By Rosalind Russell – Nickel Belt MPP Marc G. Serré announced a FedNor investment to assist First Nations and Indigenous entrepreneurs yesterday.
Serré says $1,500,000 has been granted to the Waubetek Business Development Corporation based in Whitefish River First Nation, some 20 minutes south of Espanola.
He adds the announcement was made on behalf of Patty Hajdu, the Minister of Indigenous Services and Minister responsible for FedNor.
Serré says the funding will support Waubetek’s ongoing operations for a five-year period and will help this not-for-profit organization provide business counselling and investment services to small and medium-sized businesses, as well as leadership in community strategic planning and socio-economic development.
In the previous five-year operating period, Waubetek provided more than $3.3 million in business loans, which helped nearly 40 businesses start-up, scale-up and increase profitability.
They also helped create or maintain close to 75 local jobs.
The full Waubetek Fall 2015 Newsletter Special Edition at the Waubetek Business Development Corporation website.
Here is the link http://www.waubetek.com/…/waubetek-fall-2015-final…
Photo: Waubetek produces a newsletter featuring its services and programs to assist Indigenous business, as well as featuring success stories. It has been granted $1.5-million to continue operations for the next five years. Screenshot by Rosalind Russell