September 27, 2013
A manufacturer of auto parts packaging has been honoured as “Entrepreneur of the Year” at a Conference for rural economic development today. The Ontario Association of Community Futures Development Corporations wrapped up a two and a half day event on September 26th with an Awards presentation at the Holiday Inn in Sarnia. The members of the organization represent 61 Community Futures Development Corporations, located in towns and rural areas across the province.
Community Futures Development Corporations (CFDCs) offer free business counselling and provide loans to entrepreneurs, in addition to working on community economic development projects and local strategic planning. CFDCs in Southern Ontario are funded by FedDev Ontario, while those in Northern Ontario are funded by Industry Canada through FedNor. They operate as not-for-profit corporations. Decisions are made locally by volunteer Boards of Directors working with managers and staff in each office. Volunteer directors and staff alike attended the conference September 24 to 26.
Francisco Enns is the Proprietor of Enns Textiles Packaging Solutions in Aylmer, Ontario, where his business creates and sews special packaging for auto parts, employing about 50 people.
The "Entrepreneur of the Year" was chosen from several nominees, all successful businesses that received loans and counselling from CFDCs. Mr. Enns won the prestigious award because of his work in establishing a solid business in his community. He was nominated by Glenn Thorel and John Regan of the Elgin Business Resource Centre, a Community Futures Development Corporation in St. Thomas.
In addition, three Community Futures Development Corporations received Awards of Excellence at the wrap up of the conference:
*Elgin Business Resource Centre in St. Thomas also won the Community Economic Development Award for its work with Elgin Military Museum on Project Ojibwa. The Ojibwa, a World War II submarine, was brought to Port Burwell from Halifax and opened as a museum. This tourist attraction has had many positive economic spinoffs.
*The Trenval Business Development Corporation in Belleville won the Business Support Services Award for collaborating with the Canada Youth Business Foundation in supporting, funding and mentoring self-employed young people. The many new businesses operated by youth in their community are a testament to their success.
*The Northumberland Community Futures Development Corporation won the Innovation Award for encouraging the start-up of tech businesses. The CFDC collaborated with Spark Centre (a service to help start and grow innovative technology-based companies), developed the N100 Entrepreneurship Competition, and promoted the growth of the IdeaHub business incubator.
The OACFDC is pleased to honour the Entrepreneur of the Year, in partnership with FedNor and FedDev Ontario. The OACFDC is also proud of the three CFDC Awards of Excellence winners, sponsored by FedNor, FedDev Ontario, and Sharon Wilson Group Benefits Consultant.