Small business is the beating heart of a growing economy.
It is the message Prime Minister Stephen Harper delivered during his trip to Niagara last week as he announced changes to the Canadian Small Business Financing Program.
“It’s no secret that when government and small business are rolling in the same direction, it’s the whole economy that wins.”
Harper, who was in St. Catharines last week, spoke about the program that promotes funding to start-up companies and those who already run small businesses. It also helps provide better access to securing loans and stimulate a rocky economy.
He said since the program’s beginnings in 2006, more than 50,000 businesses have been assisted.
Dean Allison, Member of Parliament for Niagara West-Glanbrook, reiterated the success the program has had, using Accipiter Radar in Pelham as an example.
“The Niagara Region especially has an outstanding example of small businesses that stand out against the larger competitor,” Allison said, adding that there were 26,000 small business owners in Niagara.
The Prime Minister, who ran his own business before stepping into the political circle, said the Canadian Small Business Financing Program loans out $1 billion each year, and has been a focal point towards Canada’s growth.
“These small businesses are the fabric of our community. We want to keep it that way.”
