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Wasaga Beach Economic Development Newsletter - April 1, 2022
Information, News & Resources
Economic Development Office
What Is In this Issue?
  • Wasaga Beach Job Fair - Sign Up Now!
  • Open Patios 2022
  • Façade Improvement Program
  • Congratulations and Welcome to Wasaga Beach!
  • Simcoe County “Spark” Program
  • Workforce Connect Conference 2022
  • RTO7 Tourism Operators 2022/23 Funding Programs
  • Plus more resources and news!

Business & Economic News Highlights
Register your business for free today!
Wasaga Beach Business
Job Fair
Wasaga Beach Employers! Are you looking to hire? Register for free for the in-person Business Job Fair happening Sunday, April 24th from 10am-2pm. Get a free spot at the event to host a booth and promote job opportunities at your local business.

Register NOW as spots are limited.
Open Patios Program 2022

Calling all restaurants! Have you applied for the 2022 Open Patio Program yet?

The Town of Wasaga Beach has continued the Open Patios Program into 2022. The program was introduced in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and is intended to support local restaurants by providing flexibility to restaurant owners and their seating options.

The COVID-19 pandemic has limited restaurants on their services since March 2020. With the warmer weather, restaurants' use of patios will again help to expand seating outdoors.

Apply now and set up your extended temporary patio.

Please contact the Economic Development office with any questions. To apply to this program please visit our website or contact [email protected].
Façade Improvement Program

Are you a business looking to update your sign, hard landscaping, lighting or another improvement to the frontage of your business? If so, this program is for you!

The program is a first come, first serve basis and is accepting applications until funds have been fully allocated. Apply today!

The program will provide a grant up to 50% of the eligible costs up to $2,000 per project.

The Façade Improvement Program is a FREE municipal Grant Program Package that assists property owners looking to revitalize and/or restore the frontage of their existing commercial, institutional and mixed-use buildings in town. Projects can include side and rear facing facades that have high public visibility.

For more information please view the Façade Improvement Grant Webpage or contact Economic Development staff.

The Town of Wasaga Beach has a busy summer planned for the main beachfront area of our community.

We have a variety of events organized for residents and visitors alike. All of the town-owned beachfront properties are leased, including nine retail units, five food establishments, and two liquor-licenced locations, promising for an exciting 2022 summer season.
Congratulations and Welcome to Wasaga Beach!

Congratulations to CBhyDrate on its grand opening last week. Mayor Nina Bifolchi, members of council and the Wasaga Beach Chamber were on hand for the occasion, which included a ribbon cutting with owner Trevor Childs. CBhyDrate is at 1360 Mosley St., Unit 2. The company provides various CBD products.

If you would like to invite a member of the Wasaga Beach town council to attend an event, official openings, ribbon cutting ceremony, or if you would like to request congratulatory certificates, town pins or the raising of a community flag, contact the Executive Assistant to the mayor and council or sign up for the Business Milestone Program here.
Simcoe County “Spark” Program - Launch + Networking Event

Tourism Simcoe County, Regional Tourism Organization 7, and the Tourism Innovation Lab would like to invite you to the Simcoe County “Spark” Mentorships & Grants Program virtual media launch and networking event. 

Agenda
  • Welcome & Special Guest Speaker Introductions
  • Official launch of the Simcoe County “Spark” Program
  • Program Q & A
  • Industry Networking Event: Go Around + Group Discussion (Tourism Collaborations & Opportunities in Simcoe County)
This will be an opportunity for you to learn more about the Simcoe County “Spark” Program, and connect with tourism partners and entrepreneurs from across the region.

Date: Wednesday, April 6
Time: 10:30am to 12:00pm
Location: Zoom 
Workforce Connect Conference 2022

The virtual Workforce Connect Conference is taking place on April 5th and April 6th, 2022! Join us for 2 mornings (9 – 11 a.m. both days) of fresh ideas, proven resources and new connections to build and retain your workforce! Topics include strategies for inclusive workplaces, best practices for talent attraction, pathways needed to prepare for this new world of work and more. 
Support for RTO7 Tourism Operators
2022/23 Funding Programs

RTO7 is pleased to announce thw line-up of programs for 2022/23 geared to support tourism operators, businesses and organizations in BruceGreySimcoe. Applications are being accepted for processing, with start dates and funding based on the information here. 
Work in Simcoe County Virtual Job Fair 

Employers! Are you looking to hire top talent? Register for the free Work in Simcoe County Virtual Job Fair happening Tuesday, April 26th from 2pm-6pm
International Women's Day

March 8 was International Women's Day. Women play an integral role in our organization. Our mayor and deputy mayor are women, we have women in department leadership roles, and we have women working in various other positions. Outside of their roles with the town, these women are awesome moms, wives, girlfriends, daughters, and community volunteers. Some even find the time to run their own businesses.

