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Feds provide over $485K to support small businesses

PHOTO. Outside the Community Futures building. Jenna Hamilton/ MORNING REPORTER.

The federal government is providing more support to small businesses as they continue to recover from the 2016 Horse River Wildfire.

On Monday, Minister of Innovation Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for Western Economic Diversification Canada, Navdeep Bains, announced they would be providing approximately $485,000 to two programs in the RMWB.

Business Link will receive more than $350,000 to expand their business development services at the Business Resource Centre and Community Futures would be given over $135,000 to deliver and administer the Wood Buffalo Recovery Loan Partnership Program.

“These investments will help local businesses access the tools and resources they need to recover and grow as they meet the evolving needs of the region. We are pleased to collaborate with our community partners to help local businesses expand knowledge, develop skills, and access the capital they need to prosper,” said Mayor Don Scott.

Business Link has been able to provide advice to over 250 entrepreneurs and develop partnerships to deliver educational events in the region.

The Wood Buffalo Recovery Loan Partnership Program has disbursed 20 loands worth over $1 million to small business owners, creating 80 full-time jobs and 79 part-time jobs.