The Counties, Ontario – Cornwall and the Counties Community Futures Development Corporation (CFDC) is pleased to announce that the Eastern Ontario Development Program (EODP) is now accepting applications for funding. This funding program has been administered through the Cornwall and the Counties CFDC for a number of years and has become a staple “go to” financial assistance option for small and large organizations throughout the region.

The objective of the EODP is to enhance and diversify the local economies which will ultimately lead to the growth of new and existing businesses within rural Eastern Ontario communities. There are two streams under which a funding application can be submitted: 1. Business Development Stream and 2. Community Innovation Stream.

“The benefits of this funding model, is such that decisions are made locally, through community champions at the board level, with an in-depth understanding of the economic challenges in the area. They also make sure that duplication of effort is minimized and that synergies between like-minded entities are leveraged in the same direction” stated François Désormeaux, Chief Executive Officer, Cornwall and the Counties CFDC.

As part of the new EODP review and marketing approach, led by François Désormeaux, and the CFDC board, the local economic development practitioners are supporting the marketing efforts to ensure greater community awareness.

This representation for the six municipalities is working together with the CFDC to ensure local commercial enterprises; not-for-profit and aboriginal organizations and post-secondary institutions are clearly informed about EODP funding available.

“This program offers opportunities to the enterprises that need assistance getting their innovative ideas off the ground. The end result will mean additional employment in the area, added Terry Besner, Economic Development and Communications Officer, United Counties of Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry. “We are looking forward to a successful year of EODP assistance directly contributing to the economic sectors in the area.”

For more information, please contact your local EDO representative and/or call the Cornwall and the Counties CFDC EODP hotline, 613.932.4333, x104 or go online at: www.mycommunityfutures.ca.