Economic development is expected to heat up in the Sudbury and Nickel Belt regions following the announcement of over $4 million in funding for innovation, e-commerce, tourism and youth employment projects.
The City of Greater Sudbury Community Development Corp., in an effort to improve the position of local mining supply companies internationally, is developing a series of initiatives in partnership with area mining suppliers. Among initiatives planned is a Web site designed to increase business-to-business market development opportunities and connect the local mining industry to worldwide markets. Funding of $605,419 from FedNor will assist the development corporation in carrying out the project, which also includes the creation of a campaign to attract new mining supply companies to the area, export developing training for local companies and advertising in sector publications.
A slate of other projects were also announced this week, including the development of a Web-based, computer training system for the mining industry by minetraining.com. Funding of $275,000 from FedNor will assist minetraining.com to develop innovative online training. NetCentral Communication Network, a consortium of 41 northern communities, received $500,000 toward continuing its mission to provide its members access to advanced and affordable telecommunications services through alternative service providers that would otherwise not exist locally. FedNor also announced funding for: the Northern Centre for Advanced Technology, Sudbury Regional Hospital, Mattagmi First Nation, infoTech North, Wahnapitae First Nation, Regional Business Centre, Music and Film in Motion, Neureka Research Inc., Northeastern Ontario Regional Cancer Centre, as well as the youth internship program.
