Brant MP Phil McColeman announced $500,000 in federal funding today for Brantford and Brant County. The money will go towards community projects and training programs for businesses and non-profit organizations.

“These new programs will support our community and local businesses,” said McColeman. “Our government is delivering on our commitment to create jobs and strengthen the economy. We’re creating jobs by helping small businesses grow.”
Enterprise Brant, a non-profit Community Futures Development Corporation now funded through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario, is responsible for administering the money. The Corporation’s General Manager, Cindy Swanson, said the funding will, for the first time, give her organization the opportunity to provide local businesses with grants for training, internships and business development.

“It’s really exciting,” said Swanson. “It’s the first time that we have ever had funding to support transition and growth for existing businesses.”

Businesses and non-profits can apply to Enterprise Brant for the non repayable funding under four new programs: Business Development, Community Capacity, Skills Development and Local Initiatives. The programs are available until March 2010.

Since its inception, Enterprise Brant, in partnership with the federal government, has approved over $15 million in loans to 593 businesses in Brantford and Brant County.

For more information contact:

Cindy Swanson, General Manager - Enterprise Brant (519-752-4636)

Phil McColeman – MP Brant (519-754-4300)