Economic Development
News & Updates
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May 2022 | 1st Economic Development Newsletter |
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Be in the know, don't miss an opportunity...
Subscribe today for the North Kawartha Economic Development Newsletter, your source for business updates and development news in North Kawartha.
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My name is Chris Challenger, and I’m the Economic Development Officer (EDO) for the Township of North Kawartha. In my role as the EDO, I’m responsible for advancing the economic interests of industry, businesses and residents here in the Township.
The role of the EDO is a new position with the Township, having started in December 2020. The EDO portfolio covers a range of economic and business issues including:
- Residential and Commercial Development
- Industry & Private Investment
- Business Retention & Expansion
- Infrastructure
- High speed broadband and cellular connectivity
- Tourism
- Branding
- Economic Diversification
- Grants and Funding Opportunities
- Partnerships with community groups, non-profits, and other levels of Government
I would encourage businesses and residents to reach out to me directly if you have questions, or just want to chat about our local economy. I’m committed to working with all of our stakeholders to grow our local economy here in North Kawartha.
Chris Challenger, Economic Development Officer
280 Burleigh Street, Apsley, ON K0L 1A0
1-800-755-6931 or 705-656-5152 or 705-656-4445 ext.241 or Email
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Tourism Relief Fund Applications Are Open!
Regional Tourism Organization 8 (RTO8) is supporting the tourism industry in Kawartha Lakes, the City and County of Peterborough and Northumberland County through the allocation of the Tourism Relief Fund on behalf of FedDev Ontario.
Successful applicants will be eligible for up to $100,000 in funding for projects that align with the FedDev Ontario Tourism Relief Fund and federal priorities.
All applications will be evaluated by a special committee. The criteria for success are bound by the rules that govern the Tourism Relief Fund.
Application deadline is May 15, 2022. Projects must be completed and funds must be spent by December 31, 2022. We encourage all stakeholders within the region to apply now.
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North Kawartha's Community Improvement Plan intends to support and activate improvements, rehabilitation or renovation of lands, buildings or public spaces within the Township. This is the first Community Improvement Plan for the Township and includes Community Improvement Plan Areas for Apsley, Burleigh Falls, Woodview, and Big Cedar. The Community Improvement Plan Areas, six Leadership Programs, and nine Financial Incentive Programs were all informed through several public meetings, input and reviews.
This Plan is intended to be a flexible tool for change rather than a rigid document. It is also intended to be a proactive plan for community revitalization and renewal and economic improvements. Continual review and evaluation of the CIP and the programs will aid the Township to remain current with program use and needs of the community. |
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We're Growing!
Super excited to announce that I am opening a second location!! The new store will be in Apsley (126A Burleigh St) in @northkawartha and will focus mainly on more casual attire as well as some home decor.
We’ll be opening on May 3, 2022 with a Grand Opening on May 21 & 22.
This location will be known as DJC Casual Clothing.
I’ll be posting more updates as the store starts to come together!
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New Tourism Innovation Program offering Mentorships
And Grants Launching in Peterborough & the Kawarthas
Local and Provincial Tourism Leaders Available for Interviews
The “Spark” Mentorships & Grants Program is being launched in Peterborough & the Kawarthas to encourage entrepreneurs, small businesses and nonprofits in the City and County of Peterborough to apply with their new tourism ideas for the region.
Applications will be accepted from May 3rd to May 31st. Following a juried review process, finalists will be invited to a virtual Pitch Session, where six winners (3 from the City of Peterborough and 3 from the County of Peterborough) will be selected to receive mentorships and grants
Media Contacts:
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PETERBOROUGH — The Ontario government is working for workers by launching a new training program, Better Jobs Ontario. Anyone looking to train for in-demand work, including those on social assistance, who are self-employed, gig workers, youth, and newcomers to the province, can apply to start learning the skills they need to earn bigger paycheques for themselves and their families.
A link to the full article is available by clicking on the article title at the top.
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Ontario is Making it Easier to Start a Business
New online website helps entrepreneurs launch faster
We’re working toward making it easier for entrepreneurs and growing businesses to navigate, access, and find the information they need to open their doors for business,” said Nina Tangri, Associate Minister of Small Business and Red Tape Reduction. “With the launch of the new website, we’re taking the first step toward a holistic, start-to-finish approach to allow entrepreneurs to more effectively interact with government in meeting the requirements to get their business up and running.”
This new resource is the first step towards creating a single window for business that will reduce administrative burdens and make it easier for Ontario business owners and entrepreneurs to access the information and services they need to get up-and-running, create jobs, and grow their business.
Ontario is investing $5 million over two years in a targeted program for Indigenous, Black and other racialized entrepreneurs to start or grow their business. The Racialized and Indigenous Supports for Entrepreneurs (RAISE) Grant helps to remove systemic barriers by providing funding, training, and culturally relevant services to entrepreneurs. RAISE is administered through the Digital Mainsteet program.
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Cyber Security Concerns for your Small/Mid Size Business? |
As companies rely more heavily on digital tools and resources to secure information and communication, safety and security are increasingly paramount. Cyber-attacks can have a direct impact on your organization and customers, potentially resulting in financial loss and reputational damage.
The Government of Canada has created CyberSecure Canada, a voluntary certification program designed to help small and medium-sized organizations protect themselves against cyber threats, improving their cybersecurity knowledge through a free eLearning series.
Check out Canada.ca/CyberSecure to learn more about the certification program and access the new eLearning series.
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Rediscover Ontario and Get Back up to 20 per cent on Eligible Accommodation Expenses
Start planning your 2022 Ontario staycations now!
Ontario offers the world in one province — from vibrant cities to historic small towns, food trails to festivals, and mountains to beaches,” said Lisa MacLeod, Minister of Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture Industries. "The Ontario Staycation Tax Credit will help make travel more affordable and encourage Ontarians to explore their own province, reinvigorating local tourism economies by delivering a much-needed boost to local businesses while keeping Ontario competitive in the global market.”
The temporary Personal Income Tax credit will allow Ontario residents to claim eligible accommodation expenses, up to a maximum of $1,000 for individuals and $2,000 for families. The credit will provide up to a maximum of $200 for an individual and $400 for a family.
Ontarians could get back up to 20 per cent on eligible accommodation expenses for stays between January 1 and December 31, 2022, at hotels, motels, lodges, bed-and-breakfast establishments, cottages, campgrounds and other short-term accommodations in Ontario that are subject to GST/HST.
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Available: My Main Street!
My Main Street is proud to offer two on-demand courses created specifically for small main street business owners. Both courses are completely free and built in bite size clips so you can complete them at your own pace!
On-Demand Online Courses
Learn with My Main Street! My Main Street has created two on-demand courses for small business owners.
- How to Start a Main Street Business
- How to Grow a Main Street Business
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COVID-19 Business Resource Corner
Canada Business Credit Availability Program (BCAP) Through Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) businesses can access direct lending and other types of financial assistance. Learn More
Regional Relief and Recovery Fund This initiative is implemented by Canada’s six regional development agencies, including FEDNOR, and includes two components:
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$675 million to support regional economies, businesses, organizations and communities in regions all across Canada. Learn more
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$287 million to support the national network of Community Futures Development Corporations, which will specifically target small businesses and rural communities across the country. Learn more
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The Township of North Kawartha
280 Burleigh Street
PO Box 550
Apsley, ON
K0L 1A0
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Hours: Monday to Friday 9am- 4:30pm
Phone: 705-656-4445 Fax: 705-656-4446
Email: c.challenger@northkawartha.ca or reception@northkawartha.ca
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