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Funding to boost innovation and collaboration

Northwestern Ontario Innovation Centre receives $355,000 from FedNor to renovate spaces
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The Northwestern Ontario Innovation Centre received $355,000 in FedNor funding to improve its spaces for greater interaction between students and entrepreneurs.

Startups and entrepreneurs in Northwestern Ontario have more resources at their disposal thanks to an investment from the federal government.

FedNor is investing $355,860 to improve the Northwestern Ontario Innovation Centre in Thunder Bay.

The renovated spaces will help accommodate innovative startup companies, increase interaction with students, and capitalize on the momentum from Confederation College’s new Technology Hub that connects to the centre’s building.

The redesign of the Innovation Centre’s layout will help encourage collaboration and networking among small and medium-sized businesses, mentors and colleagues; foster peer support; improve access to advisors; and grow entrepreneurial capacity.

“We are delighted with our new layout made possible with a Government of Canada investment through FedNor,” said Judy Sander, manager of the Northwestern Ontario Innovation Centre, in a news release. "The enhancements maximize space and create an open and interactive work environment that’s conducive to collaboration.”

The announcement was made by Patty Hajdu, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour, and Member of Parliament for Thunder Bay-Superior North, and Don Rusnak, Member of Parliament for Thunder Bay-Rainy River on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, and Minister responsible for FedNor.

The funding announced is provided through FedNor’s Northern Ontario Development Program, which supports projects that promote sustainable community economic development, enhance business development and growth, and facilitate innovation throughout the region.