A funding boost for IION

A program that provides qualified youth (ages 18 to 29) with up to 16 weeks of meaningful on-the-job entrepreneurship and skills training is receiving funding from Ottawa and Queen’s Park.

MP Anthony Rota (pictured above) announced $223,000 from FedNor for Innovation Initiatives Ontario North’s Youth Entrepreneurship Placement Program while MPP Vic Fedeli (pictured below) announced $200,000 from the Ontario Trillium Foundation.

The money will flow over 24 months and help expand IION’s Youth Entrepreneurship Placement Program into underserviced, rural areas, impacting 93 people.

“Today’s announcement will not only create new jobs to grow the local economy, it also paves the way for the long-term growth of rural Ontario. Investments like these are crucial to Northern Ontario’s growth and prosperity. I look forward to seeing the positive impact these funds will have in our rural Northern communities.” said Fedeli.

“Northern Ontario has a wealth of talented and energetic youth who can help the region transition to an innovation-based economy. Our government is proud to partner with organizations, such as IION, to encourage young Canadians to embrace entrepreneurship as a viable career path and help them pursue opportunities in high-growth areas such as clean-tech.” said Rota.

“IION is pleased that its collaboration with FedNor and the Ontario Trillium Foundation has spurred the expansion of the Youth Entrepreneurship Placement Program (YEPP),” said Rob Deline, Executive Director, Innovation Initiatives Ontario North. “Skilled youth are jumping at the chance to return home to Northern Ontario and YEPP is providing them with that opportunity, while helping businesses innovate and expand. Our combined efforts have had a significant impact on youth retention as well as business innovation and growth.”