The province is setting aside $500,000 for two new initiatives that will help promote Franco-Ontarian entrepreneurs and businesses.
Of the funding, $250,000 will go toward the creation of the Francophone Business Network, an online platform designed to enable businesses to share their expertise and best practices, and form new strategic partnerships to help create or expand their product lines, services and markets, and to increase their visibility.
The remaining $250,000 will fund a campaign focused on promoting Franco-Ontarian products and services.
The campaign is expected to get underway this winter.
"As the province continues down the path of renewal, growth and economic recovery, these two initiatives will provide timely support to Ontario's francophone entrepreneurs and small and medium-size businesses while we continue to strengthen the francophone business community," said Caroline Mulroney, minister of francophone affairs, in a Sept. 22 news release.
"This investment will ensure that Franco-Ontarians can continue to access the goods and services they need and overcome the challenges businesses in the community are facing because of COVID-19."
The province said it is also investing $1 million through the Francophone Community Grants program for 2020-2021.
Recipients of that funding will be announced in October.
