November 18, 2004 - The Bancroft Times

“Business Revitalization Loans at 0% Interest”, announced Community Futures Development Corporation of North & Central Hastings and South Algonquin Chair Bruce Walker.
“Employer and Employee Training at Half Cost”, added Hastings County Warden Peter Kooistra.
“We’re very serious about economic recovery and we’re grateful to Industry Canada and the Eastern Ontario Development Fund to be able to make this announcement,” echoed both Chair Bruce Walker and Hastings County Warden Peter Kooistra, in inviting business participation in two new economic development initiatives.
“This cooperative initiative provides us the opportunity to jointly address two major issues in local economic development - business revitalization and employer/employee training,” said Warden Kooistra.
The announced invitations are in anticipation of the local implementation of the Eastern Ontario Development Funding announced by Deputy Leader Mauril Belanger in Cobourg, October 25, 2004.  Community Futures and the Eastern Ontario Development Fund are funded through Government of Canada funding.
Business loans for façade improvements - basically "clean-up, paint-up, fix-up loans" - will be offered through the CFDC of North & Central Hastings and South Algonquin (Community Futures) at 0% interest and repayable over up to ten years.
“Business revitalization will enhance commercial development and basic shopping appeal.  The second initiative will enhance the skills of our labour force and make training more affordable locally,” said Warden Kooistra.
“Economic development and a skilled knowledgeable labour force must go hand in hand.  Local business must remain competitive in the global market, and local people must be qualified for, and compete favourably for, the higher skilled jobs”, said Chair Walker.
For a limited time only, employers may recover half of employer/employee training costs up to $5,000 per employee, to a maximum of $25,000 per employer.
“Community Futures will be accepting applications immediately,” Community Futures Chair Walker said.  “We anticipate limited funds for these undertakings, so we advise business people to apply early.”
Employers/businesspeople are advised to contact Community Futures at 26 Chemaushgon Rd., Bancroft, or call 1 800 465-4119 for further information about either of the economic initiatives.