Through the Rural Economic Development program, the province is providing Wellington County with $18,000 to help businesses identify, attract and hire global talent to create a more resilient and competitive economy.
The county will hire one part time coordinator for its global talent initiative to conduct one-to-one engagement with 30 small and medium enterprises in the area that are already experiencing skill shortages to support them with developing and implementing hiring strategies.
“The Regional Economic Development program has enabled the county to speak with 47 employers thus far, ensuring we support their business growth and attract new residents to the Wellington area,” stated Warden George Bridge
The province is also providing the Township of Puslinch with $15,000 to develop a Community Improvement Plan (CIP) by identifying community priorities and obtaining stakeholder input and feedback.
The money will be added to $25,000 received last May through Wellington County’s 2015 Business Retention and Expansion (BR+E) Municipal Implementation Fund for the plan, which is expected to cost about $45,000 in total.
“The CIP is an effective and flexible tool that can lead to increased economic activity and investment by encouraging land and building restoration, revitalizing the township’s core areas and implementing strategic land use changes,” states a press release from the province announcing the funding.
“The grant Puslinch received through the Regional Economic Development program will help us to continue to grow as a community, create jobs and attract tourism to this area,” said Puslinch Mayor Dennis Lever.
Since 2003, the province has invested more than $185 million in 598 Rural Economic Development program projects, generating more than $1.2 billion in local economic activity, as well as retaining and creating more than 37,000 jobs.
“To help grow and expand rural Ontario’s economy, we must continue to provide jurisdictions such as Wellington County with business-friendly tools, resources and supports. Through the Regional Economic Development Program, rural communities will be better positioned to attract investment, create jobs and expand their economies,” stated Guelph MPP Liz Sandals, MPP for Guelph
“One of our top priorities as a government is to continue to invest in rural Ontario and create a thriving business climate. The Rural Economic Development program helps to ensure that rural communities across Ontario are better positioned to develop a highly-skilled, knowledge-based workforce and attract investment to help businesses succeed,” said Jeff Leal, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.
