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The Community Development Corporation of Sault Ste. Marie & Area (CDC) is a community-based, non-profit organization led by a local volunteer board of directors. As a FedNor funded Community Futures Development Corporation, the CDC has been supporting economic and community development in the Sault Ste. Marie area since its establishment in 1986
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Supporting Sault Ste. Marie businesses since 1986.
For 40 years, the CDC has helped local entrepreneurs start, grow, and strengthen their businesses. As a not-for-profit governed by a volunteer Board and staffed by dedicated professionals, we manage local investment funds that turn ambition into action — and help keep jobs right here in our community.
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HOW CAN WE HELP YOU?
Financing & Business Loans
Flexible financing for startups and established businesses alike. Locally managed, with all lending decisions made right here - supporting local jobs.
Resources
Resources for every stage - a curated directory of funding programs, government services, and local organizations to help you start, run, and grow.
Business Counselling
Practical guidance and referrals - from business planning to connecting you with the right programs - to help you succeed.
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HOW TO GET STARTED
Are you looking for help, direction or funds to start your business?
2. Meet
We will meet with you to talk about your needs and ideas.
3. Apply
Fill out and submit our loan application & supporting documents. We can help.
4. Review
We’ll assess your application, follow up if needed, and keep you posted.
5. Decision
If we decide to invest in your business we will prepare documents and meet with you to review.
6. Support
Our business support service is on-going: before, during, and after you apply.
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WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY
Empowering local entrepreneurs and strengthening our community.
"Thanks to the support and guidance from the Community Corporation of Sault Ste. Marie & Area, I was able to bring my dream of opening an optical boutique in the heart of downtown Sault Ste. Marie to life." ...
Heather McClelland
Vision Optical & Boutique by Heather"The CDC has been excellent to work with for our businesses, and we have been partners from the very beginning 12 years ago. They have always been interested in our success and very supportive and flexible when needed. We highly recommend any small business to partner with the CDC!"
Josh Jansen
BROERS JANSEN"SSM CDC's grant funding let RAIN launch the NOVA mentorship program, pairing agri-food entrepreneurs across Northern Ontario with the guidance they need to grow."
David Thompson
RAIN - Rural Agri-Innovation NetworkHome
The Community Development Corporation of Sault Ste. Marie & Area marks its 40th anniversary as a cornerstone of local progress, celebrating four decades of empowering entrepreneurs, strengthening neighbourhoods, and driving sustainable economic growth. Since its founding, the CDC has championed the success of small businesses, supported community‑building initiatives, and helped shape a more resilient regional economy. This milestone reflects not only years of strategic investment and guidance, but also the collective spirit of collaboration that defines Sault Ste. Marie. As the organization looks ahead, its commitment to fostering innovation, opportunity, and shared prosperity remains as strong as ever — a testament to the lasting impact of forty years of community‑driven development.
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The Sault Ste. Marie Community Development Corporation acknowledges, with respect, that we are in Robinson-Huron Treaty territory, that the land on which we are gathered is the traditional territory of the Anishinaabe and known as Baawaating. Baawaating is the home of Garden River First Nation, Batchewana First Nation, the Historic Sault Ste. Marie Metis Council.