Happy Holidays!

As the snow starts to fall and the festive spirit starts to take hold, we are delighted to present the latest edition of the Business E-Newsletter. As the year draws to a close, we're happy to bring you updates, exciting events, and valuable resources to help you navigate the final month of 2023 and the coming year.

Highlights: 

  • Tourism Growth Program
  • Municipal Accommodation Tax Survey
  • Community Improvement Plan
  • Canada Digital Adoption Program
  • Upcoming Events & Training Opportunities

We trust 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

The Tourism Growth Program in Southern Ontario is providing $108 million over three years to support communities, small- and medium-sized businesses and not-for-profit organizations in developing local tourism products and experiences.

The intake period is now open, and applications are being accepted until February 29, 2024. If your project has activities happening before March 2024, it is recommended to apply early. 

Eligible Applicants include small- and medium-sized enterprises operating in the tourism industry, Indigenous-owned businesses, and not-for-profit organizations. Eligible Projects should provide added value to existing activities in the tourism industry and focus on business and economic growth. 

For more information or to see if this funding opportunity is right for you or your business, please visit:

Tourism Growth Program

Town News

HOLIDAY EVENTS SHOWCASE THE TOWN
Even without snow, the Town has been able to capture the holiday spirit so far this December!

Clarksburg kicked off the festivities with A Clarksburg Christmas on December 1, including the beautiful tree lighting ceremony at St. George's Anglican Church and evening shopping hours. The Merry Market at the Marsh Street Centre was a hit, too! 

Olde Fashioned Christmas took over Bruce Street on Saturday, with hundreds of visitors downtown to take part in the event. If you haven't had time to walk the winter lights, visit Thornbury in the evening for a beautiful stroll.

Holiday Magic at Blue continues at Blue Mountain Village until January 6. View the full event schedule and take part in the fun!

Thank you to the Clarksburg Village Association, Thornbury BIA, the Blue Mountain Village Association and the rest of the groups, organizations and volunteers that make these events possible.

MUNICIPAL ACCOMMODATION TAX 
The Role of Tourism and Accommodation Provider Surveys are now closed. We would like to thank all who took the time to provide their feedback and input as we review and evaluate the considerations and feasibility of implementing a Municipal Accommodation Tax.

The results of The Role of Tourism Survey and the Accommodation Provider Survey are scheduled to be presented to Town Council on January 15, 2024

To learn more about the project, please visit www.thebluemountains.ca/MAT.  

Community Improvement Plan

The Town opened its Community Improvement Plan (CIP) with two intake windows in the Spring and Fall. 

The CIP received funding requests totalling over $150,000, with a total construction cost of over 2.3 million dollars.

The Housing Within Reach program remains open until December 15, and the Town Wide Revitalization program is expected to open for applications again in Spring 2024. 

Learn More

 

Canada Digital Adoption Program

If you run a small- or medium-sized business, the Canada Digital Adoption Program can help you get online! 

Up to $2,400 is available in funding to Grow Your Business Online, and up to $15,000 is available to boost your business technology.

Whether it's setting up e-commerce and growing your sales online, or getting advice on technologies that can help your business, the Canada Digital Adoption Program can help transform your business.

Learn more about the program online at: https://ised-isde.canada.ca/site/canada-digital-adoption-program/en 

Local Support & Program Opportunities

UNVEILING TRAVEL INSIGHT OPPORTUNITIES WEBINAR:
The Tourism Industry Association of Ontario (TIAO) is hosting a one-hour webinar on Thursday, December 14 from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. 

TIAO is launching the TIAO Ontario Traveller Perception and Behaviour Monitor. This monitor will fulfill the need for current, accurate, and affordable data and insights about Ontario travel consumers.

This new research program will provide the information your organization needs to understand how to connect with high-value Ontario travel consumers. 

Register Online

SOUTH GEORGIAN BAY SMALL BUSINESS ENTERPRISE CENTRE
The Small Business Enterprise Centre is an incredible resource for entrepreneurs in the community, whether you're starting a business, looking to expand your business, or in search of what comes next. 

Book a free consultation with the experts, sign up for webinars with the Digital Service Squad, and take your business to the next level! 

Learn more: https://enterprisecentre.ca/book-a-free-consult/

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