Wasaga Beach Economic Development Newsletter - January 15th, 2021
Information, News & Resources
Economic Development Office
What Is In this Issue?
  • Introducing the Updated and Improved Business Recovery Portal
  • Government Issued Stay-At-Home Order
  • #Pledge to Support Local
  • Wayfinding Strategy Survey
  • Business & Economic News
  • Business Training
  • Links and Resources
Introducing the Updated and Improved
BUSINESS RECOVERY PORTAL
The Town of Wasaga Beach Economic Development Office is pleased to announce the re-launch of the Business Recovery Portal.

Since the beginning of COVID-19, the Town of Wasaga Beach has been making every effort to support you and your business. As we now look towards careful re-opening and recovery, we have compiled special resources here to help your business source COVID-related information and funding.
Federal COVID-19 information line (1-833-784-4397)
Public Health Ontario (1-866-797-0000)
COVID-19 continues to be a very real challenge in our region and across the province. As such, it is imperative that you follow the advice of public health officials.

Wear your mask when out in public. Wash your hands regularly. Stick to your household as much as possible.

You can learn more on the Simcoe-Muskoka District Health Unit's COVID-10 webpage. Additional resources can be found on the Town's COVID-19 page.
Town service delivery continues during state of emergency
and stay-at-home order
The Town of Wasaga Beach continues to provide important public services to the community during the provincial state of emergency and stay-at-home order.

The town is an essential service provider as deemed by Ontario Regulation 82/20 (2.1) and as a result, the stay-at-home order does not apply to municipal employees.

Our staff continue to report to work and are available by telephone and e-mail. Town facilities are closed to the public. In some cases, in-person appointments are available. However, we encourage people to conduct as much business as possible through remote means. Click here for further details.
Ontario Government
Has Issued Stay-At-Home Order
Effective Thursday, January 14, 2021, the government issued a stay-at-home order requiring everyone to remain at home with exceptions for essential purposes, such as going to the grocery store or pharmacy, accessing health care services, for exercise or for essential work.

Learn more about General Public Health and Workplace Safety Measures for all Businesses, Organizations and Facilities and Individuals.
#Pledge to Support Local
Spend your money where it matters the most. By supporting your local businesses you support your community.

Your dollars stay in the community and help local jobs, development, community culture and create more walkable and livable neighbourhoods. The pandemic has hit us all deeply and the effects continue to rattle our business community.


If you can afford to #Pledge to Support Local.
Online Survey Supports Town's Comprehensive Wayfinding Strategy
The Town of Wasaga Beach is currently working to develop a realistic town-wide wayfinding system that addresses the needs of visitors and residents using all modes of transportation. Wayfinding refers to the systems that guide people through the physical environment using visual cues, maps, symbols, colours, signs, art, reference points and other means.

The Comprehensive Wayfinding Strategy will create a wayfinding system that reinforces the sense of place, identity and interconnectedness of the Town and its features, while also improving consistency in navigability and wayfinding within its borders. The measures will help pedestrians, cyclists and motorists to find their end destinations including public parking lots and key points of interest. Additionally, it will help improve parks, waterways and trail signage.
Business & Economic News Highlights
Applications Now OPEN for Ontario's Small Business Support Grant 

The Ontario government has opened applications for the new Ontario Small Business Support Grant. The grant, first announced in December, provides a minimum of $10,000 to a maximum of $20,000 to eligible small businesses who have had to restrict their operations due to the Provincewide Shutdown.


COVID-19 Tourism Response Fund - FREE Funds Available

The COVID Tourism Response Fund provides $500,000, to be distributed by Regional Tourism Organization 7 in collaboration with Grey County, Simcoe County, City of Barrie and the City of Orillia for tourism-related businesses in the form of a one-time, non-repayable contribution of $2,500 - $20,000.
 
*Applicants need to have a matching cash contribution of 20%.

Application Due by January 31, 2021, 11:59pm.
Canada Summer Jobs Funding

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on young Canadians who are trying to find work. Employers also face challenges when recruiting and hiring workers while adapting to the realities of the pandemic. That’s why the Canada Summer Jobs program continues to take action to provide good job opportunities for youth and to support employers across Canada.