Congratulations to all nominees and winners at the Wasaga Beach Chamber of Commerce Woman in Business Awards!
My Main Street -
Learn how to support and grow your small business!

My Main Street has produced a variety of online training resources to support main street business.
Any business owner can access these resources for free!

My Main Street has developed two on-demand courses for small business owners. 

  • How to Start a Main Street Business  
  • How to Grow a Main Street Business 

My Main Street will be hosting monthly mastermind and webinar sessions for small business owners.  

  • Mastermind sessions will be an opportunity for business owners to ask business specific questions, engage in discussion and get answers from the host, subject matter experts, as well as other business owners in the session.  
  • Webinars will have a specific topic that will include a presentation from an expert and time for Q&A from attendees. 
Learn How to Create Your Staycation Package!
Create a South Georgian Bay Package, leverage the Staycation Tax Credit, grow your network, and secure more business.
A few key highlights:
  • Inspire off-season visitation
  • Create opportunities to promote the Staycation Tax credit, even if you’re not an accommodator
  • Work with industry expert Kim Clarke to develop and launch your new package
Learn how to leverage the Staycation Tax Credit and how to make it work for your business in our webinar on Monday, April 25th from 3pm - 4pm.
Get Your Free Ticket Today! Link in bio to register.

South Georgian Bay Tourism Announces FREE 2022 Business Membership
for Wasaga Beach Tourism Businesses

Have you registered for your FREE membership yet? The Town of Wasaga Beach has partnered with SGBT and the South Georgian Bay municipalities to offer complimentary business memberships for the entire South Georgian Bay tourism industry in 2022.

Register your tourism business to take advantage of this free unique marketing opportunity. This is your chance to be part of the South Georgian Bay Tourism Association. Register for free today using the following link.


Think Local - Support Local

Spend your money where it matters the most this holiday season. By supporting your local businesses you support your community.

Your dollars stay in the community and help local jobs, development, community culture and create more walkable and livable neighborhoods. The pandemic has hit us all deeply and the effects continue to rattle our business community.

BUSINESS MILESTONE RECOGNITION PROGRAM
Is your business.....

Celebrating an anniversary milestone? Expanding? Holding a grand opening? Achieving an industry innovation?

If so, the Town of Wasaga Beach wants to hear from you!

The Town of Wasaga Beach aims to acknowledge the many contributions of local businesses within the community. The Business Milestone Recognition Program aims to highlight local businesses and honour their achievements. Through this program businesses are recognized for celebrating special achievements such as grand openings, anniversary milestones, and other special achievements unique to their industry.

If you would like to participate in the program and learn more, please visit our website here.
Town of Wasaga Beach
BUSINESS RECOVERY PORTAL
Since the beginning of COVID-19, the Town of Wasaga Beach has been making every effort to support you and your business. As we now look towards recovery, we have compiled over 150 special resources here to help your business source COVID-related information and funding.
START AND GROW A BUSINESS PAGE
Are you eager to launch a new business or expand your existing business in Wasaga Beach?

We have retail, commercial and industrial space, business supports, workshops, one-on-one counselling, and information about financial incentives to support your venture and help it thrive. On this page you will find local, regional, provincial and national resources to help you start or grow a business.

Follow our Facebook Page for more up-to-date resourses and programs!
Reach out to Economic
Development today!

In addition to sourcing and sharing these resources for you, our Economic Development Team is always ready and available to assist you and your business. Help us to help you. We welcome and encourage you to contact us with your questions, comments or ideas - we will do our best to steer you in the best direction as you look to start, grow or support your business - for today and tomorrow.
*Disclaimer: The Town of Wasaga Beach is unable to provide any warranty regarding the accuracy or completeness of third-party submissions. Distribution of these items does not imply an endorsement of the views, information or services mentioned.
Keep scrolling for opportunities to get involved with the
twin-pad arena and library building project!