ELORA, Ontario, April 24, 2026 — The Government of Canada is continuing to support the growth and success of small and medium-sized businesses through an investment in the Wellington–Waterloo Community Futures Development Corporation (CFDC).

A federal contribution of $400,000 to the CFDC, through FedNor, was announced today by the Honourable Michael Chong, Member of Parliament for Wellington–Halton Hills, Harold Albrecht, MP for Kitchener–Conestoga, Gary Schellenberger, MP for Perth–Wellington and Gary Goodyear, MP for Cambridge, on behalf of the Honourable Tony Clement, Minister of Health and Minister for FedNor. The funding will support the organization’s ongoing investment activities in the region.

"Our government is getting things done for the people and communities in rural South Central Ontario by supporting organizations, such as this CFDC, which play an integral role in fostering business growth and job creation," said Mr. Chong.

"The Wellington–Waterloo CFDC has quickly become a key contributor to the economic prosperity of this region," stated Mr. Albrecht. "This funding will allow the CFDC to continue to provide the access to capital that is so vital to small business start-ups and growth."

"Because of their extensive local and regional expertise, CFDCs are uniquely equipped to provide invaluable assistance to small and medium-sized businesses, and our government is committed to supporting their activities," added Mr. Schellenberger.

"The Government of Canada is making good on its promise to create an entrepreneurial advantage for Canadian business, and the Community Futures Program is a key tool in achieving our goal," stated Mr. Goodyear.

As reaffirmed in Budget 2008, the Government of Canada is making investments in people, knowledge, modern infrastructure and a sound and efficient financial sector to provide the foundation for global success.

CFDCs provide services to enhance local economic development and small business growth, including: access to capital, business counselling, support for community-based projects, and strategic community planning and socio-economic development.

Over the last year, the Wellington–Waterloo CFDC invested more than $1.1 million in small and medium-sized businesses in the region, resulting in the creation or maintenance of 168 full and part-time jobs, and contributing to an enhanced business community.

"This funding will help us meet our clients’ ever-increasing need for access to capital," said Joe Martens, Chair of the Wellington–Waterloo CFDC. "We are grateful for the Government of Canada’s ongoing support of our activities."

The Wellington–Waterloo CFDC is one of 61 Community Futures Development Corporations in rural and Northern Ontario funded by FedNor’s Community Futures Program.