Province fostering entrepreneurial growth and expanding the economic footprint of Francophones
TORONTO — The Ontario government is investing $800,000 to help support Francophone economic development across the province. The funding is being delivered through the Francophone Economic Development Strategy and represents a 60 per cent increase over last year.
“We are committed to building a strong Francophonie within a prosperous Ontario,” said Caroline Mulroney, Minister of Francophone Affairs. “This increase in funding will empower start-ups and enable strategic partnerships, strengthening Ontario’s Francophone business community.”
The following organizations will receive a total of $500,000 to support business growth and market expansion for Francophone entrepreneurs:
- The Fédération des gens d’affaires francophones de l’Ontario will receive $250,000 to conduct an in-depth study of the needs of Francophone businesses and entrepreneurs and provide referral, consultation, and training services to key groups such as women, visible minorities and newcomers.
- Impact ON will receive $150,000 to help four cohorts of women entrepreneurs realize their entrepreneurial projects and to assist two cohorts of first-time exporters in accessing interprovincial and international markets.
- Société économique de l’Ontario, in collaboration with partner organizations, will receive $100,000 to develop learning modules on business startup for Francophones, newcomers, and new farmers.
Ontario is also investing an additional $300,000 over last year to help promote Ontario’s Francophonie as an economic asset both nationally and internationally. The Francophone Economic Development Strategy is dedicated to broadening the influence of Francophone and bilingual businesses, stimulating job creation, and unlocking new market opportunities.