Community Business Development Corporations are at the heart of growing rural Atlantic Canadian economies
Small and medium-sized businesses in rural communities play a vital role in Canada's economy. The Government of Canada is helping entrepreneurs in rural, coastal and remote regions grow their skills and their businesses, so everyone can succeed.
Today, the Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA, announced an investment of $12.6 million under the Community Futures program to support the network of 41 Community Business Development Corporations (CBDCs) in Atlantic Canada.
This investment will help CBDCs provide crucial financial support, skills training, expert knowledge and tailored on-the-ground initiatives to the rural businesses, organizations and communities they serve.
Over the past year, CBDCs in all four Atlantic provinces have supported hundreds of businesses. These include great companies like Krista Lyn Vaters Interior Design Studio Inc. in Botwood, Newfoundland and Labrador, where CBDC programs helped transform her passion into a thriving local interior design business. In Haut-Shippagan, New Brunswick, Cielo Glamping Maritime (in French only) combines luxury glamping with local produce, cuisine and live music to attract tourists and showcase Acadian culture.
CBDCs also supported Ketobolic Kitchen in Bridgetown, Nova Scotia, in scaling up production and broadening distribution to retail outlets across the province. Additionally, Prince County Guest House in Miscouche, Prince Edward Island, used the CBDC's Tourism Seasonal Extension Program to enhance their facilities and improve the guest experience, stimulating local tourism.
These are just four highlights in a long list of businesses across Atlantic Canada that are meeting their potential and contributing to growing local economies thanks to the support from their local CBDC.
Today's announcement demonstrates the Government of Canada's commitment to creating jobs and helping rural communities thrive and achieve sustainable, long-term growth.
