The Canadian government's Economic Action Plan was designed and legislated earlier this year to provide economic stimulus and fiscal assistance to segments of the country in need as a result of the recent global recession. One such area that has received special government attention is the rural region of eastern Ontario.
Over the next two years, $20 million of stimulus funds will be provided by the Federal government for the Eastern Ontario Development Program (EODP). EODP will be administered by a new government agency, the Southern Ontario Development Agency, currently being established. EODP is designed to contribute to the successful development of business and job opportunities by supporting community-based initiatives in rural communities. These funded opportunities will hopefully attract and retain youth in the communities, support skills development, make capital available to new and existing businesses, and support technological enhancements in these communities located far from the major urban centres of the province.
The rural area of Eastern Ontario extends east from Durham Region and Algonquin Park and is bounded by the border of Quebec. Not included in this program are the cities of Kingston and Ottawa.
In order to make these funds available to a broad range of residents, EODP eligibility is open to non-profit organizations (including municipalities), Aboriginal organizations, community development associations and organizations, local entrepreneurs, and small to medium sized businesses within the administered region.
Organizations requiring detailed information on eligibility and applications should contact a local Industry Canada officer. Officer information can be obtained from the Industry Canada web site.
No comments:
Post a Comment