How does Canada decide which vaccines are safe? Safe and effective vaccines are critical to mitigating the impacts of COVID-19 and restoring our economy. Health Canada’s independent drug authorization process is recognized around the world for its high standards and rigorous review. Decisions are based only on scientific and medical evidence. How can a vaccine…
A group of local Community Futures organizations have joined forces to assist business buyers and sellers to connect and confidently move forward in the business transition process. The program, now known as BizLink, has proven to provide business buyers and sellers with tools that offer confidentiality and anonymity in buying or selling a local business.…
Pathways to Employment couldn’t have come at a better time for Shanaly Aitchison. The Orillia Area CDC’s youth wage subsidy program allowed her to get ahead in life amidst one of the most challenging times that we’ve seen in decades. After leaving her former place of work due to a business relocation, she was able…
Matt Spencer’s CrossFit facility in Orillia has seen the ups and downs of any business struggling to power through the pandemic, and the gym owner says he’s holding strong by pivoting his focus. “I’ve reinvented what we’re doing with the help of business coaches and the community that supports us, and now we’re able to…
“This year, Big Brothers Big Sisters has been able to bring on two new staff through the CDC’s Pathways to Employment Program. We are so grateful to the CDC for enabling us to build a mutually beneficial employment relationship with these youth during a year that has been challenging for so many. We have…
Businesses in the Orillia area have received a total of $2.3 million to mitigate COVID-19 impacts Small businesses are at the heart of our economy. So many are vital to this community and the COVID-19 pandemic has caused uncertainty for businesses and their employees. Since May 2020, $436.4 million has been made available under the…
John and Laurie Thompson bought Chelsea Chocolates in 2010, located in Craighurst, Oro-Medonte. Becoming small business owners was a steep learning curve for the couple, but one filled with excitement and joy as they expanded and improved Chelsea Chocolates over the years. “We had a wonderful adventure in owning and growing the business,” enthuses Laurie.…
When COVID first emerged in March 2020, the entire entertainment industry in Toronto shut down. This, unfortunately, put Connor McNeilly out of work while the industry tried to figure itself out. During this time, Connor was introduced to Tyler Knight, owner of KnightVision Media, and thanks to the Pathways to Employment program, a successful working…
The Ontario government is providing additional support to eligible small businesses to help with the ongoing costs of the COVID-19 pandemic. Confirmed eligible recipients of the Ontario Small Business Support Grant will automatically receive a second payment equal to the amount of their first payment, for minimum total support of $20,000 up to a maximum…
Ontario’s employer supports Employers who train apprentices may be eligible for grants to help mitigate the cost of training. The Achievement Incentive and Group Sponsorship Grant will help more employers take on apprentices to build Ontario’s apprenticeship and skilled trades pipeline. Achievement Incentive The Achievement Incentive is a grant program that: helps employers train apprentices…
