Throughout its short history, FedNor has mirrored the dedication and determination of Northerners to succeed and thrive in the North.

Launched in 1987, the Federal Economic Development Initiative for Northern Ontario has experienced steady growth in the development of new programs, new partners and enhanced funding for communities across the North.

Today, FedNor invests more than $45 million a year directly into programs and services which bring economic benefit to northern communities. An additional $18 million is flowed through the provincial network of Community Futures Development Corporations, strategically located throughout Northern and rural southern Ontario.

On a daily basis, FedNor communicates with a diverse client base, including stakeholders and community representatives from the tourism, transportation, telecommunications and resource-based industry sectors, to small business, health, research and educational institutions, as well as business associations and professional groups. FedNor is also committed to helping traditionally under-represented populations (ie: Aboriginals, Francophones, women and youth) participate more fully in economic development.

As for the future, FedNor will continue to play a strong leadership role in partnership with community and business leaders to facilitate Northern Ontario's transition to a knowledge-based economy and to create a "commerce-friendly" climate where business can thrive.

Together, we'll open doors and build strong futures for a prosperous Northern Ontario!
 
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FedNor's Community Economic Development (CED) Unit assists northern and rural communities to strengthen and diversify their local economies through the Community Futures Program and other initiatives of FedNor and Industry Canada that support economic development at the community level.
The Community Futures Program

CED officers work with community partners, and support a network of Community Futures Development Corporations (CFDCs) which serve most of rural and Northern Ontario.

Each CFDC involves a broad range of people and organizations from local communities in choosing their own priorities for their economic future.

Economic, social, cultural, environmental and other factors important to the community are considered in choosing these priorities.

Community Futures provides resources for building the capacity to adapt to and manage economic change, including:

 

an effective development process

development of people, organizations and infrastructure.

CFDCs are incorporated non-profit organizations governed by a local volunteer board of directors that represent various community interests. With federal contributions and the guidance and support of FedNor's CED officers, local CFDCs pursue their own priorities and strategies for development by creating and implementing a strategic community plan in co-operation with their partners. CFDCs employ professional staff to work with their partners to assemble and co-ordinate the necessary skills and funds to plan and complete projects that build the foundation for a stronger local economy as envisioned in the community plan. They also provide advice, information and referral service to local businesses and entrepreneurs. CFDCs also provide access to capital for small business financing by operating locally governed investment funds, that can provide loans, loan guarantees or equity investments for business start-up, expansion or stabilization.

For more information about services and programs offered in your area, contact the CFDC office nearest you or visit the Ontario CFDC Home Page at: http://www.ontcfdc.com

OACFDC is a Network of Community Futures Development Corporations in partnership with Industry Canada / FedNor: http://www.oacfdc.com