Application deadline is January 29, 2021, 11:59pm.
Ontario Supporting Home-Based Food Businesses During COVID-19

The Ontario government is supporting home-based food businesses by providing a guide on how to start a home-based food business, which includes an overview of public health requirements that need to be followed as a food operator. To further support these entrepreneurs, the government has also made regulatory changes to allow more flexibility to sell low-risk, home-prepared foods. These supports are part of the government's continued efforts to help small, independent businesses succeed and contribute to Ontario communities during COVID-19
Safe Travels Stamp Administered By TIAO

Tourism Industry Association of Ontario (TIAO) has been chosen by the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) to administer the Safe Travels Stamp in Canada. The Safe Travels Stamp is an international symbol designed to allow travelers to recognize governments and companies around the world, which have adopted health and hygiene, standardized protocols – so consumers can experience ‘Safe Travels’.
Relief and Resources for Businesses

For a list of relief resources for businesses check out our Business Recovery Portal here.
Business Training
January 19 - The Legal Brief: COVID-19 Employment Law - 2021 Updates
Sandbox Center - "Concerned or confused as to how the new restrictions in Ontario impact you and your workplace? Join Josh Valler, Associate at Barriston Law, along with special guests Janice Leroux of HR Performance & Results and Barrie-Innisfil MPP Andrea Khanjin, for a FREE virtual pop-up talk as they discuss what the new restrictions mean for you and your business."

January 20 - Intro to Facebook Ads Manager
South Georgian Bay Digital Service Squad - "Facebook Ads Manager is where you can view, make changes to and see results for all of your Facebook campaigns, ad sets and ads. We’ll teach you how to create and manage ads, then measure your results. Almost 70% of Canadians are active Facebook users, so it’s more than likely that your target customer is using the platform, we’ll show you how to plan on reaching them! This workshop is presented by your Simcoe, South Georgian Bay Digital Service Squad."

January 21 - Food Venture Program
Food Venture Program - "Whether you are a restaurant owner, farmer, student or foodie – this 5 week program will get your favourite recipe retail ready!... Starting on January 25th until March 1st, you will come together virtually with like-minded individuals and hear from specialized speakers! Every Monday, the programming will run from 1 pm – 3:30 pm."

January 27 - Is Poverty Limiting Your Employee's Productivity?
Simcoe Muskoka Workforce Development Board - "This session will clearly demonstrate the wide- ranging effects of poverty, even on those who are part of the workforce. This session will provide the following insights to support your hiring and retention strategies:
  • A data presentation on the breadth and effects of poverty in Simcoe and Muskoka
  • A small group exercise in which in you will make choices based on numerous everyday priorities with limited resources
  • The first- hand effects of poverty from a working member of the community with lived experience
  • The benefits and positive ROI attained from adopting a Living Wage policy from a fellow employer."
Please register by Friday, January 22nd at 4pm.

January 27 - Getting Started with Facebook Shop
South Georgian Bay Digital Service Squad - "A Facebook Shop allows potential customers to buy your products without leaving Facebook. Talk about impulse buying convenience! Facebook stores can drive new sales, offer deals and promotions, build brand awareness and much more. Join us to learn how to get set up without needing technical or coding knowledge. This workshop is presented by your Simcoe, South Georgian Bay Digital Service Squad."

January 28 - Know Your Resources & Membership Benefits Open House
Wasaga Beach Chamber of Commerce - "Special Guest: Trevor McPherson, VP Ontario Chamber of Commerce Member Services. Open to All Businesses!"

February 3 - Understanding Google Analytics
South Georgian Bay Digital Service Squad - "The world’s most powerful search engine provides you with free analytics of who, when, and how people are visiting your website. Learn how to get set up, quantify the performance of your content and marketing, and understand Google’s reporting metrics. An indispensable tool for anyone wanting to understand how effective their online presence is."

February 4 - The Legal Brief: CASL & Privacy Law for Businesses
Sandbox Center - "Privacy Law integrates into your business in more ways than one. These are the laws that are all about the storage and usage of personal information which can be retrieved by the government, public or private organizations, or other individuals. Join the conversation to learn more about how this applies to your business!"

*Disclaimer: The Town of Wasaga Beach is unable to provide any warranty regarding the accuracy or completeness of third-party submissions. Distribution of these items does not imply an endorsement of the views, information or services mentioned.