The Canada United Small Business Relief Fund is now open to help small Canadian businesses with their COVID-19 recovery efforts through a relief grant of up to $5,000. The program will support businesses of all kinds from across the country (from retailers to barbershops to farmers) - a limited number of grants are available.

If awarded, a relief grant can be used for any of the following activities:

Grant application window opened on August 31, 2020. Learn more about the program and eligibility criteria.

Are you starting or expanding your business? Muskoka Small Business Centre's Starter Company Plus is a 15-week program starting Nov/Dec 2020 that includes:

To learn more and apply: muskokasmallbusiness.ca/programs/

The Muskoka Economic Recovery Task Force (MERTF) is working to boost our local economy and ensure a strong economic recovery for Muskoka both during and beyond the COVID-19 pandemic. 

A Shop Local social media campaign launched today to support businesses across Muskoka this fall season. Residents and visitors can enter the contest by posting a photo at their favourite local business using the hashtags #ShopLocal #SupportMuskoka #MuskokaCares. 

Learn more about the MERTF and the Shop Local Campaign at https://www.engagemuskoka.ca/mertf.

Explorers' Edge (RTO12) has launched the Cottage Country Spirit Local Travel Package to promote “hyper local tourism” in our region.

Permanent and seasonal residents of the Explorers' Edge catchment were able to register to receive $50 worth of vouchers to use at participating businesses between July 16, 2020 and October 12, 2020. All 3000 packages have been claimed!

Fourteen Lake of Bays tourism operators registered to participate in the program. The Township is running a social media campaign to encourage voucher redemption in Lake of Bays. Please share these posts to help spread the word!

View the shareable Facebook post.

The Township of Lake of Bays amplified their business spotlight series in 2020 as a creative means to promote and support our local business community. Spotlights are featured on the Township’s Public Notice Board (Muskoka Region/Huntsville Forester Newspaper), municipal website, social media, and the Economic Development e-Newsletter.

If you would like your business to be featured, contact Leanne Fetterley at lfetterley@lakeofbays.on.ca or 705-635-2272 ext.235.

The Artists of the Limberlost share the power of art in difficult times. Support the 21 diverse and talented local artists by digitally exploring their work online and discover new pottery, fibre art, paintings, sculpture, furniture and more. Read the Business Spotlight to learn more.

Enjoy the seasons and let Season 2 Season Garden Market do the work! Check out the Farmers’ Market on Fridays from 10am to 5pm until the end of September where you can stock up on fresh produce from Anderson Produce and quality meats from Muskoka Surf and Turf and Cosmos Smoked Meats. Read the Business Spotlight to learn more.