Community Economic Development Fund Summary

The Communities Economic Development Fund was established as a Provincial Crown Corporation in 1971. Its mandate as defined in legislation is to "encourage economic development in ... Northern Manitoba* (and) the fishing industry in the province ... with particular emphasis on the needs of small business enterprises and community development corporations." It does so by providing financial assistance (in the form of loans and loan guarantees) and other forms of assistance (most usually in the form of technical assistance).

* The CEDF Act and Regulations define the Fund's lending area as "that area north of the 21st township" (roughly north of Riding Mountain). The Fund can also lend to Commercial Fishers throughout the Province and to Aboriginal Enterprises in Southern Manitoba (excluding Winnipeg) when partnering with Federal Programs.

The Fund administers 3 programs. The Business Loan Program, the Fund's original program, provides Loans, Loan Guarantees, and Technical Assistance to Small Business. In 1992, the Fund assumed delivery of the Fisheries Loan Program from Manitoba Agricultural Credit Corporation. The program commenced in 1971 and provides a vital source of financing to commercial fishing enterprises. In 2000, the Fund launched TEAM, a micro-enterprise development program working with communities to establish team's of entrepreneurs in Northern Communities.

The corporation's Head Office is located in Thompson, with field offices in Gimli, Swan River, The Pas, and Winnipeg.

For More Information, consult the Fund's Website www.cedf.mb.ca or call Toll Free:

• Business Loans: 1-800-461-5315
• Fisheries Loans: 1-888-347-4678