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The 1000 Islands Community Development Corporation (CDC) has announced two new programs to boost local growth: a loan program for new doctors and a Dragon’s-Den-style business competition.
The news came during the CDC’s 37th annual general meeting at the Brockville Country Club. The non-profit supports businesses, non-profits, and municipalities with loans, mentoring, and community project funding. It manages a $9 million investment portfolio and nearly 120 active loans in Brockville and southern Leeds County.
The new doctor loan program offers up to $150,000 at prime rates to help with hiring, equipment, and funding gaps. It’s part of a regional push to recruit more physicians.
The “Leeds and Grenville Greatest Entrepreneur” contest invites business plans from local startups. Six finalists will pitch their ideas at a January gala, where two winners will each receive $10,000 and services.
The CDC receives major funding from FedDev Ontario.
