Economic Development Updates

December 7, 2018
Retail Cannabis Store Survey
The Township of Lake of Bays is seeking community input on whether to permit private recreational cannabis retail stores in Lake of Bays. We want to hear from you! To learn more and take the survey visit lakeofbays.on.ca/cannabis-survey

If you are a local business owner, please indicate this in the survey comments. Your input is appreciated!

Volunteer Muskoka
ATTENTION VOLUNTEERS!

Volunteer Muskoka is excited to announce that its new website is now live.

Visit www.volunteermuskoka.com to find volunteer opportunities in your community.

Don’t forget to REGISTER to receive an alert when a new opportunity is posted.

For more information on Volunteer Muskoka please contact Terri Tebby, Volunteer Development Program Coordinator 705-789-1751 ext. 2231 or terri.tebby@huntsville.ca
Do You Have Office Space for Rent?
Muskoka Futures requires 4500-6000 sq ft of office space located in the District of Muskoka as part of a project to provide enhanced supports to the business community.

To submit an Expression of Interest visit the Muskoka Futures website.

Contact: David Brushey, Executive Director david@muskokafutures.ca

Deadline: December 12, 2018 by 4:30 p.m.
Simcoe Muskoka Employer Survey
The Simcoe Muskoka Workforce Development Board (SMWDB) is surveying employers in an effort to gain a better picture of the workforce issues and opportunities with the Simcoe and Muskoka region.

The purpose of this survey is to understand the most pressing workforce challenges. This year the SMWDB is focusing on candidate recruitment and job retention issues. The survey will be open until January 3, 2019 at noon.

Funding Opportunities
CELEBRATE ONTARIO

Celebrate Ontario supports programming improvements at new and existing festivals and events that attract tourists for longer stays, create great experiences for visitors and support communities across Ontario.

Contact: Laura Ross, Tourism Advisor, 705-646-0641 or Laura.Ross@ontario.ca

Application Deadline: Wednesday, January 9, 2019 at 5:00 p.m.

For more information please read the Celebrate Ontario 2019 Application Guide. There is an information session on Thursday, December 13, 2018 at 10:30 a.m. To register visit the Celebrate Ontario website.
STEP FORWARD ENTREPRENEURS PROGRAM (SFEP)
Innovative for-profit businesses can receive up to 75% of eligible costs, before tax, at one of the three funding levels of $5,000, $7,500 and $10,000. The SFEP helps with three categories: sales & marketing, product development and business development. For more information visit iion.ca/sfep

Contact: Matthew Doherty at  matthew@iion.ca or 705-474-7600 ext. 5602.

Deadline: Ongoing intake until funds are allocated.
TRIPLE P PROGRAM
Innovative for-profit businesses can receive up to $10,000 at 85% of eligible costs to purchase equipment or technology related to an innovative commercial product, process or service. For more information visit  iion.ca/triple-p
 
Contact: Matthew Doherty at  matthew@iion.ca or 705-474-7600 ext. 5602.

Deadline: Ongoing intake until funds are allocated.
Resources
HOW TO TURN HEADS USING SOCIAL MEDIA
Love it or hate it, social media represents an exciting marketing opportunity for cash-strapped businesses. For some quick tips, check out the article "How to turn heads using social media" shared by Digital Main Street.
Upcoming Events
For a list of all upcoming events, check out the

Please feel free to share this information with anyone who may be interested.

Kind regards,

Leanne Fetterley

TOWNSHIP OF LAKE OF BAYS | Economic Development
Tel: 705-635-2272 ext.235 |  Email Leanne