THUNDER BAY – Thunder Bay businesses were front and centre at madeFresh on Red River Road today as Minister of Northern Development and Mines, Michael Gravelle was on hand to share in the festivities. The Northern Ontario Heritage Fund announcement supporting a number of local businesses was cause for the celebration.
“This year marks the 25th anniversary of the NOHFC. I am delighted that, through this fund, our government remains committed to fostering new and sustainable economic development opportunities in northern communities, helping to create more jobs and a stronger economy for all northerners.” stated Michael Gravelle, MPP Thunder Bay-Superior North, Minister of Northern Development and Mines and Chair of the NOHFC.
Three projects are being supported through the Young Entrepreneur Program:
- Juice Monkeys is receiving $10,200 to open a juice kiosk
- World Dance Centre is getting $12,954 to open a dance studio
- Ranta Contracting will use $25,000 to provide home construction, remodelling and roofing services
Seven entrepreneurs are proceeding with their projects with support from the Northern Ontario Entrepreneur Program:
- Sweet Escape Cake and Bakery is receiving $26,500 to establish a café/bakery
- madeFRESH is getting $94,055 to open a restaurant, which will include a catering component
- Superior Hearing Centre will use $32,025 to establish a hearing health practice
- Gratitude Gem Oils is getting $2,170 to open a home-based business that will produce and sell gem oils that are infused with mineral crystals designed to promote well-being
- Thunder Bay Naturopathic Clinic will receive $36,402 to establish a multidisciplinary health care practice
- Little Giants Indoor Play Centre is getting $12,500 to open an indoor play/activity centre and community meeting place for children ages newborn to 10, and their parents and/or caregivers
- Michelle’s Dental Hygiene is receiving $20,457 to establish a dental hygiene service that will include a mobile service, home-based practice and a satellite office at Lakehead University
One company is proceeding with its project with support from the Emerging Technology Program:
· Aerovate Inc. is receiving $62,500 to develop and manufacture propulsion systems and airframes for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV)
QUICK FACTS
· The NOHFC is supporting these projects through its Northern Ontario Young Entrepreneur, Northern Ontario Entrepreneur, andEmerging Technology programs.
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