Prince Edward/Lennox & Addington Community Futures Development Corporation (PELA CFDC) is a community-based, non-profit corporation aimed at encouraging local entrepreneurship and economic development.

Founded in Prince Edward County in 1987, and expanding into Lennox & Addington County in 2001, PELA CFDC is funded by the Government of Canada, Industry Canada & FedNor.

Offices are located in Picton and Napanee, are staffed by business professionals and governed by a board of local volunteers.

PELA CFDC works closely with Prince Edward, Lennox and Addington Counties to strengthen the economy and assist in business development by providing information, counseling, and financing.

PELA CFDC takes a grassroots approach to community and economic development. Our primary focus is to retain and create jobs within the area while working hand-in-hand with government, small businesses, regional CFDCs, industry and business associations, and financial advisors, of the Prince Edward/Lennox and Addington communities.

PELA CFDC works closely with communities to assess local challenges, and to look at new ideas and opportunities that could strengthen their economies. PELA CFDC plans and helps to implement development strategies that are designed to build a brighter future for the communities they serve.

PELA CFDC, in co-operation with Industry Canada, delivers a variety of services including:

• Technical and advisory support
• Loans to small and medium-sized businesses
• Local strategic economic planning

PELA CFDC is committed to encouraging the economic development and social well-being of both Prince Edward and Lennox & Addington counties and works closely with:

• Economic Development departments
• Local Chambers of Commerce
• Human Resources & Skills Development Canada (HRSD)
• Prince Edward/Lennox & Addington Social Services
• Business Development Bank of Canada
• Industry Canada
• Local Banks and Trust Companies
• Local Lawyers and Accountants
• Other Business/Economic Development organizations

Some local examples…

FRONTENAC MILLWORKS INC - After only two years of business, Frontenac Millworks Inc. is expanding and making a move from Kingston to Enviropak Lane in Napanee.

KEEN BOATBUILDING CORPORATION - Andrew Keen has been building boats since he was ten years old; he built his first boat alongside his father. Since then he has continued the craft, opening his own business in 2001, Keen Boatbuilding Corporation Ltd.

LAKEVIEW DINE AND RECLINE - Sandra Patenaude came to Cloyne with her husband, Tom St. Louis, and in 2002 they purchased the Lakeview Dine and Recline Family Restaurant

THE BEAN COUNTER - Warming up by the fire with a hot coffee or cooling off with a refreshing gelato, The Bean Counter (Coffee Co. & Gelaterie) offers the best of both worlds.

CUSTOM COVER-UPS - Dale Northey was first introduced to the world of upholstery by her mother who had her own business and passed her skills onto Dale.

• PELA CFDC Supports B.A.B.A. in Downtown Revitalization
• PELA CFDC Provides Funding for Taste Trail Bilingual Brochure
• PELA CFDC and PELASS Build Skill Training Capacity in Lennox & Addington County
• PELA CFDC further supports Wilton Community Hall upgrade
• PELA CFDC assists PECCTAC in promoting fishing in Bay of Quinte
• PELA CFDC Gives Picton Downtown Action Plan A Boost
• PELA CFDC Supports Skilled Trades Training at Prince Edward Collegiate Institute

For more on these good news stories go to Business Success Stories on the PELA CFDC Website.

If you have a business, or would like to start a business in the Prince Edward County / Lennox & Addington area, PELA CFDC would like to hear from you.