ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT NEWSLETTER
August 11, 2021 | Subscribe Now
MUSKOKA REGION SPONSORED BUSINESS PUBLICATION
The Muskoka Economic Recovery Task Force has partnered with Metroland Media to bring local businesses an opportunity to share your advertising message in a special local business publication. Co-operatively, 87% of your ad costs have been subsidized!

Take part in this special feature that will call on our community to get behind locally owned businesses like yours. Now is your chance to have your voice heard and reach out to your local customers! There has never been a better or more affordable way to reach over 24,000 homes Muskoka-wide.

Cost: $90 +HST
Ad Size: 1/4 page full colour (5.145”wx5.143”d)

Booking Deadline: August 20th
Final Ad Deadline: August 27th
Publication Date: September 2nd

View the rate card HERE.
2021 COMMUNITY GRANT PROGRAM
Community Grants provide modest levels of financial assistance to non-profit, community-based organizations that provide direct programs, services, activities, events or festivals which are not already provided by the Township and Council has deemed to be in the community’s interest as they would enrich the lives of members of the community.

Application deadline is August 18, 2021.
BALA FALLS ROAD BRIDGE DESIGN CONCEPTS
Want a say in the Bala Falls Road Bridge Design Concepts? The Township is inviting public feedback on the proposed design concept alternatives for the Bala Falls Road Bridge.

View the design concepts, vote in the poll and provide written comment here: www.engagemuskokalakes.ca.

Deadline to vote or submit comments is August 20, 2021. Learn more about the Bala Falls Road Bridge Environmental Assessment Study by visiting the project page at www.engagemuskokalakes.ca.
FEDNOR TOURISM RELIEF FUND
The Tourism Relief Fund supports tourism businesses and organizations to adapt their operations to meet public health requirements while investing in products and services to facilitate their future growth.

Who can apply?
Eligible applicants include tourism entities that cater mainly to visitors, such as: 
  • businesses;
  • not-for-profit organizations, such as tourism associations; and
  • band councils or other Indigenous organizations and cooperatives.

For more details and eligibility requirements, please review the guidelines.
FEDNOR JOBS & GROWTH FUND
The Jobs and Growth Fund provides funding to businesses and organizations to help create jobs and position local economies for long-term growth. 

Who can apply?
  • Businesses, including co-operatives.
  • Not-for-profit organizations and community economic development partners.
  • Indigenous-led organizations and/or businesses are strongly encouraged to apply. Under the initiative, FedNor may contribute up to 100% of eligible project costs for projects with Indigenous clients.

For more details and eligibility requirements, please review the application guide.
STARTER COMPANY PLUS PROGRAM
The Starter Company Plus program gives business owners and entrepreneurs training, mentorship and funding opportunities to start or grow an existing business. You could be eligible to receive a grant of up to $5,000!

This year's program will run from mid-October-February.

Application deadline is Tuesday, August 31, 2021.
MUSKOKA LAKES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Do you sell a product online, or want to sell a product online? ShopMuskokaLakes.ca is coming soon.
To be featured on ShopMuskokaLakes.ca, you must be:
  • a Member of the Muskoka Lakes Chamber; and/or
  • operate within Muskoka Lakes or a local Muskoka Member of our region's Markets; or
  • a Sponsor who wants to Support Local/Save Local while getting great exposure, too.

Contact norah@muskokalakeschamber.ca to learn more about the Chamber's Support Local project.
ONTARIO COVID-19 RESPONSE FRAMEWORK
The Province moved into Step Three of the Roadmap to Reopen at 12:01 a.m. on Friday, July 16, 2021.


If you have questions about what will be open or impacts to your business or employment, call the Stop the Spread Business Information Line at 1-888-444-3659.
SIMCOE MUSKOKA DISTRICT HEALTH UNIT
COVID-19 BUSINESS SUPPORT RESOURCES
The Township continues to update business support programs and resources on our website as they are announced. Need help navigating the various programs and resources available?

Contact: Corey Moore, Communications & Economic Development Specialist, cmoore@muskokalakes.ca

Corey Moore
Communications & Economic Development Specialist
Township of Muskoka Lakes
705-765-3156
cmoore@muskokalakes.ca
www.muskokalakes.ca

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