Moose Cree First Nation building new small business centre with funding from Ontario
Ontario press release
New Small Business Centre Will Create Economic Opportunities - McGuinty Government Supporting Moose Cree First Nation
July 29, 2009
The new John R. Delaney Small Business and Youth Opportunity Centre in Moose Cree First Nation will strengthen the local economy by providing guidance and mentoring to youth who want to become entrepreneurs.
The centre will offer a wide range of programs to youth and current small business owners including:
- Entrepreneurship coaching and mentoring services
- Office space to nurture new business enterprises
- Courses and lessons on business and leadership skills
It is expected that the centre will also directly generate 10 new jobs and nearly $3 million in local economic activity over the next 10 years.
"This is a great example of an effective partnership. The province, Moose Cree First Nation and the private sector are all working together to improve the community and provide opportunities for youth to learn valuable skills and be mentored by successful local business people."
– Brad Duguid, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs
"Young people are important to the vitality of a community and this centre will support and encourage their growth as leaders. Our investment is helping to foster the next generation of entrepreneurs, whose ideas will stimulate and strengthen the local economy."
– Leona Dombrowsky, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs
"The opening of this Centre will lead to new jobs and business opportunities. The Centre's innovative programs for youth will strengthen the community and will help to build a stronger Ontario, both in terms of attracting and retaining new businesses and professionals, and in promoting an entrepreneurial culture for continued future growth."
– Michael Gravelle, Minister of Northern Development, Mines and Forestry, and Chair of the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation
"The completion of the facility is the result of the hard work and perseverance of many people over the years. It is a great example of how the First Nation must work in a partnership environment with government and the private sector. The opportunity is now available to allow the youth of the area to develop skills and pursue their goals through a facility and program designed for and by themselves."
– Chief Norm Hardisty Jr., Moose Cree First Nation
QUICK FACTS
- The centre will also provide personal counselling and programs promoting health, fitness, arts and culture, life skills and spirituality.
- Ontario provided over $2.1 million towards construction of the new facility through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation, the Aboriginal Community Capital Grants Program and the Rural Economic Development Program.