FedNor announced an injection of $1.2 million into the Northern Ontario economy.
The biggest single chunk will go to Sault Ste. Marie for streetscape improvements in its downtown core. The $839,500 investment will go towards sitting areas, lighting fixtures, new paving stones and sidewalks along Queen and Gore Streets. The goal is to attract and retain private sector investment, while enhancing the visitor experience.
The Sault Ste. Marie Economic Development Corp. received $252,000 for its newly established small-business incubator in the downtown core. The goal of the three-year initiative is to promote job creation and diversify the economy, focusing on small and medium-sized enterprises offering professional services such as engineering, accounting, and graphic design. The incubator will offer business training for new and existing entrepreneurs who are seeking to expand and grow, helping them succeed in their business endeavours.
The remaining $1.06-plus million will fund youth internships for 30 recent graduates. Organizations will receive funding of up to $31, 500 for each intern for a maximum of two years. Some of the businesses to benefit include tourism outfit Great Spirit Circle Trail, remote-control equipment manufacturer Hard-Line Solutions, mining-research organization MIRARCO, business incubator NORCAT, and data solutions company Symboticware.
