Brockton Business Newsletter - Sept. 29, 2022 |
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Hometown Christmas Market Taking Shape! |
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This year's Walkerton Hometown Christmas Market is taking shape, with close to 20 vendors already signed up, and plans for a licensed area run by the Rotary Club in the Market Garden park.
The event will take place on Friday, Nov. 18th from 4-11 p.m., with Durham Street closed to traffic from 2 p.m. onward between Peter and Victoria streets. Vendors will set up tents along Durham Street, most until about 9 p.m., and there will also be warming stations and free entertainment. If you're a downtown business, we would appreciate you staying open late that evening to take advantage of the crowds! The licensed "Reindeer Room" in the Market Garden will be open until 11 p.m., with special cocktails and local craft beer, plus an assortment of food.
Brockton retailers and restaurants outside the downtown core that wish to set up booths that night are welcome to do so. Please fill out an online application form.
Many thanks to the downtown business owners that have volunteered to sit on the Christmas Market working group, assisting with food, entertainment, vendors, decorations, and promotions. The group consists of Jeff Davis (Davishill Nursery), Heather Stark (Willow Home), Nicole Schneider (Flowers by Usss), Richard Popiez (A&R Music) and Shirley Anne Lair (Victor Lair Jewelers), plus Mayor Chris Peabody and Brockton staff. Bobbi Phillippi (Primerica) and Aleasha Reich (A Delicate Edge) are also helping to recruit vendors.
If you're a Brockton business that would like to help out, or have questions, please get in touch. Call 519-881-2223 ext 131 or send us an email.
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Brockton Offering New Business Improvement Grants |
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Looking to update your facade, erect a new sign, make your business more accessible or reduce your carbon footprint with energy-saving measures? Perhaps you have vacant or underused space that you'd like to convert to new uses, such as an apartment, office space, studio, or mixed uses? Are you an agri-business looking to sell directly to the public through a farm gate or on-farm outlet?
Brockton's expanded Community Improvement Plan includes provisions to help businesses in our commercial, downtown areas -- and in some cases, throughout Brockton -- achieve these goals. The following six grant programs have been approved by Council for 2022:
- Facade Improvements - Up to $3,000
- Signage - Up to $1,500
- Accessibility Improvements - Up to $2,000
- Green Energy - Up to $3,000
- Vacant or Underutilized Building Conversion or Expansion - Up to $7,500
- Farm Gates - Up to $1,500
Check out our Business Improvement Grants page for more information about each program, along with application forms. Loans are available from the Saugeen Economic Development Corp.
You may also be eligible for certain Bruce County Spruce the Bruce programs, now available to Brockton businesses outside the downtown core of Walkerton. |
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Brockton is helping to mark National Truth and Reconciliation Day this Friday, Nov. 30th, and a vigil will take place starting at 6:30 pm at Memory Lane Park. If you would like orange ribbons for yourself and staff to wear that day, you can pick them up at the municipal office. More info at https://www.facebook.com/events/448205270687775/
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The Municipality has $25,000 to support workplace training and skills development in the community. Find out how to help your employees become more proficient in project management, computer literacy, and other essential skills!
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Meet Our New Digital Main Street Squad Member, Will LeGrand |
One-on-one support -- and new funding -- are now available to Brockton businesses looking to improve their digital marketing, websites or e-commerce platforms through the Digital Main Street program.
Will LeGrand is our new digital service squad member, and he's reaching out to local businesses. If you haven't made contact yet, you can reach out to him by emailing dsswilliamlegrand@gmail.com.
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Saugeen Economic Development Corp. is offering free third-party professional services through its Business Resurgence Program. A limited number of spots are still available for its Quick Books Online, Digital Marketing, Business Profit Optimizer, and Business Advisor programs. As well, it is offering a free one-year membership to the Excellence in Manufacturing Consortium, which includes mentorship and sharing of best practices.
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Need business assistance or further information about programs highlighted in this newsletter? Please contact Community Economic Development Coordinator Paulette Peirol at ppeirol@brockton.ca or call 519-881-2223 ext 131.
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