"When it comes to improving commercial property in the downtown, a 0% interest loan is the next best thing to free money," said Community Futures General Manager, Bob Cloes. "In the past few years, Community Futures has had a great deal more people take advantage of our 0% interst facde impvrovement loans in Central Hastings than we have in North Hastings."

Catherine Fulford, Cottage Rentals 247.com and her husband Tim were referred to Community Futures through Revitalization Coordinator Chris Drost. Part of the Fulford's proposed renovations to their newly acquired building at 73 Hastings St. N. qualified for the 0% interest loan under the EODP access to capital initiative.

Both husband and wife were extremely positive about the assistance they had received and praised the program when MP for Hastings-Prince Edward, Daryl Kramp paid them a visit March 6, 2009. "We were in business ourselves and know how expensive renovations can be", said Kramp." "Projects like downtown revitalization and your inititive in particular verify my confidence in the Federal Government's Eastern Ontario Development Program."

Money went to siding, roofing, windows. Clients had recently purchased the building and have done extensive renovations on the exterior and interior as well. The Fulfords Purchased the majority of the supplies and labour from Bancroft area businesses.

Husband Tim Fulford has opened his own real estate office on one side of the building and Catherine moved her Cottage Rental business from a rental just outside of town.