Your quarterly connection to business news in Orangeville
New Tourism Strategy and Action Plan defines vision for Town
The Town of Orangeville has a new Tourism Strategy and Action Plan. Adopted by Town Council on January 11, the plan highlights the top tourism drivers in the community and provides insights and actions that will help the Town to support and grow this key sector. 

The process of developing the five-year plan began in May 2020 to determine important next steps for the community’s short- and long-term economic development. The plan's creation follows the findings of the Town's Economic Development Strategy in 2018, which identified tourism as a sector of focus for future growth within the region. The plan also enables the Town to support the recovery of the local tourism industry as it manages through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The Town of Orangeville boasts an impressive collection of sights and activities that attract tourists to our community,” said Councillor Joe Andrews, Chair of the Business and Economic Development Advisory Committee. “This plan provides clarity on how we can continue to grow and support this important sector.”
Based on these priorities, an action plan with more than 70 key recommendations, timelines for completion and budgetary considerations are included, providing Town staff with a clear and realistic work plan for the upcoming five years.

A careful consideration of the impacts of COVID-19 is included in the plan with recognition that the first 12 to 24 months of implementation should be viewed as a rebounding period, as well as an opportunity to enhance the Town's tourism appeal. “The development of the tourism strategy began in the pre-pandemic era, when Orangeville’s local economy was thriving and we were exploring opportunities to further develop the tourism sector with a sustainable, inclusive approach,” said Ruth Phillips, the Town’s Manager of Economic Development and Culture. “Now though, circumstances have changed due to COVID-19, and domestic tourism is expected to grow throughout Ontario. We’re committed to ensuring that Orangeville is well-prepared for the shift, and the opportunities it may bring.” 

The complete Tourism Strategy and Action Plan can be found at orangevillebusiness.ca. Tourism-related businesses interested in receiving regular updates and resources are invited to sign up here.
Town recognized for marketing and communications efforts
The Town of Orangeville has been awarded for its marketing, communications, and creative design efforts in 2020. In two separate competitions, the Town's 2020 Budget document, the Open Orangeville COVID-19 Recovery Plan, and the new municipal website were winning selections.

Through the international MarCom Awards, the Open Orangeville COVID -19 Recovery Plan won 
a gold award in the category of Strategic Communications. The 2020 Budget document, which redesigned how the annual budget was presented, received an Honourable Mention. Both awards recognize the focus on both the quality of content as well as the design and creativity of the documents as the Town seeks to provide meaningful, relevant information in a way that is easy to understand and to access.

MarCom Awards honour excellence in marketing and communication while recognizing the creativity, and hard work of industry professionals. Since its inception in 2004, MarCom has evolved into one of the largest, most-respected creative competitions in the world. Each year about 6,000 print and digital entries are submitted from dozens of countries. 

In a separate competition, the 2021 international AVA Digital Awards program recognized three of the Town's recent projects:
  • The Open Orangeville – COVID-19 Recovery Plan won a Platinum Award in the category of digital marketing/COVID-19 digital response
  • The 2020 Budget earned a Gold Award in the category of digital marketing/content marketing e-annual report
  • An Honourable Mention went to the new orangeville.ca website, in the category of web-based production/government website

AVA Digital Awards is an international competition that recognizes excellence by creative professionals for the planning, concept, design, and production of digital communication. Work ranges from audio and video productions, animation, interactive websites, blogs, podcasts, social media sites, and other forms of user-generated communication.
Free, professional advice available to local businesses
The Orangeville & Area SBEC has launched a new Virtual Business Advisor program to support the specific needs of local businesses. One-to-one virtual sessions will be set up with a qualified consultant at no cost to the business owner.
Applications for small business programs being accepted

In partnership with the Province of Ontario, the Orangeville & Area SBEC continues to offer two programs to support the launch of small businesses. Starter Company and Summer Company both offer training and support to entrepreneurs with a specific focus on completing a business plan. Grants are also available for selected participants.
Eligibility
Applicants must:
  • be at least 18 years of age at the time of applying
  • be proposing a new company, expansion of an existing company or buying a business
  • be a resident of Ontario
  • not be attending school or enrolled in another provincial employment or self-employment program
  • not be a past participant in the program

Participants receive:
  • one-to-one consultation with a qualified business advisor
  • support in developing a business plan
  • free training, networking and mentoring sessions
  • opportunity to apply for a grant of up to $5,000
  • nine months to complete the program
Eligibility
Applicants must:
  • be a high school, college or university student
  • be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident living in Ontario
  • be 15 to 29 years of age
  • not already running a business, working at another job, or attending school during the program
  • be returning to school in the fall

Participants receive:
  • training and business skills development to support in planning and running a business for the summer
  • up to $1,500 of start-up funding and an additional $1,500 upon successful program completion and return to school
  • mentorship and guidance from business professionals
Last opportunity to access Digital Main Street resources

The Digital Main Street (DMS) program, funded by the federal government, province of Ontario and key corporate sponsors, continues to play an important role in helping main street businesses to develop their digital and e-commerce capabilities. Business owners can take advantage of three different programs until March 31: 

  • Digital Main Street online training modules provide valuable resources for businesses looking to enhance their online presence
  • DMS ShopHERE creates online stores for independent small businesses and artists at no cost
  • Business Transformation Teams provide businesses with the opportunity to work with an interdisciplinary team to create and implement an advanced digital transformation plan.
 
