Your quarterly connection to business news in Orangeville |
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Digital Main Street supports businesses with digital transformation |
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Over the past year, many of us have adjusted our shopping habits. Ordering online became a necessity for many, and our local small businesses responded quickly by developing their e-commerce capabilities to manage the new demand. It became clear that this shift in consumer behaviour may be here to stay and the Digital Main Street (DMS) Program was available to support small businesses dealing with this new reality. Originally developed by the Toronto Business Improvement Area Association (TBIAA), the program’s success led to its expansion across Ontario in 2019 and again in 2020.
Thanks to funding from the federal and provincial governments as well as other program partners, Dufferin County small businesses were able take advantage of online training, support, and resources. Business owners had the opportunity to participate in three distinct programs:
The Digital Transformation Grant program was specifically designed to support brick-and-mortar small businesses located in downtown shopping districts. To earn a grant of $2,500, business owners were required to complete training and submit a strategic plan outlining their objectives, budget, and key performance indicators for the digitalization of their ventures. Eligible expenses could include hiring a website developer, advertising on social media, or purchasing office software, subscriptions, and point-of-sale hardware devices. Over 3,800 small businesses across the province took advantage of this second round of funding, including 27 businesses in Orangeville, 15 in Shelburne and four in Grand Valley. In total, the Digital Transformation Grant program brought $115,000 in funding support to our area’s local businesses.
The ShopHere program offered free one-on-one support to help businesses build and launch an online store. Registered businesses, including artists and home-based businesses with fewer than 10 full-time employees (restaurants could have up to 25 employees), were eligible to apply. Over 35 businesses from our area received support in some capacity through this program to develop their e-commerce capabilities.
The Business Transformation Teams program assisted small businesses in developing and implementing digital transformation on a broader scope, such as identifying new markets or pivoting to new business models. The program was intended to help “future proof” small businesses and drive recovery. Business owners who were accepted into the program had the opportunity to work with a team of specialists, including a web designer, graphic designer, UX/UI designer, and a copywriter for a period of six weeks. Eight small businesses from Orangeville and three from Shelburne participated in the program.
As demonstrated in the past year, having a strong online presence will be an important factor in a post-pandemic world as shopping habits continue to evolve. The support provided by the DMS Program will have a lasting impact on our local economy for many years to come.
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Donna Rhodes of Krystian’s Menswear participated in DMS in 2020 to help transform her store’s online presence. Thanks to the support of an interdisciplinary team of digital marketing specialists, a new e-commerce platform was developed, complete with updated branding and fresh content.
Visitors to her new website can now browse collections, get fitting advice, and purchase items that have been tastefully curated to create a stylish look. A visit to the store’s About Us page reinforces Donna’s commitment to customer satisfaction and invites clients to reach out for assistance. According to Donna, “Men generally don’t enjoy shopping for clothing. They appreciate that we can cater to their needs while offering personalized, one-to-one service.”
When asked about her experience with DMS, Donna advised that her biggest takeaway was realizing that digital transformation is about more than just technology. “Creating a digital strategy is a continuous process. It should reflect the culture and vision of the brand while enhancing the customer experience. Digital initiatives must also be flexible if they are to address business challenges now, and into the future.” She adds, “I am excited about the opportunities these initiatives hold for us in a local and national market, particularly as life returns to normal in the coming months.”
Shop online at krystiansmenswear.com.
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Call for Artists announced for 2021 public art installations |
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The Town of Orangeville has issued its annual Call for Artists to offer local artists an opportunity to help beautify the community through the installation of public art. This year, up to five utility boxes will be transformed into colourful works of art. Up to six new mural installations will also be added to Alder Recreation Centre’s walking track.
The objective of the Call for Artists is to promote the talent of local artists and enhance their connection with the community. Initially launched in 2016 to source artwork for the Utility Box Art Display Program, the annual appeal has helped the Town to steadily grow its public art collection over the years. Today, 20 utility boxes and four mural installations featuring artwork by local artists are displayed at locations throughout the community. Alongside the Town’s tree sculptures, these pieces create an impressive exhibit to discover and enjoy.
Local artists are invited to respond to the Call for Artists by Friday, May 28 at 12 p.m. Winning submissions will be selected by jury and those artists will receive $500 for their work. All applicants must reside in Dufferin County and be at least 18 years old. Artists are encouraged to carefully review the specific themes and requirements outlined in the Call for Artists.
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Small Business Centres Ontario offers new resource for entrepreneurs |
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The Orangeville & Area SBEC is one of 54 Small Business Centres (SBC) across Ontario featured on a new, central portal for entrepreneurs. Through the support of the Ontario Government, SBC Ontario recently launched www.sbcontario.ca. The new website aims to increase access and awareness of the Centres' services and create an online delivery model that eliminates geographic barriers to resources.
SBCs offer a range of free business support services to entrepreneurs who are starting or growing their ventures. Small business owners can access virtual business advisory services, improved access to funding, important information, special programs, training, and mentorship.
To explore resources available through the Small Business Centre Ontario network, visit www.sbcontario.ca. The Orangeville & Area SBEC continues to be available to support the needs of our local business community.
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Ensure your business is COVID-19 compliant |
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As the province steps up enforcement of COVID-19 requirements in Ontario's workplaces, dozens of new occupational health and safety inspectors have been deployed to ensure businesses are operating safely. As of April 20, over 46,930 workplace inspections have been conducted in Ontario and 50,025 orders have been issued, including 87 stop work orders related to COVID-19.
