Business Support

Local resources

Town of Saugeen Shores

*New Resources

• Email Marketing 101: A Beginner’s Guide for Small Businesses

• Ecommerce SEO Beginner's Guide

• Digital Main Street Grant and Online Support - Contact Will LeGrand at dsswilliamlegrand@gmail.com
• Sidewalk Patio and Sidewalk Cafe Encroachment Policy
• 5 steps to optimizing your Google My Business Listing

Saugeen Shores Chamber of Commerce

• Business Updates and Toolkit

Bruce County

• Free Business to Bruce Workshops 
• Grants for Business Owners
• Jobs in Bruce

Regional Tourism Organization 7

• Typsy - FREE Online Training for Tourism Businesses 
• Tourism Professional Development Program - T3 Accelerator 

Provincial resources

Ontario/Canadian Chamber of Commerce

• Business and Employee Supports

Province of Ontario

• Ontario.ca/Business
• Free Rapid Tests for Organizations 
• Digital Main Street - Digital Transformation Grant 
• Business support line: 1-888-444-3659

Federal resources

Government of Canada

• Now Hiring: A Guide to Help Employers Attract and Retain Workers in a Post-Pandemic Environment 
• Propel Student Work Placement Program - Tourism HR Canada 
• Small Business Financing Program 
• Services for Small Businesses 
• Wellness Together Canada: Mental Health and Substance Use Support

Retail Council of Canada

• Road to Retail Recovery Play Book

Starting a business

With a strong and vibrant economy, Saugeen Shores offers a prime location to start or expand your venture. If you are looking to start a small- or medium-sized business, you can access free business advice through the Business to Bruce program.

Business to Bruce offers:

• Free and confidential one-on-one business advice
• Educational seminars for business owners
• Programs and training for young entrepreneurs
• Education and networking events
• Resource materials

Looking to increase your business's online presence? Follow these 5 steps to optimize your Google My Business Listing. 

Chamber of Commerce

The Saugeen Shores Chamber of Commerce supports the business communities of Port Elgin, Southampton and Saugeen Township. It provides government representation for its members and promotes economic prosperity in Saugeen Shores and surrounding areas.

Business owners can join the Chamber of Commerce to access networking, business support, special events, promotions and member discount programs.

Grants and incentives

Bruce County offers grants and incentives to support business development in Saugeen Shores.

Spruce the Bruce community development grants provide financial support for the following:

• Community Signage
• Destination Infrastructure
• Façade Improvement and Sidewalk Patios
• Storefront Signage and Awnings
• Streetscape Beautification