FedNor is an initiative of the Government of Canada that acts as a catalyst to community economic development within Ontario. Through its programs and services, FedNor partners to fund community projects and initiatives designed to build economic sustainability and social stability in northern and rural Ontario. This includes support to small and medium-size enterprises as well as to non-profit organizations. FedNor provides funding to Community Futures Development Corporations, which are spread throughout northern and rural southern Ontario to support economic development at the community level.

What’s available online for clients?

Information services:

Information about: the FedNor program, grants, contributions, policies, common practices, business topics and tools, and skills development.

Transaction services:

Templates to assist with cash flows and budgets;

Online applications; and

Direct-to-bank deposit on contribution agreement claim payments.

Clients and benefits of online service

Clients:

Small and medium-sized businesses in northern and rural Ontario;
First Nations and community groups;
Non-profit organizations;
Entrepreneurs; and
Individuals.

Benefits:

Improved access to program information, applications and forms;

Time savings and convenience;

Cash flow support (e.g. direct deposit allows faster availability of funds); and

Promotes the use of information technology in northern, remote and rural communities.

Our journey to success

The approach to electronic service delivery has been a journey, which FedNor developed in collaboration with other Industry Canada representatives who offer grants and contributions funding. Over time, a framework has been developed for web-enabled initiatives in the financial approval and contribution management processes. FedNor also works with other regional delivery agencies, such as Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and Western Economic Diversification Canada, to maximize process reengineering opportunities and explore commonalities and best practices.

Current efforts are focussed on a shared initiative with Aboriginal Business Canada for the development and implementation of a web-based claim submission tool for clients to expedite the processing of payments. Other Industry Canada organizations look forward to accessing this new tool in their own grants and contributions environments. Client involvement remains a cornerstone to the success of the initiative.

Within its own department, the FedNor intranet offers internal workers access to policies, documents, common forms and templates to allow a consistent and high calibre delivery mechanism. FedNor has worked with its Community Futures Corporations to ensure ease of electronic reporting and database management to consolidate and tabulate performance.

Through the Strategis website, FedNor continues to update online services to keep information on programs and services current, relevant and easily accessible. Fundamental to enhancing service delivery to our clients, is the recognition that electronic service delivery is intended to enhance the direct services that clients receive through our community-based vision of regional economic development.