Orillia – A new stimulus program that will provide $450,000 in its first year (2009) to support economic and community development in the Orillia area was announced today by the Orillia Area Community Development Corporation (CDC).

The investment is part of the Community Adjustment Fund that is investing a total of $30 million in communities served by Community Futures Development Corporations in Southern Ontario, including the Orillia Area Community Development Corporation.

The fund is a program of the new federal agency – FedDev Ontario. In response to Ontario's economic challenges, the federal government’s 2009 budget provided more than $1 billion over five years to support the new agency and economic growth in Southern Ontario.  FedDev Ontario is a separate agency within Industry Canada and serves all areas of Ontario outside of FedNor’s jurisdiction.

“The global recession has created challenges in every region of our country, and the Orillia area is no exception,” said Bruce Stanton, MP for Simcoe North.
“This fund is one more tool to ensure that workers, businesses and organizations in the Orillia area have the resources they need to succeed.”

The program includes a number of funding categories to suit both non-profit organizations and the private sector. Examples of eligible projects include business development plans, marketing, professional development and employee training, staff internships, and special community projects and events.

Applications are now being accepted, with deadlines set for the last Friday of each month. All projects receiving funding must be completed by March 31, 2010. Application forms and detailed guidelines can be downloaded from the CDC website at www.orilliacdc.com, or call the Orillia Area CDC at 705-325-4903 for more information.

The Orillia Area Community Development Corporation is a community-based organization that works with businesses and organizations to support the development of sustainable communities through its community economic development and small business activities. The Orillia Area CDC serves the City of Orillia, Townships of Oro-Medonte, Ramara and Severn and the Chippewas of Rama First Nation