new aspin fednor$2.4-Million has been announced to support business growth across the North Bay area and Northern Ontario.

MP Jay Aspin announced a million FedNor dollars will allow NECO to offer financing to new or existing small businesses and social enterprises to support start-up, expansion or stabilization efforts and to support jobs.

Another $960,000 will allow NECO to support community economic development and provide small and medium sized businesses with access to capital and business counselling services for three years.

And finally, nearly $470,000 will be used by NECO to establish a Northern Ontario Pavilion at the 2015 Royal Agricultural Winter Fair in Toronto.

Aspin says, “Our Government recognizes that small businesses are the backbone of Canada’s economy. We are proud of our partnership with Community Futures Development Corporations, such as NECO, to provide important business development services to entrepreneurs and business owners. NECO has been a major asset in our efforts to grow the local economy and their role in supporting the Northern Ontario Pavilion at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair. The Fair continues to yield results for businesses and communities throughout the entire region.”

Rick Fricker is the owner of EMMO E-Bikes and he says that NECO helped him make his business a success.

He says it was not just the funding they provided, but also the support and education they had to offer.

Fricker goes on to say that he believes, with their help, anyone can run a successful business.

NECO May 19th 2015 011