by Nancy Gardiner
Northern News Services

NNSL (Sep 22/97) - Matthew Spence, manager of Iqaluit's Baffin Business Development Centre is trying to accomplish community economic development work at the community level.

"We're trying to create jobs or increase the amount of money flowing into the community, so the community can see tangible results in the planning," says Spence.

The plan is for representatives from communities to select two communities for a pilot project. There's an 18-month timeframe, he adds.

Spence's office, with a staff of two, administers $1.5 million for the region.

"We provide loans for start-up or extension of businesses in the Baffin up to a maximum of $75,000," he says of the not-for-profit organization.

Businesses can apply to the BBDC for loans.