Your quarterly connection to business news in Orangeville
Orangeville & Area Small Business Enterprise Centre launches Digital Main Street Program 
The Orangeville & Area Small Business Enterprise Centre (SBEC), in partnership with the BIAs of Orangeville, Shelburne, and Grand Valley, has launched Digital Main Street (DMS), a region-wide initiative to help main street businesses enhance and grow their online presence. Digital Main Street is a joint program funded by the Government of Ontario and delivered by the Ontario BIA Association.  
Today’s digital economy is vital to small businesses and DMS helps owners improve their use of online tools and techniques and adopt new technologies including e-commerce, social media, and back-office systems such as payroll and inventory.  
 
Funding from the Province has enabled the SBEC to hire a trained specialist to work with small business owners in the downtowns of the three communities. The DMS Co-ordinator serves as a free resource, helping owners build an online presence by: 

  • Assessing the business’s current online presence 
  • Providing recommendations on how to enhance digital capabilities 
  • Assisting eligible businesses to apply for a one-time digital grant of $2,500 (deadline December 31, 2019) 

“The training provided by the Digital Main Street Program will help businesses in the towns of Orangeville, Grand Valley, Shelburne, and surrounding area to use new technologies and provide tools and training to take advantage of new digital opportunities,” said Sylvia Jones, Dufferin-Caledon MPP. “This initiative is a new resource that will help entrepreneurs use technology wisely, to stay competitive and build their business prospects.” 
 
The Digital Main Street Program is time limited. Downtown business owners in Dufferin County are encouraged to get more information about the DMS program  here  or by contacting the Orangeville Economic Development/SBEC office at 519-941-0440 Ext. 2757. 
Sproule’s Emporium – Offering sustainable connections in the community 
Since 2012, Sproule’s Emporium has been inviting customers to explore its unique selection of fair trade products. But there is a lot more history behind the gift shop’s charming location in downtown Orangeville. For over 100 years, 153 Broadway was home to a drug store. In 1973, it was purchased by the Sproule family who ran the business for 30 years. “My dad was a pharmacist,” says Jill Sproule, the manager of Sproule’s Emporium. “When he decided to retire and sell the pharmacy business, we felt it was time to try something new.”  The idea of a shop focused on showcasing fair trade items resonated with the family, who wanted to continue the business’s history of helping others. This initial concept remains the focus of the store today. 

Sproule’s Emporium features a carefully curated selection of items, developed through its connections with many different suppliers. The shop offers unique items originating from countries such as India, Thailand, and many African nations.  Jill also works with Canadian suppliers to provide locally sourced options for customers. No matter the source, each product fulfills the same objective. 

“Fair trade means treating producers with respect, paying fair wages, and following higher environmental standards,” says Ms. Sproule. "It’s important to us that every item purchased in our store helps to support a sustainable global economic system.”  

Sproule’s colourful collection of home décor, food, toys, jewelry, and more is complemented by the store’s eye-catching exterior. Its restored, historic façade is a welcoming feature surrounded by the other independently owned businesses in downtown Orangeville. “We often meet customers who use Orangeville as meeting point,” says Ms. Sproule. “The variety of shops and restaurants combined with the historic charm of our downtown area make it a perfect destination.” 

The best way to experience Sproule’s Emporium is to drop by for a visit at 153 Broadway. You can also learn more online at sproules.ca , where you can sign up for its weekly e-newsletter.  
Town endorses Sustainable Neighbourhood Action Plan  
The Town of Orangeville’s first  Sustainable Neighbourhood Action Plan (SNAP)  was formally received by Council on June 24, 2019 and outlines a vision for the municipality as “a thriving, green, healthy, and connected community.” 

Along with a sustainability vision for the Town of Orangeville, seven key sustainability themes are identified in the plan:  

  • Climate Change and Energy 
  • Corporate and Fiscal 
  • Economic Development and Culture 
  • Land Use and Planning 
  • Natural Resources and Environment 
  • Social Well-being 
  • Transportation System 
 
For the Town to become a leader in sustainability and maximize quality of life for its residents, goals and strategies for fulfilment of each theme were established. The plan also provides metrics, timelines, and benchmark data to help measure success. 
“The plan takes a holistic approach to sustainability,” says Mayor Sandy Brown. “It focuses on protecting our natural resources and the environment and strengthening our corporate, economic and social programs while also planning for land use, transportation and climate change.” 

Overall, the plan was shaped through considerable input from community leaders, organizations, businesses, and members of the public, with more than 580 people and 40 organizations providing input. 

The Town was awarded a grant of up to $46,400 from the Federation of Canadian Municipalities’ (FCM) Green Municipal Fund in 2018 to support the completion of the SNAP.  

Initially, implementation of the plan will be led by a staff steering committee. The Sustainable Orangeville Committee will take a lead role in advocacy efforts, promotion and implementation of the plan. Councillor Grant Peters, Chair of Sustainable Orangeville, is eager to begin. “The creation of a sustainability plan for our community has been a priority for Sustainable Orangeville for several years and its implementation will improve the quality of life of Orangeville residents, now and in the future.” 

