The Elsipogtog Economic Development Commission will have a new "one stop shop" location for the community’s various economic development and training organizations, the Elsipogtog First Nation announced today.

Local organizations such as Elsipogtog Economic Development for Business and Employment Development and Training, Atlantic Policy Congress, N.B. Native Women's Association and Big Cove Disability Group will now be closer together, and the new offices will create a synergy between the development and training components of these economic development organizations.

The initiative will enable the development of new activities such as job training, job placement and partnership building, as well as the initiation of a business incubation project. With new space, the Elsipogtog First Nation will be able to assist small business start- ups by providing new entrepreneurs with a locale close to the experts and facilitators within the community.

“This project will allow Elsipogtog to have a central place where economic development and the interests of other tenants can effectively serve the community in business and human resource development,” said Chief Robert Lloyd Levy. “This project will allow Elsipogtog to fully realize its economic needs. As Chief, I am very excited that this will bring short term employment (construction) and long term utilization.”

“This investment is great news for the community,” said Dominic LeBlanc, MP for Beauséjour-Petitcodiac. “This project will provide essential infrastructure for economic development and training initiatives within the Elsipogtog First Nation. The new facility will enable the community to offer better guidance to individuals and businesses as well as strengthen partnerships between the different groups and organizations involved in training and economic development.”

The project is made possible thanks to an investment of $501,752 through ACOA’s Strategic Community Investment Fund (SCIF). ACOA’s financing is for upgrading and completing work on two existing structures located on Big Cove Road at the entrance of the village, construction of outer walls, interior finishing, landscaping and site development, development of a parking lot, signage, acquisition and installation of security equipment, project administration as well as installation of water and sewage services.

SCIF was created to support strategic initiatives that contribute to community economic development in Atlantic Canada. Its purpose is to help communities create opportunities for economic development that will stimulate employment and attract investments. SCIF is a component of the Atlantic Investment Partnership (AIP).

Stephen Heckbert
Office of the Minister of ACOA
(613) 941-7241

Stéphanie Bilodeau
Communications Officer
ACOA NB
(506) 452-3304

Lynn Francis
Elsipogtog First Nation
(506) 523-4733