Bartolucci Bucks provide windfall for Sudbury businesses

The Northern Ontario Heritage Fund and its chairman, Sudbury MPP Rick Bartolucci, were very good with grants to 17 Sudbury area businesses to create 28 new jobs.

Hair salons and bakeries did particularly well.

It's now wide open skies for Universal Gateway Travel Agency with $52,903 for the Wahnapitae travel agency.

David John the Future Salon is in a frizzy with $46,000 for the downtown Sudbury hair establishment.

It's a pain-free existence at Kinnect to Wellness with $43,650 for the kinesiology health centre.

Rising to the occasion is Crumbz Bakery with $41,938 for its gluten-free products.

Big hair is back at Artizen Salon Boutique Spa in Copper Cliff with $36,500.

All is bright at Solar Sensor Interface with $39,600 to develop new state-of-the-art sensors for packing and manufacturing technology.

iSWIM is now afloat with $25,000 to provide private swimming lessons, first aid and CPR training.

Zen Fitness has achieved nirvana with $25,000 to expand a hot yoga and fitness studio.

Precision Plumbing and Gas is flush with pride from $25,000 to establish this plumbing and heating company.

Adoro Olive Oils and Vinegars was drizzled with $23,100 for its store featuring extra virgin olive oils and balsamic vinegars.

Custom Cakes and Treats was sweetened up with $22,500 for its cake and cupcakes establishment.

There's plenty of oven love to go around at Café Petit Gateau with $17,375 for the downtown cafe.

Dan The Handyman will be your hubby-for hire thanks to $16,250 for his interior and exterior home services business.

Kossa’s African Cuisine is stirring the pot with $13,475.

Ten Point Archery & Tackle hit the bull's eye with $11,400 for the archery retail store offering servicing, repairs and an indoor range.

Unique Beauty Spa is on the cutting edge with $10,300 for beauty salon and aesthetics business.

And Candice Kirkbride can't stop talking about the $9,384 she received for her self-named motivational speaking business that is dedicated towards eliminating drunk driving.

In a June 28 statement, Bartolucci said: "By funding local entrepreneurs and new businesses that focus on tapping emerging technologies, our government is investing in a prosperous future for all Sudburians. Our business community members are the lifeblood of our economy and their ideas are a catalyst for job creation and growth."