Businesses across a wide swath of Northern Ontario that have been impacted by COVID-19 are getting some relief from the federal government.
FedNor has announced $9.8 million from the Regional Relief and Recovery Fund for businesses in Nipissing, Temiskaming, Parry Sound, Muskoka, north-central Ontario, Timmins, and James Bay.
Of the funding, $5.9 million has been set aside for 32 small and medium-sized businesses in Nipissing, Temiskaming, Parry Sound and Muskoka.
They include the North Bay & District Chamber of Commerce, Innovation Initiatives Ontario North (IION) and the Muskoka Steamship Association.
"Innovators and jobs creators are facing unprecedented challenges and this investment will allow us to deliver immediate COVID-19 support through our Step Forward Entrepreneurs Program," Rob Deline executive director of IION, said in a Nov. 12 news release.
"As a result of this funding, we expect to provide direct support to more than 25 local companies, while helping to maintain more than 25 jobs in the region.”
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Sharing in $3.9 million are another 27 businesses, hailing from Sault Ste. Marie, Algoma, Manitoulin, Hearst and Kapuskasing, as well as Timmins, Kirkland Lake and the James Bay region.Among the organizations that will be impacted are Tourism Sault Ste. Marie, the Timmins Chamber of Commerce, and Destination Manitoulin Island.
“Tourism is a cornerstone of our economy, and this funding will help us position this important sector for a quick recovery when our borders reopen and the industry bounces back,” said Joseph Bisceglia, chair of Tourism Sault Ste. Marie, in a news release.
“This funding will help ensure we can continue to promote our community, maintain local jobs, generate new revenues, and bridge a financial gap caused by the pandemic.”
The $71.8-million Regional Relief and Recovery Fund provides financial contributions to help support businesses and organizations with their operating costs, where revenues have been negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Applications are still being accepted. Click here for more information.
