Township Updates for Businesses

Thank you for tuning in to another Southgate Economic Development Newsletter. We want to keep you in the loop on the Township of Southgate policies and programs that are impacting you and your business. You can also watch Council and Committee meetings to stay informed, please visit this link to view the schedule of meetings and agendas for each month. Agendas are usually published 6 to 7 days in advance of the meeting date. You will find the link to the livestream of each meeting to watch online on this webpage!

Come for "Coffee with the Mayor"

Discover how the Township is growing and what it means for you and your business. Please RSVP to attend "Coffee with the Mayor" on Tuesday, November 5th at 8:30 am at the Frank Macintyre Building in Dundalk Memorial Park. You will hear from the Township's Senior Manager of Planning and Community Development on the future developments that are planned for Southgate and how this can present an opportunity for your business. This event is free of charge. Coffee, tea, and complimentary baked goods will be served.

RSVP to Attend

Community Planning Open House - November 28

The Southgate Planning team is seeking feedback from you - our residents and business operators - on updating regulations and policy for Additional Residential Units (ARUs), Decks and Accessory Structures (i.e. garages) and delegation of decision making to staff for certain planning decisions. This public open house will be at the Frank Macintyre Building in Dundalk Memorial Park, Thursday November 28 from 5:30 to 7:30pm. All are welcome and no RSVP is necessary. If you are unable to attend, you can provide written feedback to the planning team (email or a letter) to the Southgate Municipal Office. Feedback will be accepted until 12 noon on Friday, November 29th. You can drop off comments at the Hopeville office located at 185667 Grey Road 9 (Monday to Friday, 8:30 to 4pm) or send via email to planning@southgate.ca.

The Township Planning and Building teams are here to help you with the permitting and approvals process. If you are considering opening a business or expanding, please connect with us about what you will need for your approvals and how we can help!

Go to the Southgate Planning Webpage for More Information

Pitch Your Business to the Hawks

Whether you are starting a new business, expanding, or launching a new product, apply for Hawks Nest 2025! It's a Dragon's Den-inspired event for you to pitch your idea to local investors. Free business plan training sessions are available in advance.

Saturday, November 9th, 9-3 pm

Thursday, November 21st, 9-3 pm

Saturday Dec 7th (Youth Half-Day), 1-4 pm

Saturday, January 11th, 9-3 pm

Find Event & Training Details

Apply for Community Funding

If you are a member of a community group or non-profit organization that is looking to utilize donations, funding, and grants from the Township, this year's application deadline is December 1, 2024. Receive financial support for your local initiative that enriches the lives of Southgate residents. Make sure to check the form found on the Township of Southgate website to prepare all you need to submit your application.

Fill out an Application

Book a Makers Market Table

There is still time to sign up for a vendor table at the Sydenham Makers Market, taking place on November 23rd from 10am to 3pm at the Sydenham Campus in Owen Sound. If you produce handmade products, this is a great opportunity to sell to new clients for the upcoming holiday season. Spaces are free but registration is required. Contact bec@grey.ca for details.

Complete the EmployerOne Survey

Help build a strong and resilient workforce in the region by giving your employer feedback in the EmployerOne survey. You can fill the gap of local knowledge that might not otherwise be available. Share your experience to support skills and training programs, partnerships and projects that are unique to the Four Country area of Bruce, Grey, Huron, and Perth Counties. This link will be accessible until November 30th.

Take the Survey

Submit your Permit Application

To enhance services for our business owners and operators, you can now complete the entire building permit process online on any mobile device with Cloudpermit, a cloud-based software. Having the correct permits is vital for your safety, as well as the safety of your customers. Cloudpermit enables you to apply for building permits, schedule inspections, connect with staff, and make changes to your permit applications.

Explore the New Process

Access Library Business Resources

Visit the Southgate Public Library for help with your business needs! Access free wi-fi and computers, printing and faxing services, and scheduled tech appointments for help with your devices and apps. Go to our website for digital resources such as LinkedIn Learning where you can access thousands of free video courses led by industry experts in the business, creative, and technology fields. Follow us on Facebook @Southgate Ruth Hargrave Memorial Library for info on programs like how to use Canva for your promotional needs and more!

Visit the Library Website

Get Free Business Support

Access services customized for Grey County entrepreneurs and small business owners through the Business Enterprise Centre (BEC). Receive feedback from professionals on your business start-up or expansion, attend seminars to improve your productivity, access grants, and so much more. Schedule a free in-person or virtual consultation appointment so that you have the tools and guidance you need to successfully grow your business.

See the BEC Program Info

Improve Your Property

Start renovating your business with support from Southgate Community Improvement Plan (CIP) incentives. Enhance your façade, signage, building, accessibility, and so much more through this grant matching program. Help to rehabilitate publicly used frontages and streetscapes across the Township of Southgate by applying for funding. For program-specific questions, connect with Economic Development Officer Brenna Carroll.

Apply for CIP Grants

Connect with us!

You can reach us via email and social media. If you have specific questions or concerns, connect with Economic Development Officer: Brenna Carroll.

Book time with Brenna Carroll: Southgate EDO Connection