Your quarterly connection to business news in Orangeville
Many Orangeville businesses are cautiously optimist about the future 
As part of continued efforts to monitor the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the business community, the Town of Orangeville's Economic Development & Culture office recently conducted a survey with 41 business owners representing a variety of sectors. This one-to-one engagement enabled staff to obtain more detailed information from participating business owners and to provide immediate, customized assistance and information where possible. The survey was completed in partnership with the County of Dufferin and the Town of Shelburne.

The survey covered a wide range of topics including operating capacity, revenue, workforce, funding, procurement, and future outlook. Some key findings are outlined below and complete results can be found here.
Capacity and Revenues
The survey indicated that the majority of businesses were able to continue operations through the pandemic. Sixty-eight per cent of businesses remained open in some capacity and another 29% reopened after a temporary closure. Over 60% said that they are currently operating at 75% or better of their maximum capacity and of those responses, 28% were operating at a capacity of 100% or better. Overall revenues generally told a positive story as well with 53% of business owners indicating that they were generating 75 to 100+% of monthly revenues over the same time last year.

While overall capacity and revenue levels were positive, the results varied based on the sector. Tourism-related businesses such as accommodation, arts, recreation, and entertainment reported the greatest financial and operational impacts due to COVID-19.

Business Outlook
Respondents were asked to share what they thought could be the biggest economic opportunity for the community’s recovery from COVID-19. Answers varied, but some common themes included:
  • Encouraging residents and businesses to consider buying local from retailers, wholesalers, and service providers
  • Supporting businesses as they adapt to new ways of doing business, particularly in the areas of online sales and services
  • Focusing on re-building tourism-related businesses
Participants were also asked to choose a few words to describe how they currently feel as business owners. Again, results were quite varied, but a sense of cautious optimism was evident. Other comments included:

“The pandemic has pushed business owners to move digitally and think distantly. There is more opportunity to reach more people.”

“People are being more creative and thinking about business opportunities that they didn’t have time to think about before when everything was rush, rush, rush.”

“The pandemic has forced all of us to rethink how we provide service, how we demand service, and how we live our lives.”
The Town of Orangeville's Economic Development/SBEC office will continue to monitor the impacts of COVID-19 on the community and work towards the objectives and actions outlined in its Business Recovery Plan. If you are a business owner who has questions or needs additional support, please contact us.
Wightman begins construction of high-speed Internet in Orangeville
After months of planning, Wightman is breaking ground on a $56 million investment in Orangeville that brings next-generation telecommunications infrastructure to the Town. Starting with the business park, and working with local company Avertex on the installation, Orangeville’s businesses will be the first to access Wightman’s state-of-the-art service offerings.

Businesses have identified this critical infrastructure as a top priority and that need is going to be addressed with Wightman planning to bury more than 350,000 metres of fibre optic lines in Orangeville.

The COVID-19 pandemic is redrawing the expectations of businesses and the workforce. Working remotely has re-emphasized the need for effective digital infrastructure and Orangeville is well positioned with this investment.

Calling it a momentous day for Orangeville, Mayor Sandy Brown said the project will act as “a springboard to attract higher tech businesses and it’s also great for business retention.” The project will also be a boost for those working and studying from home. He thanked Town staff members who worked behind the scenes with Wightman to bring the contract to fruition.

Wightman President Rob Figliuzzi said the start of construction is the accumulation of much planning, discussions and negotiations with the Town, adding that he’s pleased to be working on Orangeville’s fibre optic infrastructure.

Wightman begins fibre construction this fall, moving to the residential sector next year. The family-owned company plans to open a retail location in Orangeville in early 2021.
Enhanced, free business guidance available

The Town of Orangeville's Economic Development & Culture/SBEC office is open by appointment to help local businesses get the guidance and support they need. Whether you are starting, expanding, or pivoting your business, we can help you determine the programs and resources that are right for you. We can also provide business planning support and assistance with business registration.

