A federal minister was in Stratford on Friday to visit three local businesses.
On International Women's Day, Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for southern Ontario, Filomena Tassi, celebrated the accomplishments of female entrepreneurs.
Wills & Prior, Ände and El Cactus Taco Shop have received contributions of $10,000 through My Main Street, which supports main street businesses and communities in southern Ontario.
Representatives from Downtown Stratford Business Improvement Association were part of the visits.
Contributions are through a $23.25 million investment by the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario), for the Canadian Urban Institute (CUI) and the Economic Developers Council of Ontario (EDCO) to support the recovery and revitalization of main streets across southern Ontario, according to a media release from FedDev Ontario.
The minister made a number of stops in the region. A $525,000 investment was announced at Spa-Dent, based in Cambridge. The company specializes in natural dental products.
"On International Women’s Day, we recognize the women entrepreneurs and women-led businesses that are creating economic growth across Canada," said the MP.
"It is fantastic to see first-hand the businesses and organizations that are supporting the important work they do to create jobs and grow an economy that works for everyone.”
The My Main Street program offers streamlined, direct-to-business and community supports that will help attract visitors and locals to main streets. Advanced market research tools are used to address localized needs and identify opportunities for participating main streets to support business recovery, sustainability and growth strategies, according to a media release.
