A local group of business and community leaders has received a quarter of a million dollars to expand its work and mandate in the province.

Task Force NL, which includes 75 business and community leaders, was originally formed during the early height of the pandemic to address the province’s short supply of personal protective equipment for healthcare professionals

This morning it was announced that the mostly volunteer-led organization will receive a total investment of $245,250 through the Regional Economic Growth through Innovation (REGI) program.

That will allow Task Force NL to create two new positions and grow into a dedicated organization that focusing on mentorship, and business and immigration support.

The announcement was made virtually by the federal minister responsible for ACOA, Ginette Petitpas Taylor, St. John’s MP Joanne Thompson, as well as Task Force NL director Victoria Belbin.

Belbin says they are developing a long-term strategy focusing on business mentorship and development, but noted the emphasis will be on immigration, which she called the future of Newfoundland and Labrador.