Wakenagun to continue supporting entrepreneurs

Businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs in the James and Hudson Bay region can continue to receive support from Wakenagun Community Futures Development Corporation.
On Aug. 14, FedNor pledged a commitment of $325,250 to help create jobs and support community-based economic development in the region as it continues to support the ongoing operations of the organization.
Based in Moose Factory, Wakenagun provides business loans and support to businesses and start-up entrepreneurs in the Mushkegowuk territory.
Wakenagun executive director Stan Kapashesit was pleased to hear the news.
“It certainly was a good thing,” he said. “We’ve been getting funding support from them since our inception. And they’re continuing to support us in community futures development.”
Wakenagun has provided business loans to various endeavours in the region, including an outdoor sports store in Moosonee, bed-and-breakfast businesses in Kashechewan, the Cree Village Ecolodge in Moose Factory and Moose Factory Cable.
Along with providing business loans, Wakenagun offers business counseling to any aspiring entrepreneur.
“I just want to encourage people who are thinking of going into a business and don’t know where to start, just give us a call and we’re here to help,” Kapashesit said. “Obviously we do provide business loans, and it provides employment.”
Wakenagun chair Bill Cachagee welcomed the news, as it will enable the creation of jobs and strengthen the economy in the region.
“We have a proud history of generating positive results for entrepreneurs and businesses in our service area,” Cachagee said in a media release.
FedNor minister Tony Clement said the investment will allow Wakenagun to generate positive results for communities and businesses in northern Ontario.
“This targeted investment will enable the Wakenagun Community Futures Development Corporation to help create jobs and build a strong business sector in the James Bay region, positioning the area for sustainable economic growth and prosperity,” he said in a media release.
Wakenagun Community Futures Development Corporation is a federally incorporated not-for-profit community-based organization run by a volunteer board and staffed by business and economic development professionals.
Incorporated in 1995, it serves 11 communities, including Fort Severn First Nation, Weenusk First Nation, Attawapiskat First Nation, Kashechewan First Nation, Fort Albany First Nation, the Town of Moosonee, Moose Cree First Nation, MoCreebec Council of the Crees, Taykwa Tagamou First Nation, Chapleau Cree First Nation, and Missanabie Cree First Nation.