Economic Development Update - March 2025

Spruce the Bruce Open for Applications!

Wanting to attract people into your downtown business?

Spruce the Bruce is open for applications with funding opportunities open to eligible businesses and property owners to help revitalize and redevelop properties. Programs include:

Perpendicular Signage Grant Perpendicular signs increase awareness and visibility of a business and its services. The sign is attached to the front of the building and mounted so the face of the sign is perpendicular to the normal flow of street and foot traffic, which creates pedestrian-friendly downtowns.

Façade Building Improvement Grant includes exterior lighting, building painting and/or siding, outdoor platers, and window replacements/upgrades.

Fascia Signage Grant the Fascia Signage grant provides funding for business and property owners to install a new or updated fascia sign on the façade of a downtown commercial building.

Learn more at sprucethebruce.com

Tariff Business Impact Survey

To better support your business during this time, Bruce County wants to hear how the tariffs may be impacting your business and what challenges you may be facing. Please fill out this survey, drafted by Western Ontario Wardens’ Caucus Inc. (WOWC) below.

Fill Out the Tariff Business Impact Survey Here

Support the Saugeen Shores Summer Concert Series

The Town of Saugeen Shores has once again launched our Summer Concert Series inviting members of the public to Join us on Sunday nights from June 29th to August 31st for FREE performances at the Emmett McGrath Pavilion (Port Elgin) and the Fairy Lake Pavilion (Southampton).

This year, the summer concert series will see some new faces mixed with many of your favorite annual performances.

Similar to past years the concerts will being at 7:00pm and conclude at 8:30pm.

Offering the summer concert series would not be possible without business and community support. This year we are seeking community partnership for the performances. If you or your business / organization is interested in partnering with us, please check out our sponsorship opportunities here or reach out to:

Kodey Hewlett-Mowbray, Wellness and Program Supervisor
Kodey.hewlettmowbray@saugeenshores.ca / 519-832-2008 x195

All other concert details including the musician / band application form and soon to be released schedule can be found at www.saugeenshores.ca/summerconcerts

New from RTO7

2025/26 Program Applications Open (until February 28)!

RTO7 has launched our 2025/26 Programs with a new application process in place. Thank you to those who have already submitted!
 
This year, we are adopting an application intake period which provides RTO7 with the opportunity to review all submissions collectively, ensuring a strategic allocation of funding to support tourism planning, marketing, and development across BruceGreySimcoe.
 
Key Details:

• Application Intake Period: January 31 – February 28, 2025 at 5:00 pm EST.
• Program Period: April 1, 2025 to March 31, 2026. 
• Program Details & Guidelines: Now available on the program websites (links below).
• Partnership Program 
• Operations Implementation Program
• General Program FAQs
• Who Can Apply: Tourism operators, DMOs, municipalities, counties, and other tourism stakeholders in BruceGreySimcoe.

To learn more about the programs and the application process, click on the above links for details. We are happy to answer any questions and encourage all operators, including those who we have not worked with previously to reach out by email to info@rto7.ca.

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!