Your connection to business news in Orangeville |
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Economic Development and Culture office publishes the 2021 Annual Report |
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The 2021 Economic Development Annual Report highlights the progress that the Town has made on its economic development strategy and provides an overview of the actions undertaken over the past year.
Along with economies across the world, Orangeville continued to grapple with the effects of COVID-19 throughout 2021. However, as we emerged from the second year of the pandemic, so too did signs of a brighter future with positive signs of growth and recovery. Business investment, along with residential, institutional, industrial, and commercial construction showed a marked increase over 2020 and the regional unemployment rate improved. Orangeville’s recovery has been bolstered by a resilient and committed business community, a skilled labour force, and by the numerous funding and advisory programs that the municipality has pursued on behalf of its businesses.
Key activities and projects included:
- Purchase and preparation of lands for development
- Plans for the reconstruction of Broadway sidewalks
- Development of a Community Improvement Plan
- Delivery of information, resources and supports to local entrepreneurs
- Adoption and initiation of a Tourism Strategy & Action Plan
The Town of Orangeville’s Economic Development & Culture office is committed to fostering the economic vitality of our community, which includes key strategic priorities: developing, maintaining, and expanding an attractive business environment and increasing tourism and cultural opportunities.
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Start or grow a business with support from the Starter Company Plus program |
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The Starter Company Plus program offers support for new or expanding businesses with training and funding opportunities. Offered by the Orangeville & Area SBEC in partnership with the Province of Ontario, the program aims to support local entrepreneurs in establishing strong and vibrant businesses.
The program provides:
- one-to-one consultations with a qualified business advisor
- assistance with the development of a business plan using free tools and guidance
- participation in free training, networking, and mentoring sessions
- opportunities to apply for grants of up to $5000
Applications for the 2022 intake will be accepted until October 28, 2022 and participation in the program is valid for up to nine months.
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Local businesses receive funding through My Main Street |
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The Town of Orangeville’s Economic Development & Culture office congratulates The CommonFare Kitchen and The Thistle & Rose Pub on being successful recipients of the My Main Street’s Local Business Accelerator program. Each business received a non-repayable funding contribution of $10,000 to support their main street business. |
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The CommonFare Kitchen, a program of Branching Out Support Services, applied to My Main Street’s Local Business Accelerator program for help with the expenses of opening its commercial kitchen. With the funding, Branching Out Support Services was able to purchase kitchen wares, a portable handwashing station that can be used in the kitchen as well as at events, and a new stainless-steel sink. A portion of the funding was also used towards the purchase of inventory for the business’ granola product line. The goal of The CommonFare Kitchen is to provide kitchen skills and food workshops to the community while also creating employment opportunities for neuro diverse individuals. We are excited to see this business grow and experience its contribution to our downtown.
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The Thistle & Rose Pub is a new business to the downtown that opened in November 2021. The business owners applied to the Local Business Accelerator program to help renovate their front and back patios. With the beautiful interior and exterior renovations already done, the proprietors wanted to create a patio space that reflected the same feel while increasing their seating capacity.
To learn more about the My Main Street Local Business Accelerator program, visit www.mymainstreet.ca or contact Christine Hann at chann@orangeville.ca or 519-939-8106.
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Broadway Bricks project underway |
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Broadway Bricks is an infrastructure and accessibility improvement project for Orangeville’s vibrant downtown area. The initial phase of the project commenced on July 18 and involves the temporary removal of trees from the sidewalks (except those near restaurant patios) and decommissioning some unused underground water services.
Sidewalk replacement with new concrete and bricks will be completed in sections of the downtown, with an approximate duration of two weeks in each location. Businesses will remain open and accessible during construction, and sidewalks and parking will also remain available. When concrete is being poured, there may be short delays in accessing storefronts and some businesses may opt to use alternate access points, if available, during those brief periods. Restaurants with boulevard café permits will be provided with notice two weeks in advance of construction.
Aqua Tech, the contractor for the Broadway Bricks project, will make every effort to minimize disruption throughout the project, working from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday to Friday. Information and the roll-out schedule will be updated weekly at www.broadwaybricks.ca. Interested parties can also click on the a subscribe button on the webpage, input their email address (after submitting the form please check for a verification message) and then receive the weekly updates as the project progresses.
