Canadian Business Ontario

Whether you're starting a new business, growing an established company, or adapting to the changing economic landscape, Canada Business Ontario is your business information connection.

The Canadian Co-operative Investment Fund Reaches Investment Goal

On October 16, 2017 the Canadian co-operatives and mutuals have committed $25 Million to establish the Canadian Co-operative Investment Fund (CCIF).

The CCIF will provide financing for new and expanding Canadian co-operatives in Canada. The $25 million in committed investment to date is the threshold agreed by partners as the start-up capital required for a self-sustaining fund.

Contact Derek Ballantyne, Fund Manager, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

COMING SOON: Section dedicated to CFDC Lessons Learned and Best Practices.

Send us your ideas: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Newcomer Centre of Peel (NCP) Presentation

Rural Employment Initiative REI - Introduction to the County of Wellington

On Wednesday October 25th 2017, the Newcomer Center of Peel welcomed a representative from the County of Wellington to do an introductory presentation on work opportunities and life in the area. An audience of over 80 participants, who are interested to relocate to rural Ontario, gathered to learn more about the neighbouring region.

The presentation first outlined the basic geography of the county, highlighting different aspects of its history, culture and local events that contribute to the unique quality of life offered to its residents. The various supports and initiatives in place to aid immigrants and newcomers settle into life in the county were then shared. Manufacturing, healthcare, creative economy, and agriculture were identified as the main economic sectors of the opportunities in the county.

A follow up session allowed participants to ask further questions. This information session was presented as a precursor to an upcoming bus tour of the county, which will happen later in the fall or in the spring, 2018.

For further information on how your community can partner with the Rural Employment Initiative please contact: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., (905) 306-0577 ext. 350/357

Training Needs Survey

Thanks to everyone who completed the Community Futures Ontario Training Needs survey on Monkey Survey.

There is still time to complete the survey and enter your name in the draw for a $1,000 training credit for your CFDC. Check your email for the link to the Monkey Survey.

Business Plan Analysis for Small and Micro Enterprise

If you work with entrepreneurs, our training has been developed specifically for you!

When: Wed, Dec 6, 2017, 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Online cost: $300.00 per person/$250.00 for each additional participant from the same organization.

In-person cost: $500 per person

Duration: 7 hours + two-hour self-directed assignment to receive a certificate of completion

Contact: Donna Fancey, Acadia Entrepreneurship Centre, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., 1-877-232-2723

Congratulations to Brian Adams on completing the Community Futures Leadership Institute’s Basic Certification – Business Analyst. 

Welcome to Brian Boudreau on joining Community Futures Ontario in St. Thomas as Communications and Professional Development Officer.

Community Futures Ontario has a refreshed website design launching the first week of December.

The new look makes client access to services, programs and contact information easier by providing a more welcoming, clear and simple interface which is a more subtle image-based appearance that is straightforward with less text clutter.

Ontario Launches New Export Business Portal

Web Portal Helps Businesses Maximize International Market Potential
Ontario is boosting access to resources for exporters with the new Magnet Export Business Portal, the first of its kind in Canada.

This new web portal will help connect Ontario exporters with the tools and content they need to succeed in international markets. The web portal will use highly intelligent, scalable, and leading technology to:
Eliminate the need for businesses to search through multiple websites, portals and programs saving them time, money and resources.

Remove the guesswork by delivering information that is targeted to the specific needs of each business.
Serve as a centralized trade hub in Ontario by bringing together export programs and services onto one platform.

Mandate Letter Tracker: Delivering results for Canadians

This website provides a status report on all commitments found in the Prime Minister’s mandate letters to ministers. The Prime Minister’s general expectation of all ministers is available here. This site is intended to help Canadians hold the Government accountable.

BDC announces details of new $70 million envelope dedicated to women-led tech companies

On November 15, 2017, as part of its continued efforts to support women entrepreneurs, BDC announced that it will be committing an additional $20 million to its Women in Tech investment program.  

This builds on a 2016 commitment to invest $50 million in women-led technology firms, bringing the total size to $70 million, to be invested over five years. Visit www.bdc.ca/.

FedDev Ontario invests in clean technology company expansion

$400,000 contribution to help Toronto-based company develop innovative, alternative energy solutions, create 33 jobs and expand to new markets.

A clean environment and a healthy economy are tied together. Canadians understand that as a nation, we need to do our part to protect our environment while embracing new opportunities for growth. Companies such as Clear Blue Technologies Inc. are leading the way by effectively making use of sustainable and renewable sources of energy, which will play an important role in shaping Canada's future economy.

Ontario Supporting Diverse and Inclusive Communities

Applications Now Open for 2018-2019 Multicultural Community Capacity Grant Program

Ontario is supporting hundreds of not-for-profit community organizations to help provide opportunities for newcomers and ethno-cultural communities to participate fully in the civic, cultural, social and economic life of the province.

• Ontario is providing up to $3.031 million to 465 recipients across Ontario as part of a $6 million investment over two years through the Multicultural Community Capacity Grant Program.

• The applications process for the 2018-2019 program is now open.

• The deadline for applications is 4:00 p.m. E.S.T. on January 23, 2018.

• Projects must take place between April 1, 2018 and March 31, 2019.