Representatives of the Communities Economic Development Fund were in Flin Flon yesterday meeting with the Greenstone Board and Chamber of Commerce.  The fund is designed to provide loans to start or expand small to medium size businesses.  Their CEO Oswald Sawh says they have done over 220 million in loans since 1972.  He says when it comes to economic development communities look at bringing in new businesses but they should look within. He explains most economic activity will take place from local businesses by way of expansion or by local residents who look to start up a business so if anything the focus should be helping to find, build and grow local capacity and trying to help out the local businesses, trying to support local businesses and trying to make sure that we help to grow that next generation of entrepreneurs by introducing self-employment to the young people.

Sawh says their focus in now on Churchill, Flin Flon, The Pas and Thompson adding they encourage people to go to banks first and if unsuccessful then contact CEDF in Thompson at 204-778-4138 or their website www.cedf.mb.ca.