Economic Development Update - December 2021

New resources and information continue to become available for the business community. Some of the latest announcements are below.

As always, a full list of resources from a variety of sources and organizations is available by visiting the Town’s Business Support webpage.

If you have questions about any of the information below, please reach out to the Economic Development Officer at heather.hyde@saugeenshores.ca.

Catapult Grey Bruce Launches Fast Lane Plus this month

Fast Lane Plus ^TM is an accelerator program that helps businesses overcome their toughest challenges by providing expert resources to build capacity, generate more sales, and market products or services beyond local opportunities. Program applications will open in December.

Save the date for the information sessions to learn more:   

Tuesday, January 11, 2022 @ 10 am
Thursday, January 27, 2022 @ 10 am

Georgian College’s Further Faster Business Program Accepting Applications

The 8-week program is perfect for entrepreneurs starting a new business or considering pivoting an existing business. This intensive program focuses on the most important aspects of a business, making your business model effective and efficient in the market. Learn More and Register

Deadline: Tuesday, January 25, 2022.

Tourism Industry Association of Ontario’s Share the Experience

Share the Experience’s showcased offers will commence with a campaign on December 20, 2021, and will run on weekdays until December 30, 2021 (excluding statutory holidays).  The period the offer is valid until is up to you. 

Each applicable day, the Tourism Industry Association of Ontario (TIAO) will send out an email containing informative content produced solely by members. The length of the campaign will depend upon the amount of content TIAO receives. 

Here is how you can participate: 

• Be a TIAO member
• Prepare a copy describing your product, service, experience, or special offer. (Maximum two sentences or about 60 words plus website link and/or email address.) 
• Send your copy via email to communications@tiaontario.ca by 3:00 pm on Tuesday, December 14, 2021. 

Take advantage of this amazing opportunity to let the tourism industry in Ontario learn more about what you and your business have to offer. 

My Main Street Community Activator Program Year Two

The Main Street program, funded by the Government of Canada through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario, supports place-making projects across southern Ontario in 2022, with reimbursements between $25,000 and $250,000.

Learn more by reviewing the application guide and apply by completing and submitting the application form. The deadline to apply is Tuesday, February 1, 2022.
 
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to placemaking@mymainstreet.ca.

Government of Canada Small Business Financing Program

The Canada Small Business Financing Program makes it easier for small businesses to get loans from financial institutions by sharing the risk with lenders. Up to a maximum of $1,000,000 for any one borrower, of which no more than $350,000 can be used for purchasing leasehold improvements or improving a leased property and purchasing or improving new or used equipment. Financial institutions deliver the program and are solely responsible for approving the loan. For more information download their pamphlet or find a lender near you.

Government of Canada Covid-19 Supports

The Government of Canada has introduced many COVID-19 supports to help businesses weather the storm. To get a tailored list of the ones that fit your business situation or to discover other federal, provincial, and territorial programs and services designed to help Canadian businesses grow, try the interactive business benefits finder. You can also sign up for the notification feature to receive emails when there are changes to your favourite programs, when application deadlines are approaching, or when a new program that meets your needs is introduced.

Government of Canada Services for Small Business

Get tools and information on what to consider before starting a business. Get information to help you identify opportunities to grow your business. Learn how to fuel your R&D and innovation projects through government grants, contributions and loans, as well as private sector financing. Learn about programs and services available in your region to help your business succeed. Find out more about the municipal, provincial, territorial, and federal permits, licences and regulations that apply to your business. Learn how to handle day-to-day operations, including budgeting, marketing and payroll deductions, and more. Overview of federal government Services for Small Business.