While many workplaces are in compliance with COVID safety protocols, some still need to improve their tools, such as compulsory safety plans and screening protocols. The consequences of non-compliance can range from a warning, to a $750 fine for not following the rules, and a $1,000 fine for preventing others (including employees or other workers) from following the rules. More severe penalties include fines of up to $100,000 for individuals and $10 million for corporations.
- Workplace Safety Plan Development – templates and step-by-step instructions on how to complete.
- Proper Screening Protocols – how to implement and what changes are required at different levels.
- Posting Capacity Limits – tips to determine what they are at each level and suggestions for how to control this.
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Property tax and energy cost rebates still available for businesses
The COVID-19 Business Support Grants program is still available to help businesses that were required to shut down or restrict services due to provincial public health measures. Eligible businesses can receive rebates to fully offset property tax and energy costs including electricity, natural gas, heating oil, or propane. Funding is available to cover the entire length of time that businesses were moved into Red-Control, Grey-Lockdown or Province Shutdown restrictions.
The list of eligible businesses is extensive and be found online along with a simple application. Businesses can expect to receive their rebate payments as early as two weeks from the date
they submit their application.
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Online job portal supports job seekers and employers with local information
FindYourJob.ca is a free online job portal that compiles postings from federal, provincial and local job boards and publishes them all in one place. Job postings are showcased in a list, as well as through a mapping tool, so users are able to view available positions by location.
The portal also features a Career Explorer tool that outlines the skills, education requirements and median salary for local postings. Employers can use this same information to understand the local business environment and build competitive compensation plans.
A mapping tool hosts an abundance of information including childcare facilities, schools, bike paths, transit routes and other important information that are helpful when choosing a job.
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Innovative Finishing Solutions Inc. - It’s all in the name |
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It really is all in the name at Innovative Finishing Solutions (IFS) Inc. Since 2002, the local company has developed a solid reputation for finding innovative solutions for its customers. IFS Inc. is the Exclusive FANUC Robotics integrator serving the North American manufacturing sector. Although it specializes in paint finishing for the automotive industry, IFS Inc.’s ability to create efficiencies across a variety of sectors and processes has led to a growing base of clients. “Developing robotic paint shop solutions is the core of our business, but our expertise easily extends to other areas,” says Brad Sparkman, CEO and Founder of IFS Inc. “If there is a way to simplify a process and create efficiencies for our customers, we will work to create it.”
Robotic integration involves optimizing a process by adding robots and then developing an interface so that the robots can seamlessly interact with any equipment or machinery being used. Often incorporated to complete highly repetitive manual tasks, robots can create operational efficiencies while enhancing consistency and reducing strain on employees.
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IFS Inc. handily owns its spot as North America's leading paint shop solutions company and is a trusted partner to the transportation industry. The company was recently named the Best Automotive Robotics Finishing Solutions Company 2020 in the North American Business Awards presented by New World Report. “If it flies, floats, rolls on rails, or moves down the highway, we’ve been involved in the process,” says Mr. Sparkman.
With its share of its target market well-secured, IFS Inc. is always looking for ways to diversify. “As we worked with our customers to optimize their painting and sealing processes, it became apparent that many of our solutions could be applied to other areas,” says Mr. Sparkman. “It was a natural progression to find additional efficiencies across the entire process.” Today, IFS Inc. implements its ideas in many different high-volume industrial settings and has helped to optimize the production of automobiles, bathtubs, appliances, farm machinery, and even food and beverages.
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IFS Inc. was originally located in Brampton and moved to Orangeville in 2010. Mr. Sparkman lived in the area and was drawn to the community’s lifestyle and supply of appropriately skilled workers. Orangeville also provided IFS Inc. with the opportunity to purchase its property at 41 Centennial Road and make plans for future expansion. With growth plans slated for the coming year, it seems that the move has paid off. Mr. Sparkman intends to add space and talent to allow IFS Inc. to build modular concepts in-house. “Manufacturers need solutions that allow them to scale up or pivot quickly,” says Mr. Sparkman. “This expansion will allow us to build and test equipment right here in Orangeville, making implementation faster and easier for our customers.”
Although its client base extends across Canada, the United States, and Mexico, IFS Inc. is always looking for opportunities to work with local businesses. “Many manufacturers know they need to automate, but don't know where to start,” says Mr. Sparkman. “We can help them find ways to deliver the quickest returns. Sharing our expertise and insights and then creating innovative solutions to make it happen is what we do best. After all, we are a Solutions Company.” Given that, it’s easy to see that IFS Inc.’s name really does speak for itself.
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The Town of Orangeville extends a warm welcome to these new businesses: |
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Congratulations to local businesses celebrating milestones: |
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Jungle Oasis Playground celebrated 8 years in business in March. The 7,100 square foot indoor family play and party centre caters to children up to 12 years of age and features a large play structure, an 18 foot bounce slide, and more.
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For lease: 75 Broadway
An excellent opportunity to lease office space in Orangeville’s prime downtown area. Two interleading offices plus four additional single offices are available in The Foley House at 75 Broadway, located within the Central Business District Zone (CBD). Gross lease rate will be quoted upon application and includes customization to tenant's office needs, utility charge based on estimated usage, weekly common area cleaning, on-site parking, snow removal, and signage. Landlord is willing to support promising start ups with good references. Available immediately.
Please contact Dave Potter, property owner, at 647-407-3726.
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Business Connections is published quarterly by the Town of Orangeville's Economic Development & Culture office.
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