London, Ont. non-profit to receive $400K in support of four city ‘main streets’
Global News
Officials with FedDev Ontario announced Wednesday that the London Small Business Centre would receive roughly $400,000 in support of four London 'main street communities.'
A London non-profit is among several organizations slated to receive funding as part of a broader government-backed initiative aimed at revitalizing main streets and local economies across southern Ontario.
Officials with the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario) announced Wednesday that the London Small Business Centre (LSBC) would receive roughly $400,000 in support of four London “main street communities.”
“We’re thrilled to be able to bring this program to London. It’s an incredible initiative to help the revitalization of main streets,” said Steve Pellarin, executive director of LSBC, on Thursday.
During a COVID-19 media briefing Thursday, Mayor Ed Holder was equally pleased about the news.
“We know that revitalizing local business and communities, especially now, is more critical than ever in boosting confidence in London and our community,” he said.
“It also highlights to me the importance of supporting local businesses, be it in London and throughout Middlesex County.”
The funding comes as part of the My Main Street program, aimed at providing resources and support to communities to revitalize their main streets using local “main street ambassadors,” market research, data analysis, and monetary business supports.
The program is a partnership between the Economic Developers Council of Ontario and the Canadian Urban Institute. The federal government, through FedDev Ontario, invested $23.25 million in August, from which the funding announced Tuesday is derived.