Community Inclusions up for award of distinction

Community Inclusions in O’Leary is vying for a Business Award of Distinction from the Atlantic Association of Community Business Development Corporations this month.

The award recognizes exceptional members of the community every year.

The other 2018 finalists are Rock Solid Diesel in Grand Falls Windsor, N.L.; Chaleur Veterinary Hospital in Beresford, N.B.; and Safeguard Property Management in Kentville, N.S.

The winner will be announced at the organization’s annual general meeting Sept. 12-14 in Corner Brook, N.L.

CBDCs help rural entrepreneurs create new business opportunities through low-interest business loans and specialized advice.

The association’s latest annual report notes that local CBDCs invested more than $73 million in 1,388 loans. Additionally, 8,792 small and medium-sized businesses received tailored services, including training and counseling, assistance with challenges such as assessing the viability of their ideas, preparing a business plan and identifying growth and training opportunities.

This led to a total of 4,666 jobs being created or maintained.

“As CBDCs, we continue to be practical and innovative in meeting the needs of the small business community and ruralbased entrepreneurs by offering a variety of programs and services that nurture the growth and development of small and-medium sized businesses in our region,” said Stan Reid, president of the association.