Winter in The Blue Mountains

January is behind us, and it looks like the snow is finally here to stay. We're looking forward to enjoying the rest of winter and the warmer days ahead in 2023!

In this newsletter, the Town's Economic Development Team is excited to share updates on key projects and initiatives that are important to the local business community.

Highlights: 

• Give the Gift of Blue Results
• Grey County Job Fairs
• Business Spotlight - Rick's Pro Shop
• 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

GIVE THE GIFT OF BLUE
The Town of The Blue Mountains is excited to announce the results of the 3rd Annual Give the Gift of Blue Shop Local contest. The campaign promoted shopping local during the holiday season and offered participants a chance to win four grand prizes valued at over $1000 each.

The grand prizes were curated and exclusively selected from businesses within the Town of The Blue Mountains. Participants earned an entry to the contest by making a purchase within the Town during the contest period. Entries could be submitted online or with paper ballots entered at various locations in the community.

The 2022 contest period saw over 750 total entries, with reported retail sales of over $60,000 at businesses throughout the community over the holiday season.

For more information, or to watch the full video of the grand prize draw, visit: www.exploreblue.ca/givethegiftofblue.

BUDGET DELIBERATIONS BEGIN TODAY
The 2023 Proposed Budget was released on January 13, 2023, for public review and input. The proposed budget includes both Operating and Capital as well as proposed Fees and Charges.

The proposed budget will be reviewed and deliberated by Council at a series of special budget meetings beginning today and running through the remainder of the week, with an additional meeting scheduled for Monday, February 6, 2023, if necessary. 

For more information on the Town Budget, visit: www.thebluemountains.ca/budget

Local Support & Program Opportunities

2023 SUMMER COMPANY GRANTS
The Ontario Government is looking to support students aged 15-29 that want to run a summer business in Ontario. Through a program called Summer Company, qualified applicants can get start-up money to kick off a new summer business, along with advice and tutelage from local business professionals. 

Successful applicants can receive up to $1,500 upfront to help manage start-up costs and an additional $1,500 after completing the program. 

Learn more: Ontario Summer Company

DIGITAL SERVICE SQUAD: BUILDING BETTER WEBSITES

Digital Main Street wants to support entrepreneurs as they work to reach their target audience online. An effective website allows businesses to engage their customers and increase sales while building trust and credibility with prospective clients. 

This hour-long webinar on February 8, 2023, will explore how to build a better website and resonate with the people you want to reach. Learn more or register: Building Better Websites

AN INTRODUCTION TO LGBT+ DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION

RTO7 has partnered with Canada's LGBT+ Chamber of Commerce to offer a free training course, "An Introduction to LGBT+ Diversity and Inclusion". 

This free course is available to all tourism business owners and operators in Bruce, Grey and Simcoe counties and their staff. Learn more or register: Diversity and Inclusion

EMPLOYER REGISTRATION NOW OPEN

Employer Registration is now open for this year's Grey County Regional Job Fairs. Events are in-person, free, and spread out across Grey County. Spaces are limited, and businesses are encouraged to register early.

Registration Requirements:

• Must be located in Grey County
• Must be hiring three or more employees
• Registration limited to one location

The nearest location to The Blue Mountains is Georgian Bay Community School in Meaford on March 2, 2023. 

To register or learn more, visit: https://madeingrey.ca/news-events/2023-regional-job-fairs

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.

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