Role of RRFDC saluted

Oct. 20 marks the day Ontario celebrates the valuable contribution Community Futures Development Corporations (CFDCs) make to our rural communities.
CFDC Day serves to highlight the important role small- and medium-sized businesses play in the economic well-being of our communities, and is celebrated on the Friday of Small Business Week (Oct. 15-21)—an initiative of the Business Development Bank of Canada.
“We are proud of the role the Rainy River Future Development Corp. plays in assisting entrepreneurs and rural communities throughout the region,” said RRFDC chairman Russ Fortier.
“As a locally-run, not-for-profit organization, we are in tune with the economic development needs and priorities of our communities,” he added.
The RRFDC serves the Rainy River District and is dedicated to helping small- and medium-sized businesses grow and succeed.
Last year, the RRFDC invested $798,000 in local SMEs to help create or maintain 80 jobs, contributing to an enhanced business community.
The funds leveraged an additional $356,000 from other sources, including banks, private investment, and owner investment.
The RRFDC is one of 61 Community Futures Development Corps. in Ontario. They are funded by Industry Canada’s Community Futures Program through FedNor.
They deliver a wide variety of services in support of community economic development and small business growth.
They employ local staff, and are governed by a volunteer board of directors made up of local residents representative of the community.
This marks the fifth year Ontario has celebrated the role CFDCs play in shaping the future of our communities.