Many of our local small and medium sized businesses are experiencing challenges created by the Covid-19 pandemic and the Economic Development/SBEC office is here to help. Currently, the office is offering enhanced, one-to-one confidential coaching services to assist business owners with the issues that they face. From marketing, digitalization, and sourcing new markets to bookkeeping, financial forecasting and future planning – We have a bank of specialized consultants who are available to provide advice and guidance on a variety of business related issues. For a limited time, this enhanced, specialized service is being provided for free to local business owners.
Small Business Enterprise Centre launches Digital Service Squad to help small businesses

The Town of Orangeville, in partnership with the Orangeville, Shelburne and Grand Valley Business Improvement Areas (BIAs), received a $40,000 grant from Digital Main Street (DMS) Ontario for a Digital Service Squad (DSS). Announced in August, the grant will help main street small businesses use digital technologies to adapt to a rapidly changing environment. 

The local DSS is administered by the Orangeville & Area Small Business Enterprise Centre (SBEC) and is comprised of a trained specialist who will help small businesses, at no cost, to improve their online presence. Business owners can receive assistance with a variety of digital initiatives; developing a Google My Business profile, enhancing their social media presence, and getting support for basic website and e-commerce set-up. Qualified small businesses can also get support to complete the application process for a $2,500 Digital Transformation Grant which includes an online assessment, online training modules and the development of a Digital Transformation Plan.

Contact us to see if your business qualifies and determine if the program is right for you.
Winners announced for the 2020 Arts & Culture Awards

The Town of Orangeville announced the winners of the 2020 Arts & Culture Awards on October 22. The virtual presentation celebrated the local arts and culture sector and paid tribute to the outstanding contributions made by individuals, businesses and organizations throughout the region.
 
Winners were announced in eight award categories, with judging completed by an experienced independent panel from outside Dufferin County.
 
The recipients of the 2020 awards are:
  • Established Artist of the Year: Ann Randeraad
  • Emerging Artist of the Year: Adam DeWitte
  • Student Artist of the Year: Ela Unger
  • Arts Educator of the Year Award: Lisa Lahue
  • Community Arts Volunteer Advocate Award: Wayne Townsend
  • Community Impact by an Organization Award: Optimist Club of Orangeville
  • Community Impact by a Business Award: Artsploration
  • Creative Cultural Event Award: Beautiful Wild Art Exhibit presented by Ricky Schaede

The online presentation was pre-recorded this year and can be viewed and shared on YouTube.
2020 Virtual Economic Outlook Summit featured economic insights and local business perspectives
In partnership with TD Bank Group, the Town of Orangeville hosted its annual Economic Outlook Summit on October 27. The online event featured a keynote address by James Marple, Director and Senior Economist at TD. Mr. Marple works with a team of economists to monitor and assess the global economy with a focus on North America. The keynote address included an analysis of the Canadian economy and financial markets with particular focus on the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
 
The event also featured a panel presentation by three local entrepreneurs. Mark Jamieson (Mono Arts and Graphics and Kwality Clean Solutions), Shelley Wishart, (Go Yoga), and Milena Parreira and Derek Train (Temple Nutrition) spoke about the steps they’ve taken to survive and thrive during the pandemic. 
Canada-Ontario Job Grant funds training for employers
The Canada-Ontario Job Grant (COJG) provides opportunities for employers to invest in their workforce, with help from the government. It is available to small, medium and large businesses with a plan to deliver short-term training to existing and new employees. Employers can receive up to $10,000 in government support per person for training costs.

The program is managed through Georgian College’s Career and Employment Community Services (CECS). There is a online information session on November 18 for interested employers. Contact CECS to register and learn more.
Three local businesses demonstrate resiliency and adaptability in response to COVID-19
Shelley Wishart

Yoga is Shelley Wishart's passion. She believes yoga and meditation are good for the soul and feels fortunate to share her knowledge with the community of Orangeville. The owner of Go Yoga, a popular studio right in the heart of downtown Orangeville, Shelley has created a welcoming and inspiring space where members can focus on their health and on feeling their best. Go Yoga offers a wide range of classes and events, including online instruction and support.

