Feds pumps nearly $31 million into Ontario firms

The federal government is investing $30.75 million in two programs targeting firms in southern Ontario firms hit hard by the recession. The Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters SMART program received $15.75 million through FedDev Ontario that will ultimately support up to 300 firms with up to $50,000 (50% of project costs) that yield productivity improvements in the areas of manufacturing design, quality improvement, energy efficiency, IT best practices, environmental impact reduction and health and safety. An additional $50 million was provided to the Southern Ontario Development Program, increasing available funding for FY09-10 from $40 million to $55 million. The program is FedDev Ontario's core program and provides funding for business start-ups, business expansion, commercialization and productivity enhancement....