Regional Initiatives

Head Start in Business is a North Claybelt program in which all 24 Northern CFDCs participate. This program has been a driving force in entrepreneurship awareness and initiation for the past 15 years. Over 20,000 youth have participated in our innovative and experiential programs making entrepreneurship more accessible and realistic as a viable career option.

Entrepreneurs Francophones PLUS

Entrepreneurs Francophones is a North Claybelt program in which all 24 Northern CFDCs participate. This program provides financial assistance to private sector Northern Ontario Entrepreneurs who would like to enhance their economic potential and who demonstrate a real need. Business enhancement and job creation are the main goals of these programs to improve Northern Ontario’s economic situation.

Northeast Community Network

The Northeast Community Network is an incorporated, regional, not-for-profit organization that promotes collaborative economic development, applied research and support for forestry, mining, agriculture and tourism as well as business development. Integrating municipalities, First Nations, local economic development organizations and the private sector, the Network undertakes regional projects that help transform the economic landscape of Northeastern Ontario.

PARO Centre for Women’s Enterprise

PARO Centre for Women's Enterprise is one of Canada's most successful business support and networking organizations. As a not-for-profit social enterprise, they collaborate to empower women, strengthen small business and promote community economic. PARO Peer Circles are small groups of like-minded women who meet regularly to share their experiences, offer advice to each other and expand their individual and shared contact networks. One of the key elements of a Peer Circle is that members also provide access to lending support of between $500.00 and $5,000.00.