FORT SIMPSON (Aug 03/98) - A business development centre is on the way for the Deh Cho region.

Devoted primarily to lending money to small businesses, the centre is expected to open as soon as Sept. 1.

According to Mike Longlade, manager of trade and investment with the Department of Economic Development, the initiative of the Community Futures Program will serve the communities of Fort Simpson, Fort Liard, Nahanni Butte, Trout Lake, Wrigley and Jean Marie River.

The organization's capital pool will be funded by the territorial government, says Longlade. At least initially, there will be a maximum cap of $75,000 on loans.

A general manager, a programs and administration officer and a business development officer are currently being recruited.

The territorial government will support the business development centre's operating and maintenance needs, with expectations that those costs will decrease over time.

"Some of these organizations grow to become more self-sufficient than others.... They seek out other sources of funding and get involved in other revenue-generating activities," Longlade noted.

There is a logo-design contest for the business development centre to help drum up some recognition.

"The ordinary person on the street doesn't even know that this organization ... is in the process of being established. Hopefully that (contest) will help put the organization in the public eye," Longlade said.

The business development centre is to be located in the trailer formerly used by the Liidlii Kue First Nation's band office on 100 Street in Fort Simpson.