Today, the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Jobs and Families and Minister responsible for FedNor, announced Government of Canada investments totalling $4,985,998 for five economic development projects in Thunder Bay and across Northern Ontario. The funding is provided through FedNor's Northern Ontario Development Program, Community Futures Program, as well as the Economic Development Initiative in Northern Ontario.
PARO Centre for Women's Enterpris
$3,226,303
PARO is receiving a non-repayable FedNor investment of $3,226,303 to support for strategy and business development as well as technology adoption for women-led businesses in Northern Ontario. Specifically, this project will support women-led small and medium-sized enterprises in sectors such as AI, health and wellness, food processing, e-commerce, creative industries, and technology to enhance the readiness, growth, and innovation of those enterprises. This investment will enable PARO to provide start-up, scale-up, and expansion funding; access to information, resources, and industry networks; and collaborative support in both physical and virtual spaces. (NODP)
Thunder Bay Ventures
$1,050,000
Thunder Bay Ventures is receiving a total FedNor investment of $1,050,000 in support of two projects:
- Thunder Bay Ventures is receiving a $900,000 FedNor investment to support operations for a three-year period beginning in October of 2026. These funds will enable the organization to deliver business counselling and financial assistance to small and medium-sized enterprises, as well as regional economic development and strategic planning support to rural communities in their catchment area. (CFP)
- Thunder Bay Ventures is also receiving a FedNor investment of $150,000 to support the administration of an investment pool program delivered by seven Community Futures Development Corporations (CFDCs) across Northwestern Ontario. This project will allow participating CFDCs to provide business loans beyond their individual lending limits, enabling larger investments into the regional economic environment, supporting entrepreneurs, business growth, and innovation. (NODP)
Anishnawbe Business Professional Association
$394,020
The Anishnawbe Business Professional Association (ABPA) is receiving a FedNor investment of $394,020 to enable the hiring of a procurement navigator for a three-year period. The skilled professional will help Indigenous businesses navigate and secure federal procurement contracts, building capacity of Indigenous-owned businesses in Northern Ontario. This investment is a direct reflection of the Government of Canada's commitment to advancing economic reconciliation through the awarding of federal contracts to Indigenous-owned businesses, and will support The ABPA in facilitating access to federal procurement opportunities between Indigenous-owned businesses and federal purchasing agents seeking Indigenous participation. (NODP)
Association des francophones du Nord-Ouest de l'Ontario
$315,675
The Association des francophones du Nord-Ouest de l'Ontario (AFNOO) is receiving a FedNor investment of $315,675 to help create matches between qualified bilingual workers and employers. FedNor funds will enable the hiring of a coordinator for a three-year period. In addition to matching employers and qualified candidates, the coordinator will support the long‑term settlement of workers in the region. This project will help meet the labour needs and enhance French language capacity in Northwestern Ontario while improving worker retention. (EDI)
