BUSINESS EVENTS & WORKSHOPS |
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VIRTUAL BUSINESS ROUND TABLE WITH MPP MILLER AND MP AITCHISON
The Huntsville/Lake of Bays Chamber of Commerce and Almaguin Highlands Chamber of Commerce invite you to join MPP Norm Miller and MP Scott Aitchison to discuss your concerns and current challenges.
Date: Friday, October 16, 2020
Time: 10:30 a.m. ONLINE
Note: Please submit questions in advance (by October 14) using the registration form below.
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BRIDGES TO BETTER BUSINESS CONFERENCE
To celebrate Small Business Month in October, Muskoka Small Business Centre (MSBC) is hosting its Annual Bridges to Better Business event on October 22nd - virtually, of course!
This year’s theme is For the Health of Your Business, in the Age of Covid-19. This is a great event for businesses in the start-up or growth stages. It is an opportunity for businesses to get education and inspiration! And it’s an opportunity to connect with the approximately 100 business owners that are expected to attend.
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Date: Thursday, October 22, 2020
Time: 9:00 am to 3:30 pm ONLINE
Fee: $20
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FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES AND BUSINESS RECOVERY |
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COVID-19 TECHNOLOGY ADOPTION FUND (CTAF)
CTAF will provide eligible businesses, start-ups, municipalities, and Indigenous communities across Northern Ontario with access to capital grant funding to acquire digital technology and e-business and marketing solutions to ensure they can survive and adapt to the challenges presented by COVID-19.
Capital grant funding is available for eligible applicants of up to $10,000 with a minimum contribution of 25% from the applicant towards the project.
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STEP FOWARD ENTREPRENEURS PROGRAM
IION has launched a new version of the Step Forward Entrepreneurs Program (SFEP) that is intended to support innovative businesses impacted by the global pandemic by providing grant opportunities to assist the re-starting and acceleration of business.
Companies who have been supported under the Step Forward Entrepreneurs Program in the past are still eligible for funding under this initiative.
This program will support up to 75% of eligible costs, before tax at one of three funding levels: $5,000, $7,500 or $10,000. Projects must be completed by March 31, 2021.
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MAIN STREET RECOVERY PLAN
The Province of Ontario recently announced a plan and proposed legislation to support small businesses and modernize rules to allow them to innovate and meet the challenges of today.
The plan includes:
- A one-time grant of up to $1,000 for eligible main street small businesses - in retail, food and accommodations, and other service sectors - with two to nine employees to help offset the unexpected costs of personal protective equipment (PPE);
- Ontario's Small Business COVID-19 Recovery Network, which links 47 Small Business Enterprise Centres across the province as places where small businesses can access tailored advice and information on local, provincial and federal programs;
- Digital Main Street Squads to help small businesses grow online;
- Mental health supports for families, frontline workers, young people, children, and Indigenous communities;
- Ontario's Small Business Recovery Webpage to provide single window access to small business supports.
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MINIMUM WAGE INCREASE
Minimum wage rates in Ontario increased on October 1, 2020. Under the Making Ontario Open for Business Act this increase is tied to the Ontario Consumer Price Index for 2020. The increase to the general minimum wage will be 25 cents, which will bring the new rate to $14.25 an hour. For a summary of the general and specialized minimum wage rates that took effect on October 1,2020 visit the Province of Ontario minimum wage guide. |
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LOCAL MARKETING SUPPORT FOR BUSINESSES |
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LAKE OF BAYS BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT SERIES
The Township of Lake of Bays amplified their business spotlight series in 2020 as a creative means to promote and support our local business community. Spotlights are featured on the Township’s Public Notice Board (Muskoka Region/Huntsville Forester Newspaper), municipal website, social media, and the Economic Development e-Newsletter.
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THE BAYSVILLE COUNTRY STORE
The Baysville Country Store is a family owned business that has been serving the local community for the past 10 years. “The Fuel Emporium” prides itself on customer service and providing a wide range of products. Read the Business Spotlight to learn more. |
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Please feel free to share this information with anyone who may be interested.
Kind regards,
Leanne Fetterley
TOWNSHIP OF LAKE OF BAYS | Economic Development
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