Economic Development Update - March 2024
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To view a full list of resources from a variety of sources and organizations, visit the Town’s Business Support page.
Still have questions? Reach out!
- Heather Hyde, Economic Development Office Heather.Hyde@SaugeenShores.ca
- Amanda Monaghan, Community Development Officer Amanda.Monaghan@SaugeenShores.ca
Spruce the Bruce Grants Open for 2024
Applications are open for the Spruce the Bruce business and community improvement grants. Eligible business and property owners can apply for grants that will cover 50% of eligible expenses.
More Seating, More Guests: Apply for funding to install or improve a patio (up to $4,000).
Signage that Attracts More People: Apply for funding to install an awning (up to $1,000), perpendicular signage (up to $750), or facia signage (up to $1,000).
Curb Appeal Goes a Long Way: Apply for funding to update and improve the exterior façade of a commercial building (up to $4,000).
Improved Accessibility, More Customers: Apply for funding to remove or reduce barriers for people with disabilities (up to $3,000).
Find all grant details at www.SpruceTheBruce.com and learn more about eligibility, potential projects and how to apply.
RTO7 Launches 2024/25 Funding Programs
The program is accepting applications until the deadline dates OR until it has allocated all available funds. Please note that program funds were exhausted very early last year so it is critical to get your application in as soon as possible (even if your proposed project will not occur until 2025).
Partnership Program streams are similar to last year; however all streams are now leveraged at $1:$1 or matching dollars.
Most Accessed Partnership Categories:
Collateral Development
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Video & Image Development - Book a photo or video shoot to create an up-to-date library of images and video to use in future advertising (for guests or for staff recruitment), on your website or in print media.
Storytelling
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Social Media Advertising
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Digital Advertising
Other Partnership categories include:
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Trade Show Booth Space Reimbursement
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Tourism Wayfinding, Trails & Cycling Signage
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French Translation
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Experience Development (includes Research and Workforce Development as well as accredited Sustainability Certification for businesses and destinations)
You can find applications and guidelines here.
Implementation Programs
Operations Implementation Program (OIP)
This program assists tourism stakeholders in Bruce, Grey & Simcoe counties to promote their tourism business, festival, or event through a paid four-week social media advertising campaign.
RTO7 will match a stakeholder's $1,000 investment in operational expenses. Outside of that operational investment, there is no additional cost to access this program.
Eligible operational expenses include mortgage payments, rent, insurance, inventory purchases, etc. Find more information on this page on RTO7.ca, including guidelines and the application link.
Sustainability Inclusivity Program (SIP)
This program is similar to the Operations Implementation Program (above). The SIP assists tourism stakeholders who have established an inclusive business practice or would like help promoting a new sustainable product, experience or initiative.
RTO7 will match a stakeholder's $2,500 operational investment with a paid four-week social media advertising campaign. Learn more and apply on RTO7.ca.
Recruitment Implementation Program (RIP)
RTO7 continues to offer the Recruitment Implementation Program as part of its 2024/25 Business Plan. It is also revising the program details and guidelines to improve outcomes for tourism stakeholders.
This program will no longer operate as a social media advertising campaign. Learn more about the Recruitment Implementation here.