FedDev Ontario invests over $3 million in Collège La Cité to expand its services to communities across southern Ontario and to provide targeted business and training support to over 80 entrepreneurs
Strong, vibrant Francophone communities are key to unlocking the potential of the Canadian economy. By working with Francophone academia, businesses, organizations and leading institutions, the Government of Canada is helping them reach their potential and create new possibilities for all Canadians. This includes organizations led by women, Indigenous communities, members of 2SLGBTQI+ communities, newcomers to Canada and racialized people.
Today, on behalf of the Honourable Filomena Tassi, Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario), the Honourable Mona Fortier, Member of Parliament for Ottawa-Vanier, announced an investment of over $3 million for Collège La Cité (La Cité) to expand its service to communities across southern Ontario and to provide targeted business and training support to over 80 entrepreneurs. In keeping with the spirit of la Journée internationale de la Francophonie, celebrated on March 20, this announcement highlights Francophones' significant contributions to our country and its heritage.
La Cité is Ontario's largest French-language post-secondary institution. As part of this investment, the college will support regional entrepreneurs with access to state-of-the-art laboratories, researchers, and business coaching to help them advance technologies in areas, such as bio-innovation, artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, food processing and clean technology.
In addition, La Cité will provide specialized coaching and training to small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) throughout southern Ontario, including in Official Language Minority Communities (OLMCs), focusing on businesses led by women and newcomers. This support aims to increase their productivity and competitiveness by adopting sustainable business practices, enabling them to thrive in a green economy.
This investment is expected to support over 80 entrepreneurs and commercialize over 10 new products. By providing the necessary support and training, this project will boost the competitiveness of southern Ontario's businesses and support the adoption of leading-edge technologies. The Government of Canada is committed to supporting entrepreneurs, businesses and organizations in OLMCs to increase their productivity, their competitiveness and their ability to access the talent and resources they need to succeed in a green and inclusive economy.
