CFDC Launches Technology Innovation Program

May 15, 2020
By Bob Peters

Cornwall Ontario – Local businesses looking to adopt new technology now have a local resource to assist them.

Cornwall & The Counties Community Futures Development Corporation has launched a new boutique advisory service aimed at increasing the technological capacity of businesses in Cornwall, Akwesasne and the United Counties of SD&G.

The Technology Innovation Program, or TIP for short, is a service that will help small and medium sized business owners select, adopt, optimize and integrate technologies of all kinds into their operations. These include adding point-of-sale systems, customer relationship management (CRM) software, cloud based accounting and inventory systems along website and e-commerce solutions.

“We were motivated by the struggles local businesses were experiencing,” says Lesley Thompson, Executive Director of the Cornwall & The Counties Community Futures Development Corporation. “We know how important (now more than ever) it is to embrace technology and digital. Business owners who have done this are weathering the COVID storm better than others. If companies want to become more resilient in the face of the unforeseen, stay relevant, become more competitive, increase efficiency and make smarter business decisions, than this program is for them.”

The TIP program is set up to guide companies through various stages, including identifying the problem, determining the best solution, implementing new technology and assessing the resulting benefits. Two sub programs have been identified:

Virtual Office Infrastructure
Web/eCommerce Solutions

Paul Bouvier, a local technology expert, has been charged with administering the program. He has gathered a team of people in a variety of disciplines that can bring specialized expertise to bear.

“Technology is a fast moving target, with dozens of possible solutions,” says Mr. Bouvier. “My team can provide clarity and help local business owners make better decisions.”

Companies looking for more info can call More information will be available soon on the Community Futures website: