About Nickel Basin The Nickel Basin Federal Development Corporation (Nickel Basin) is an incorporated, not-for-profit organization that was created in September 2000, with a mandate to administer a community loan fund in support of small and medium-sized businesses. Nickel Basin is funded through Industry Canada and FedNor (federal government), to provide funding and advice, to promote economic growth and diversification that creates and maintains jobs in and around the City of Greater Sudbury.

Nickel Basin Coverage Area

Our operational coverage area centres on the City of Greater Sudbury and extends west, to and including Beaver Lake, north to Cartier, east to Wahnapitae and south to Estaire. Please refer to the map hyperlink on the right-hand side of this page to view our territory. If your existing or proposed operation is located outside our jurisdiction, please visit Community Futures Development Corporations in Ontario's website at www.oacfdc.com to locate the CFDC office nearest you.

Programs and Services

Nickel Basin’s main objectives are to:

• Provide financial support to small and medium-sized businesses
  
• Support business innovation and growth
  
• Promote the participation of local groups with regard to identifying employment problems and opportunities in designated areas
  
• Identify employment opportunities suitable for support by government programs, private sector programs/partnerships, or a combination thereof

Services provided are aimed at small and medium-sized businesses operating within the territory served by Nickel Basin, and wishing to either remain competitive, or increase their market share. This includes existing operations planning an expansion that leads to the creation of new jobs, entrepreneurs seeking to launch a new venture, and any individual wishing to develop a new business idea. Financial assistance in the form of repayable loans, loan guarantees, equity investments, or a combination of all three can be provided, up to a maximum of $150,000. To be eligible, candidates must first be declined by a chartered bank, credit union or caisse populaire. Conversely, businesses that cannot obtain sufficient support from a traditional financial institution and that are viable will be considered. Nickel Basin favours working with other financial institutions to support part of the financial needs of a business.

Consideration for financing is contingent, in part, upon receipt of a viable business plan and the owners investing sufficient equity capital. Securities normally consist of personal guarantees and specific charges on business assets.

Other technical and consultative referrals delivered through Nickel Basin, or in tandem with the City of Greater Sudbury’s Regional Business Centre (www.regionalbusiness.ca) include:

• Market and feasibility studies
• Administrative evaluations
• Assistance in obtaining other forms of funding
• Assistance in the development of business proposals
• Assistance in the preparation of business plans
• Information on government programs

Contact Us

If you have any questions, or would like to arrange a meeting with one of our representatives, do not hesitate to write, call, or use our e-mail service.

Nickel Basin Federal Development Corporation
200 Brady Street, Tom Davies Square
Sudbury, Ontario P3E 5K3

General Inquiries:  (705) 673-9802
Facsimile:               (705) 673-7722

Mike O’Connor    Executive Director   (705) 688-7591   mike.oconnor@greatersudbury.ca
Carol Nadeau    Business Officer      (705) 688-7717       carole.nadeau@greatersudbury.ca
Denis Gervais    Investment Administrator    (705) 673-9802    denis.gervais@greatersudbury.ca
Garry Michlouski    Business Intern   (705) 674-4455 ext 4609    garry.michlouski@greatersudbury.ca