Economic Development Updates
March 12, 2020
Annual Business Survey
THE RESULTS ARE IN!

Thank you to the 68 businesses who participated in our Annual Business Survey. We value your time and appreciate your feedback!

View the results infographic .

View the results report .

Congratulations to Lake of Bays Marina who was randomly selected as the winner of the prize pack of Lake of Bays branded swag!
Business Spotlight
LAKE OF BAYS WELCOMED A VARIETY OF NEW BUSINESSES IN 2019!

The Township of Lake of Bays is home to many talented entrepreneurs with thriving small businesses that make up the fabric of the community. In 2019, Lake of Bays proudly welcomed a variety of new businesses that filled gaps in products or services and added diversity to the local economy.

Read the business spotlight .
Internet Connectivity
NEW RESOURCE AVAILABLE ON MUNICIPAL WEBSITE

Improving access to affordable, high-speed Internet in Lake of Bays is a priority in the Township's Economic Development Strategy and Strategic Work Plan.

To be informed of updates related to service expansion initiatives, please visit the new Internet Connectivity webpage on the municipal website and subscribe at the bottom to receive email updates.
Follow us on Instagram
THE TOWNSHIP OF LAKE OF BAYS IS NOW ON INSTAGRAM!

As part of the Township's Strategic Work Plan to market and promote Lake of Bays to visitors and new residents, we are now on Instagram!

We invite you to follow @lakeofbaystwp for beautiful pictures promoting the recreational, lifestyle, and tourism assets in the Township of Lake of Bays.
Notice from MPAC
2020 PROPERTY ASSESSMENT NOTICES

Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC) has advised the mailing schedule for assessment notices in Muskoka:
  • Residential - May 4, 2020
  • Commercial - October 12, 2020
  • Conservation, farmland, managed forest - October 19, 2020
  • Amended and any previous excluded notices - November 23, 2020

Contact: Anne Haines, MPAC Account Director for Muskoka/Parry Sound, Anne.Haines@mpac.ca, 705-774-4470
Funding Opportunities
SUMMER COMPANY

Students (aged 15-29) can receive up to $3,000 to kick-off a new summer business and create their own summer job! Recipients receive advice and mentorship from local business leaders to help get the business up and running. For more information, visit ontario.ca/summercompany.

Contact: Terri Plaxton-Smith, Muskoka Small Business Centre, terri@muskokasmallbusiness.ca, 705-646-9021 ext.102

Deadline: May 17, 2020 (or while funding remains)
FOUNDERS CIRCLE

Entrepreneurs with good business ideas can apply to win one of three cash prizes to help fund the growth of their business. Muskoka Founders Circle offers $30,000 in prizes & business mentoring from successful entrepreneurs. For more information, visit muskokafounderscircle.com.

Contact: Rick Dalmazzi, info@muskokafounderscircle.com, 705-205-8000

Deadline: March 15, 2020
ENTREPRENEURSHIP DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM

Innovative private-sector employers can receive $7,200 in wage subsidy for 16-week student placement beginning on May 4, 2020. For more information, visit iion.ca/edp.

Contact: Sydney Hoffman, sydney@iion.ca, 705-474-7600 ext.5606

Deadline: April 3, 2020
Recruitment Opportunities
HUNTSVILLE JOB FAIR

An opportunity for employers to connect with job seekers. For more information, click here.

When: April 7, 2020 from 11am-3pm at Jack Bionda Arena, 20 Park Dr.

To register: Carrie Singleton, carrie.singleton@sm.ymca.ca, 705-787-0349
Training/Support Opportunities
FREE ACCESS TO ONLINE VIDEO TUTORIALS

Learn business, creative, education and tech skills
taught by expert instructors. Start streaming
thousands of online video tutorials today - all available free with your Lake of Bays Public Library card! For more information, visit Lynda.com.

Contact: Lake of Bays Public Library - Dwight branch 705-635-3319, or Baysville branch 705- 767-2361
DIGITAL SERVICE SQUAD

Muskoka has a Digital Service Squad (DSS) to help you build your online presence, promote and sell successfully online, and adopt new digital technologies to make it easier to operate your business. This is a FREE service available until May 2020, so act quickly!

To register or learn more: mylakeofbays.ca/digital-service-squad
Please feel free to share this information with anyone who may be interested.

Kind regards,

Jennifer Clancy

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