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Norfolk County is proud to announce that it has secured funding through the 2024 Rural Economic Development (RED) Program. The grant of $116,050 will be matched by Norfolk County, resulting in a $232,100 investment.

The grant will support the County’s “Future Ready Norfolk” initiative, a comprehensive program designed to revitalize and sustain the local economy. The initiative includes:

Business Retention and Expansion (BR&E): Engaging with local businesses across sectors such as manufacturing, agriculture, tourism, and retail to identify challenges, opportunities, and solutions.

Quality of Life for Workers Study: Investigating critical factors like housing, transit, healthcare, and recreational amenities to enhance worker retention and attract new talent.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI): Promoting DEI awareness and training within the local business community and supporting equitable access to resources for underrepresented communities.

New to Norfolk: Providing information, tools, and connections to newcomers to support their integration into the community and local workforce, including a comprehensive web portal for community resources.

For more information, please visit norfolkbusiness.ca.

RED Announcement
From left: Councillor Doug Brunton, Councillor Michael Columbus, Councillor Linda Vandendriessche, Councillor Adam Veri, Honourable Lisa Thompson, Minister of Rural Affairs, Mayor Amy Martin, Councillor Alan Duthie, and Councillor Chris Van Paassen

Quotes

Mayor Amy Martin

“Rural economic development is the cornerstone of Norfolk County’s future, driving innovation, resilience, and opportunity in our community. With this RED grant, we’re investing directly in the businesses and workers who power our economy, ensuring Norfolk remains a thriving and competitive place to live and work.”

John Regan, Director, Economic Development

“Business Retention and Expansion (BR&E) is our boots-on-the-ground approach to economic development. By listening directly to our businesses, we gain actionable insights that deliver the best return on investment for our community. This grant empowers us to turn those insights into meaningful solutions that support local growth and prosperity.”