KAWARTHA LAKES-The Ontario government says it is helping rural communities diversify their economies, retain skilled workers and create jobs by investing $31,850 to support rural digital skills training through the Pinnguaq Association in Kawartha Lakes.
This is one of 16 projects approved through the Rural Economic Development (RED) program providing nearly $800,000 in funding to support rural communities diversify their economies, retain skilled workers and create jobs across Ontario.
The funding will support the Pinnquaq Association to develop and deliver a series of free skills training workshops targeting rural business and entrepreneurs in the City of Kawartha Lakes and the First Nations of the Williams Treaty.
“We are continuing to support local business owners and entrepreneurs as they adapt to the challenges COVID-19 has presented,” said Laurie Scott, MPP for Haliburton- Kawartha Lakes-Brock. “This additional funding will help provide digital skills training to business owners and support economic growth in Kawartha Lakes”.
“We are delighted to have been given the support of the Impact Rural Economic Development program in furthering our mission to enable and promote technology opportunities in rural, remote and Indigenous communities. We are excited to be working in partnership with Curve Lake First Nation and the Lindsay and District Chamber of Commerce to co-develop and provide opportunities to small businesses and entrepreneurs in both areas. We see the future of the economy tied hand in hand with technology and the support of the Government of Ontario is vital in ensuring equity of digital access. We are delighted to be enable to play a role in that success,” said Ryan Oliver, Chief Executive Officer of the Pinnguaq Association.
“This new targeted funding is just one of the many ways our government is supporting job creation and economic development across the province,” said Ernie Hardeman, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. “We’re encouraging local economic growth by supporting projects that help expand businesses and provide skills development and training for employees. These kinds of investments are particularly important as we lay the foundation for our recovery from COVID-19.”
This intake was directed at upper-tier municipalities and not-for-profit regional organizations with a mandate focused on regional economic development. Qualifying projects would be eligible for up to 70 per cent of total costs to a maximum of $75,000 in provincial funding.
