women succeed, we all succeed. Today’s announcement is fantastic news for our regional economy and an inspiring message to all women in Northern Ontario considering entrepreneurship as a career.”
— Marc Serré, Member of Parliament for Nickel Belt and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources and to the Minister of Official Languages
“This strong show of support from FedNor will help level the economic playing field for women entrepreneurs across Northern Ontario. The continuation of NOW will support more than 110 women-led businesses and create close to 145 full-time jobs throughout the region. We are proud to spearhead this priority project that empowers women to pursue their entrepreneurial aspirations, while supporting jobs, growth, and a strong economy.”
— Carolyn Campbell, Executive Director, LAMBAC
Quick Facts
- LAMBAC: One of 24 CFDCs funded by FedNor, supporting small and medium-sized businesses and community economic development. LAMBAC provides small business loans and resources, administering local investment funds to help finance new or existing businesses and social enterprises for start-up, expansion, or stabilization, maintaining or creating jobs.
- FedNor’s Northern Ontario Development Program (NODP): Funds announced today are provided through this program, which invests in projects led by municipalities, First Nations, and other organizations that support community economic development, diversification, job creation, and self-reliant communities in Northern Ontario.
- Impact: Since 2015, FedNor has provided over $314 million in NODP funding to support 894 projects across Northern Ontario.
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For more information on how this initiative supports women entrepreneurs and other immigration services, contact Skynet Immigration. Our experienced team, led by RCIC Salekur Rahman, is here to guide you every step of the way.