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Business registration services available by appointment only |
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One of the many services provided by the Orangeville & Area Small Business Enterprise Centre is free one-to-one assistance with registering or renewing a business license in the Province of Ontario through the Service Ontario website. This service is offered both in-person or virtually by appointment only, Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Contact the SBEC office to book a meeting or to obtain general information about starting or growing your business. |
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Training and learning opportunities to support and grow your business |
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As part of the Town of Orangeville's participation in the Local Accelerator Program through My Main Street, businesses in Orangeville and surrounding areas have access to free online training to help small business owners thrive. There is no fee to attend the Mastermind and Webinar Sessions, but pre-registration is required. Upcoming sessions include:
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Geon Performance Solutions celebrates 50 years in Orangeville |
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In 1972 GEON Performance Solutions, then Carlew Chemicals, opened in Orangeville. Originally founded in 1961 in Montreal, Quebec, the company was drawn to Orangeville for its second Canadian location due to the town’s central location in Ontario and its access to major transportation routes. “Orangeville is an ideal location for our business,” says Ankit Baghwala, GEON Plant Manager. “Our customer base is heavily focused in this region, allowing for ease of transportation and logistics of our products.” Today, GEON Performance Solutions is a global leader in plastic compounded solutions and the leading brand in PVC compounds with nine manufacturing plants located across North America and in DongGuan, China.
GEON Orangeville is a processor of engineered polymers – specifically PVC and flex PVC plastic, including products for the wire and cable industry as well as specialty products such as h-banding around tables and windows. All products are made in GEON Orangeville’s manufacturing facility, located at 17 Tideman Drive. Today, GEON Orangeville employs more than 50 people, and its positive company culture is a testament to GEON’s employee satisfaction and loyalty. At present, ten percent of the current workforce has been employed for over 40 years and includes a three-generation family at its plant. “At GEON Orangeville what we try to do every day is build a community of people we can trust and rely on,” says Mr. Baghwala. “We all work towards a common goal of making GEON a better place for our employees, customers, and the company as a whole.”
Beyond the company’s commitment to its products is its commitment to sustainable business practices. The plant actively participates in Orangeville Hydro’s peak reduction program to reduce load on the electrical grid, follows a strong lean six sigma process which is reviewed annually, and this year, will make investments in state-of-the-art blending equipment to replace outdated machines. “In addition to being more efficient and making our employees’ jobs easier, this upgrade will also provide our younger team members with exposure to new skills and techniques to bring them up to industry standards,” says Mr. Baghwala.
The Town of Orangeville congratulates GEON Performance Solutions on its 50th anniversary and wishes the company and its employees continued success in our community.
To learn more about GEON Performance Solutions, visit www.geon.com.
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The Town of Orangeville extends a warm welcome to these new businesses: |
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Congratulations to local businesses celebrating milestones:
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Rustik Local Bistro celebrated eight years in business on July 24. The downtown restaurant offers a casual, yet elegant, dining experience with a focus on local dishes and farm fresh fare.
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DAVENPORTS Auto Parts & Supplies celebrated its 50th anniversary on May 9. Serving Orangeville and the surrounding communities since 1972, the business specializes in aftermarket automotive parts, shop tools and equipment, accessories, and industrial supplies.
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Styling Essentials Orangeville is celebrating 28 years in business in August. Located at 80 Broadway, the business specializes in high-quality beauty supplies and fashion accessories without the name-brand cost.
Is your business celebrating an upcoming anniversary? Contact us with the details and the opportunity to be included in a future edition of Business Connections.
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For sale: 149-151 Broadway
An investment opportunity in the heart of downtown Orangeville. This property features two street level commercial units and four residential units with a total annual rental income of over $76,000. The units are fully rented, offering a turnkey passive income opportunity. With it’s classic brick and architectural details, this Broadway building is one that locals know and love.
Zoning is CBD - Central Business District.
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Please contact John Walkinshaw, eXp Realty Brokerage at 866-530-7737 (office), 519-942-7413 (direct) or john@johnwalkinshaw.com
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Business Connections is published quarterly by the Town of Orangeville's Economic Development & Culture office.
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