If you have any questions, please contact our area's local Digital Main Street Coordinator, Janet Blunt, at jblunt@orangeville.ca or 519-278-4349. 
Learn online with free webinars offered by Orangeville & Area SBEC

Visit our online event calendar to find a variety of webinars hosted by local experts and qualified partners. These free events offer access to valuable knowledge to help small business owners.
Get the Most Out of Your Social Media
February 11 | 10 a.m.
Presented by Green Monkey Creative

Whether you are new to social media or have an established following, this webinar will present different strategies and tactics that will set you up for social media success.
Question & Answer with the CRA
February 18 *new date* | 10 a.m.
Presented by the Canada Revenue Agency

Get answers to your business tax questions directly from the CRA. Learn about best practices for managing finances and discuss tax issues related to COVID-19.
Build a Better Website
February 25 | 10 a.m.
Presented by Green Monkey Creative

A professional website is your opportunity to establish a positive first impression with your customers. Whether you are just getting started or need an update, this webinar will help you present your business online in the best way.
Tax Planning for Small Business
March 3 | 10 a.m.
Presented by Gerry Hogenhout

This popular, interactive session will provide valuable tips and essential rules for operating a small business and minimizing or deferring income taxes payable. Find out what you need to know about the tax system and your business.
Insurance for Small Business
March 31 | 1 p.m.
Presented by: Ken Kraker, Protect Your Finances and Nicky Hoogendoorn-deGroote, Crewson Insurance

Discover the full range of insurance coverage available to help mitigate risk for your small business.
Starting a Small Business
April 12 | 5:30 p.m.
Presented by Ellen Sinclair, Orangeville & Area SBEC

Ideal for all emerging entrepreneurs, this session will cover the requirements and considerations involved with starting a small business in Ontario.
Bluebird Cafe & Grill - A local favourite serves up fresh offerings
With more than 30 years in business, the Bluebird Café and Grill has perfected its recipe for longstanding success. By combining its authentic, fresh-to-order menu with a cozy atmosphere, friendly service, and a bustling take-out kitchen, the restaurant has become a popular dining destination in downtown Orangeville. For new owners, Michelle and Rick Arsenault, maintaining the Bluebird’s beloved reputation was a top priority when they took over the business back in February 2019. “We bought the Bluebird because we wanted it to stay the Bluebird,” says Rick. “Our goal is to ensure that our restaurant continues to serve our guests with the same food and service that they’ve always loved.”
With over 50 years of combined experience in the hospitality industry, Michelle and Rick are certainly qualified to run the business. But it’s their connection to the community and to the restaurant itself that makes them well-suited as new owners. “When we moved to Orangeville almost 15 years ago, our first local dining experience was at the Bluebird,” says Michelle. “We fell in love with it instantly and it has been our favourite spot ever since.” When the commute to her former position at a Toronto-based restaurant became too much, Michelle started working at the Bluebird. A few years later, she learned of plans to sell the business. “We were ready for something new and we were excited about the opportunity to work right here in our community,” she says. “The Bluebird was the perfect fit for us.”

Their extensive experience and passion to serve the community were the key ingredients in the restaurant’s continued success as the couple managed through the challenges created by COVID-19. Adapting the business to ever-changing restrictions was an ongoing venture throughout 2020 and continues today. Adjusting menu offerings, ramping up their take out business, and shuffling dining room seating were just some of the tasks they took on to ensure they could stay open while keeping customers and employees safe and satisfied. For the first time in the Bluebird’s history, an outdoor patio space accommodated guests along Broadway, creating a welcome addition to the downtown streetscape. Pizza boxes and paper bags delivered to curbside customers were adorned with personalized messages, reinforcing the restaurant’s reputation for creating unique experiences. “We love connecting with our guests,” says Rick. “That is obviously more difficult to do right now, but we are trying our best to add special touches.”

While some of the plans that Michelle and Rick had in mind when they took over the Bluebird have been put on hold, they continue to find ways to elevate their customer’s experiences, even when only take-out is available. Their menu boasts classic choices like pizza and pasta while daily specials spice things up for loyal customers. As the restaurant industry continues to change and adjust along with these challenging times, Michelle and Rick agree that carrying on the legacy of one of Orangeville’s favourite restaurants is the best part of their job. 

The Bluebird Café & Grill is located at 100 Broadway in downtown Orangeville. While the dining room is closed right now due to COVID restrictions, take-out is available from the back of the restaurant off Armstrong Street. See the menu online and follow along on Facebook and Instagram for special menus and events.
The Town of Orangeville extends a warm welcome to these new businesses:
Congratulations to local businesses celebrating milestones:
  • The Black Wolf Smokehouse celebrated 6 years in business on January 13. The downtown restaurant serves southern style, smoked BBQ menu items such as ribs, brisket, wings, and more. Delivery and take-out options are available now.
  • Headwaters Physiotherapy marked it's seventh anniversary on January 4. The healthcare clinic offers physiotherapy, chiropractic care, registered massage therapy, and other services to help keep you healthy and active.
For lease: 295A Broadway

This bright, main floor office space is in a prime location on Broadway, Orangeville's main street. The 1465 sq. ft. space features a well-lit, front office/board room with bay window and two private offices. Also includes an additional office/storage room, kitchenette, and bathroom.

C5 Zoning
Gross lease price is $2,100/month plus HST.

 
Please contact Dave Grime, Sales Representative, 
Royal LePage RCR Realty Brokerage at 519-941-5151.