OACFDC partnership key to success of Community Futures Program.

• Position: Fednor Update - Brief Article

Any successful business owner knows the importance of networking and establishing effective partnerships. The Ontario Association of Community Futures Development Corporations (OACFDC) is an example of networking success.

Governed by a volunteer Board of Directors comprising of representatives from seven regions in Ontario, the OACFDC provides a networking mechanism to share information and best practices among the 53 Community Futures Development Corporations (CFDCs) located throughout the province. It is also a member of The Ontario Rural Council (TORC) and is an active participant in a number of provincial and national organizations.

The Community Futures Program is a vital element of the Government of Canada's commitment toward building strong, self-sustaining communities in rural and northern areas. Funded through Industry Canada/FedNor, CFDCs are designed to develop and implement long-term, community-based economic development initiatives and deliver a wide variety of programs and services to support small business growth.

Last year alone, this dynamic network provided technical or financial assistance to more than 1800 businesses, created or maintained more than 5400 jobs in the province, and leveraged approximately $52 million in additional investment from outside sources.

The Ontario Association plays a strong role in promoting the activities of its member CFDCs. FedNor has been, and continues to be, a major OACFDC partner. In addition to providing financial support, FedNor works with the OACFDC Board and various committees in developing strategic plans, marketing programs such as the newly launched Common Identifier Marketing Strategy, and identifying federal program and service enhancements, which will benefit CFDCs throughout the province.

The OACFDC and FedNor -- partners in community economic development.

RELATED ARTICLE: Le partenariat de l'ASADCO: la cle du succes du Programme de developpement des collectivites: Tous les entrepreneurs qui connaissent du succes realisent l'importance d'etablir des reseaux et des partenariats efficaces. L'Association des Societes d'aide au developpement des collectivites de l'Ontario (ASADCO) est un exemple de reussite en matiere de reseautage.

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