Economic Development Update - January 2024

NII offering Project Management Certificate 

Nuclear Innovation Institute in Port Elgin is hosting Georgian College's Graduate Certificate in Project Management, starting this May. Tailored for busy professionals, the program provides in-person classes with the option to attend online for added flexibility. Evening classes are scheduled twice weekly per term over two years for full completion of the graduate certificate.

This collaboration with Georgian College and the Province of Ontario introduces the first graduate education offering in Bruce County.  It addresses the local need for accessible and flexible education programming that is essential for securing long-term gainful employment.

Inspired by key energy sector partners such as Bruce Power, Sargent and Lundy, and Tundra Technical, the program's value extends beyond the energy sector. It responds to the high demand for project management services across diverse industries, reflecting the evolving needs of the workforce. 

To learn more, visit Study Project Management part-time - Georgian College

To register, visit OntarioColleges.ca, create a profile, Select "Campus: Owen Sound" May 2024 and apply at: Apply to Georgian College Programs at ontariocolleges.ca | ontariocolleges.ca

Spruce the Bruce Grant Applications - Opening Feb.1

Attractive storefronts help create a more vibrant and welcoming atmosphere on main street. Make your vision come to life with grant funding from Spruce the Bruce.

Eligible downtown businesses can apply for grants to help cover the costs of patio installations, accessibility upgrades, façade and other improvements as well as collaborative marketing efforts.

Visit www.sprucethebruce.com to find out more! 

FREE Promotion Listings on BruceGreySimcoe.com

Do you have a special offer for the winter, Family Day, March Break, or even an early booking promotion for the spring/summer that you need help pushing out? RTO7 has launched a winter campaign that will be driving consumer traffic to the Promotions page on BruceGreySimcoe.com.  Visit the Operator Log-in page to add your offers today!
 
If you have not yet registered as an operator, register here. Once your listing has been approved, you can add special offers to your profile. If you need assistance, please reach out at info@rto7.ca. 

Canada Digital Adoption Program

The Canada Digital Adoption Program (CADP) is available for small or medium-sized businesses.  This program offers a grant, as well as access to expert advice, to increase online sales, reduce costs, better manage inventory, and more. To learn more about the program and find out which grant is right for you, visit the Government of Canada website here.  

Ottawa Invests in Main Streets & Neighbourhoods Across Southern Ontario

My Main Street joined the Honourable Filomena Tassi, Minister Responsible for FedDevOntario, to announce a $15-million investment for the Canadian Urban Institute to continue the My Main Street program in 2024. The investment supports the stabilization and revitalization of main streets and neighbourhoods that continue to attract people to Southern Ontario’s communities.

The investment will include a new program stream entitled the Business Sustainability Program. This stream will provide non-repayable contributions up to $20,000 in direct-to-business funding to support productivity enhancements for up to 325 brick-and-mortar businesses located on main streets across southern Ontario. 

The programs will launch on February 15, 2024. Learn more about the program.

Federal Tourism Growth Program

The Tourism Growth Program (TGP) is a federal initiative set to provide $108 million over three years to support communities, small and medium-sized businesses and not-for-profit organizations in developing local tourism products and experiences. 

Register for an information session to get an overview of the application process and please be sure to secure your spot ASAP (the first two sessions are already full).  The program is accepting applications until February 29, 2024. 

Visit the FedDev for Southern Ontario website to learn more.

To view a full list of resources from a variety of sources and organizations, visit the Town’s Business Support webpage.

Still have questions? Reach out to the Economic Development Officer at Heather.Hyde@SaugeenShores.ca or the Community Development Officer at Amanda.Monaghan@SaugeenShores.ca