CANADA’S NEW GOVERNMENT INVESTS $290,000 TO BENEFIT SMALL AND MEDIUM-SIZED BUSINESSES IN CHATHAM-KENT AREA

May 24, 2007

Blenheim, Ontario — Chatham–Kent–Essex MP, Dave Van Kesteren, on behalf of the Honourable Tony Clement, Minister of Health and Minister for FedNor, today announced a federal contribution of $290,000 to the Community Futures Development Corporation (CFDC) of Chatham-Kent in support of its ongoing operations over the next year.

“Canada’s New Government understands the important role small and medium-sized enterprises play in strengthening the economy of our rural communities,” said Mr. Van Kesteren. “This investment of $290,000 in the CFDC of Chatham-Kent will assist local entrepreneurs looking to start up a new business, and existing enterprises wanting to expand their operations.”

Budget 2007, announced March 19th in Ottawa, introduced a number of key initiatives in support of the small business sector, including:
• reducing the federal paper burden on small business;
• reducing the tax compliance burden on small business; and
• introducing tax reductions which will lower Canada’s tax rate on new business investment.

The CFDC of Chatham-Kent provides services to support local economic development and small business growth, including: access to capital, business services, community-based projects, and strategic community planning and socio-economic development.

Over the last year, the CFDC of Chatham-Kent invested $447,350 in small and medium-sized businesses in the region, resulting in the creation or maintenance of 82 full and part-time jobs, and contributing to an enhanced business community.

“This funding allows us to have a greater impact on our communities by providing services and tools the people and businesses of this region need,” said Anne Gilbert, Chair of the CFDC of Chatham-Kent. “We look forward to continuing our work with community stakeholders to create prosperity in Chatham-Kent.”

The CFDC of Chatham-Kent is one of 61 Community Futures Development Corporations in rural and Northern Ontario funded by FedNor’s Community Futures Program.

To find out more about Ontario CFDCs, visit: http://cfdc-ontario.ic.gc.ca