Welcome to Summer!

The temperatures are warmer, the days are longer, and another busy season is upon us. Remember to stay cool! In this edition, we've included information to help you make the most of these sunny months. 

Highlights: 

• Town Supports Local Business Associations with $25,000 in Funding
• Official Plan Review Launches Phase 2
• Business Spotlight - iwa Spa
• Local Support & Program Opportunities
• Upcoming Events & Training Opportunities

We hope you’ll find the resources and information provided valuable. As always, you can reach out to us at any time with your comments, concerns or questions regarding the Town. Connect with the team and email us using the link located at the bottom of the e-newsletter.

Sincerely,

Your Economic Development Team

Tim Hendry, Manager of Communications & Economic Development

Allan Gibbons, Communications & Economic Development Coordinator

Town News

TOWN SUPPORTS LOCAL BUSINESS ASSOCIATIONS
The Town of The Blue Mountains is proud to support its local business associations through a yearly funding program that began in 2021. The program provides the Town's five business associations with a maximum of $5,000 each per calendar year to support various initiatives. The five business associations include the Thornbury Business Improvement Area, Clarksburg Village Association, Blue Mountain Village Association, Blue Mountains Chamber of Commerce and South Georgian Bay Tourism.

The funding requests can be related to an event, activity, initiative or capital item that will strengthen the Town of The Blue Mountains economy and create positive economic benefits for local businesses. 

To learn more about the Local Business Association funding or details regarding the applications received and the amount requested, visit the Town Website. 

COMMUNITY IMPROVEMENT PLAN UPDATE
The first intake period for the Community Improvement Plan was a success! Thank you to all the business and property owners who expressed interest and submitted applications. Final funding announcements will be made in mid-July.   

Another intake period will be announced this fall. Visit the project webpage for more information, and subscribe to receive updates directly to your inbox.

Phase 2 of the Official Plan Review project is now underway. Phase 2 includes a public survey and four public workshops.

The public survey seeks input regarding community design elements, including character and design, community services, housing, climate change, parks, trails and open space. Take the survey here.

Four public workshops are scheduled throughout July and August on key topics related to the focus of Phase 2; registration is required. Register here.

Please keep involved in this important community project. To learn more, share feedback and subscribe for updates, visit the project page.

More Information

Local Support & Program Opportunities

NEW BIZ TECH BOOST PROGRAM
Are you struggling with implementing new technology in your business or want to maximize the current technology you use? Check out this new program offered by the South Georgian Bay Small Business Enterprise Centre - Biz Tech Boost.

This FREE program will help you address technology opportunities and challenges specific to your business. If accepted, you'll start with a detailed tech assessment followed by customized recommendations, an action plan, tips and tricks, and training resources.

Apply now: Biz Tech Boost Program

HOW TO PROMOTE YOUR BUSINESS USING INSTAGRAM

You're invited to join Compass Content Marketing to learn how to stand out on Instagram. 

In this beginner-friendly workshop, you'll learn:

• How to optimize your Instagram profile
• Create an Instagram content strategy that includes posts, Stories and Reels
• How to come up with engaging content
• The basics of setting up an Instagram shop

Register here: Promote Your Business With Instagram

ECOMMERCE 101: WHAT, WHY & HOW 

In this webinar, the Digital Service Squad will teach you the basic steps to setting up an online store. We will cover everything from what you need to prepare before launching a store, to choosing an e-commerce platform, to providing excellent customer service online. You’ll finish this session feeling excited about how e-commerce can help you reach new customers and expand into different markets.

Register Now: eCommerce 101

Connect with Our Team

We're available to assist with any questions you may have regarding your business development and operations. We're also always seeking new ideas and feedback for our newsletter and economic development initiatives.

Have a question or an idea?
Connect with us by email or call (519) 599-3131 ext. 269.

Email Us