Shelley is a seasoned entrepreneur and, up until one year ago, was the CEO of a successful multi-million-dollar beauty business. GoYoga has given Shelley the opportunity to continue to put her business experience and creative talents to good use and she readily shares her expertise by mentoring up-and-coming entrepreneurs. 
When faced with the restraints created by the pandemic, she too had to find new and innovative ways of conducting business. The studio quickly transitioned to online classes and has continued to adapt based on the changing public health requirements and the needs of its clients. Outdoor classes and events became even more popular during the pandemic and thanks to effective social media marketing tactics, retail sales at the boutique have doubled over the previous year.

Shelley contributed the resiliency of her business to her team and her community as well as her ability to to try new things while staying optimistic through it all.
Mark Jamieson

Mark Jamieson has a proven track record as a business owner and community leader. He has owned and operated multiple mid-sized businesses and also ran the Canadian operations for a billion-dollar global company. Mark has over fifteen years of sales and marketing senior management experience in the IT sector and ten years of experience in the hospitality arena.  
 
Mark is skilled in all facets of business operations and he readily shares his expertise as a mentor to up-and-coming entrepreneurs, providing business advice and coaching. He recently completed a contract with the Town of Orangeville, overseeing the entrepreneurship training program, Starter Company Plus. Mark is a community minded businessman volunteering his time with the Dufferin Board of Trade’s Ambassador Committee.  
Mark owns and operates Mono Arts & Graphics Printing and this year he also founded a second company - Kwality Clean Solutions - in response to the explosive demand for hand sanitizer and cleaning products. When COVID-19 impacted his printing sales, Mark looked for new opportunities to generate revenue and help pay the bills. By leveraging existing relationships and infrastructure, he was able to quickly launch his new hand sanitizer business. Kwality Clean Solutions offers hand sanitizers in a variety of sizes and formulas and is developing a line of surface cleaners and dispensers.

Mark's attributes his success to his ability to move quickly to seize an opportunity. Mark's entrepreneurial experiences have also taught him the importance of developing mutually-beneficial partnerships and utilizing all available resources.
Milena Parreira
Derek Train

Derek Train and Milena Parreira both worked in the corporate and government sectors for several years before launching Temple Nutrition in 2018. The company name speaks to the owners’ ideal that people treat their bodies as a temple when it comes to eating. The original business model offered a pick-up and delivery service for busy customers who were looking for high-quality, ready-to-eat meals made with fresh, local produce and nutritious ingredients. 
 
When the pandemic hit, Derek and Milena pivoted their business model to offer premium fruits and vegetables for pick up or delivery. The new model flourished during COVID-19 and product offerings have continuously evolved to provide customers with even more choice. Artisanal meats and specialty food items are also available for online ordering.
Now described as a Farmers' E-Market, Temple Nutrition offers a visionary experience to grocery shopping. Using innovative supply chain concepts, Temple Nutrition gets food to their clients quickly and directly. The result is fresh, long-lasting produce. The company also proudly supports Canadian farmers and small local businesses.

In addition to eating well and following a healthy lifestyle, Milena and Derek recognize their ability to adapt and innovate quickly as essential elements of their business success. Self-proclaimed risk takers, the pair were firmly committed to their decision to completely change their business model and found success by staying focused on their plan and responding to the needs of their clients.
The Town extends a warm welcome to these new businesses:
Congratulations to local businesses celebrating milestones:
  • Korsten Jewellers celebrates 60 years in business in 2020. The family-owned operation is a certified jewellery appraiser and specializes in fine and custom jewellery, repairs, watches, wedding bands, engagement rings, and more.
  • Aardvark Music & Culture marked it's 12th anniversary on October 8. The business recently re-located to 145 Broadway, where it continues to sell and repair instruments and offer lessons and workshops.
8 - 18 Robb Boulevard

This industrial-zoned (M1) condominium offers a great place to work and build your business in Orangeville. The bright and spacious 4,800 sq. ft. second level unit is accessible by two staircases and an elevator. The unit features a large boardroom, approximately 10 individual offices, several large open workspaces, storage closets, a kitchenette, two washrooms, and parking.

Asking price is $579,900.  
 
Please contact Doug Schild, Broker, Royal LePage RCR Realty at 519-941-5151.