August 14, 2013

This spring, North Simcoe Community Futures Development Corporation (NSCFDC) celebrated its 27th year of serving the community of North Simcoe (County).  This past year $565,000 was invested in 13 local businesses, which impacted 76 jobs.  The average loan size for the year ending March 31, 2013 was $43,500.

Since 1986, $12.5 million has been invested in the region's business community through the loan portfolio program, which has resulted in an additional $16.9 million being leveraged from other financial sources.  This investment in local business has impacted 1,977 jobs in this area since inception.

NSCFDC was also the lead or a key participant in 16 Community Economic Development (CED) initiatives in the region during the past fiscal year.  $4,700 was provided by the organization to these initiatives and funds leveraged from partners resulted in additional funds of $67,000 being invested in these activities.  Since 1986, NSCFDC has accessed funding in the amount of $7.5 million for CED initiatives and events in their region.

These statistics represent one small example of the value of the Community Futures Program to rural Canada.

Photo:  back row left to right - Lois Irvine, Community Development Coordinator, Janice Samuels, (SEB) Business Development Officer, Annie Zoschke, Administrative Assistant.  Front row left to right:  Sylvia Bumstead, Loan Officer and Debra Muenz, General Manager