To read the SNAP, visit orangeville.ca . 
2019 Arts & Culture Award winners celebrated
As a kick-off to Culture Days, the 10 th annual Town of Orangeville Arts & Culture Awards were announced on September 26. The event celebrated the local art and culture sector and paid tribute to the outstanding contributions made by individuals, businesses and organizations throughout the region.

Thirty nominations were received for eight award categories this year, with judging completed by an experienced independent panel from outside Dufferin County.

The evening celebration featured music by local saxophonist Ryan Grist. Dufferin County Poet Laureate Harry Posner opened the awards ceremony with his presentation about a poet’s take on arts, culture and the creative life. Many of the nominees showcased their artwork and past award winners were on hand to present this year’s awards.

Congratulations to the recipients of the 2019 awards:

  • Established Artist of the Year: Beckie Morris
  • Emerging Artist of the Year: Sara Rose
  • Student Artist of the Year: Darcey Baker
  • Arts Educator of the Year Award: Christa Davison
  • Community Arts Volunteer Advocate Award: Teresa & Ken Huntley
  • Community Impact by an Organization Award: Orangeville Blues & Jazz Festival
  • Community Impact by a Business Award: Maggiolly Art
  • Creative Cultural Event Award: The Dream at Island Lake

For more information, visit orangeville.ca.
Thursday, October 3 | 2 - 4 p.m. | Cost: $15
Learn about the sales process and get advice to help you attract customers, generate leads and make the sale. Presented by David Cohen of the David Cohen Group .  
Wednesday, October 9 | 7 - 9 p.m. | Cost: $15  
Get expert advice on the process of succession planning and set your business up for a successful transition. Presented by Nancy Claridge, Carters Professional Corporation .
Thursday, October 17 | 9 a.m. - Noon | Cost: $15  
Learn how to develop and execute an effective digital marketing strategy for your business to enhance your online presence. Presented by Sean Stephens, Treefrog Inc.    
Thursday, October 24 | 1:30 - 4:30 p.m. | Cost: $15  
A compelling brand can help a company stand out in a crowded marketplace. Get advice to identify your business’s brand and create its visual identity. Presented by Jed Phillips, Concept Marketing and Signs. 
Wednesday, October 30 | 9 a.m. - Noon | Cost: $15
Learn how to create and analyze the financial statements and forecasts that every business needs for proper management. Presented by Melissa Vinden, RLB Accounting.  
Thursday, December 5 | 1 - 3 p.m. | No Cost  
Get an overview of the Employment Standards Act and Occupational Health and Safety Act. Topics will include hours of work, public holidays, leaves of absence, injury reporting, inspector visits, and more. Presented by a representative from the Ministry of Labour. 
Annual Economic Outlook Breakfast    

On Tuesday, November 5th, the Town of Orangeville will partner with TD Bank Group to present the popular Economic Outlook Breakfast . This year’s event features James Marple, Director and Senior Economist at TD who will provide an analysis of the Canadian economy and financial markets and offer insights on economic and financial developments pertinent to the local economy. Participants will also hear from Ken Hall of Ken Hall Arts and 2Dogs Games. Ken will share the story of his arts business growth and development as well as his entrepreneurial foray into the high-tech world of gaming and virtual reality. Registration is now open online at  www.orangevillebusiness.ca/events. 
Job seekers and commuters are invited to explore local employment opportunities at the Orangeville & Area Job Fair on October 22. The event will take place at the Orangeville Best Western PLUS Inn & Suites from 3 to 7 p.m

Employer booth spaces are available for the affordable rate of $50.00. This includes an eight-foot space with a table and chairs. Booth space is limited and available on a first come, first served basis so it is important to register early. Online registration is open  here.

This is the third job fair hosted by the Town of Orangeville. During the last event in May 2018, over 650 potential candidates connected with 35 local employers.

For more information about the Orangeville & Area Job Fair and the employers involved, contact the Town of Orangeville Economic Development Department at 519-941-0440 Ext 2258.
Innovation Guelph   Agri-Innovation Accelerator program
Agriculture, from farm-to-fork and kitchen to manufacturing, is supported by ranchers, growers, manufacturers, distributors, scientists, academics, developers, designers, retailers, and consumers. Recognizing this, Innovation Guelph (Regional Innovation Centre) is expanding its reach by launching a new program to support businesses in the agri-food, agri-tech,
and agri-innovation sectors for rural communities. The  Agri-Innovation Accelerator  provides over $5,000 in support for growing agricultural businesses that are generating a minimum annual revenue of $200,000. To learn more about this opportunity contact the Orangeville & Area SBEC at 519-941-0440 Ext. 2270 or email  esinclair@orangeville.c a .
The Town extends a warm welcome to these new businesses:
Congratulations to  Allto Construction on their 50th anniversary in business! 
120 C Line
A rare opportunity to purchase a modern upgraded manufacturing and warehousing facility in Orangeville’s General Industrial Zone (M1). The property is 153,896 sq. ft in total with 20,000 sq. ft of office space. Built on a large 16+ acre lot with easy access to Highway 10 and the GTA. Owner is willing to lease back a portion of the space.  
 
Asking price is $14,950,000.  
 
Please contact Scot Steel, Executive Vice President, CBRE Limited, Real Estate Brokerage at 416-798-6221.