November 28, 2011

Valley Heartland Community Futures Development Corporation, Smiths Falls

In 2001, the Valley Heartland Community Futures Development Corporation renovated space in an old factory in Smiths Falls and opened the Regional Centre for Business Development and Innovation (RCBDI).   The Centre houses six business and economic development agencies from the federal, provincial and regional governments. They provide co-ordinated delivery of services throughout the region of Lanark County and North Leeds.

The co-location of these agencies has led to increased awareness of the services in the region, resulting in an increase in requests for assistance from businesses.  In a number of instances, firms are provided with a more complete complement of services than would be provided through only one agency.

“Businesses are benefitting from the more efficient and effective business and economic services delivered through RCBDI,” says Valley Heartland General Manager John Doherty.