Community economic development is important

While there are several needs in our community, the CDC’s current strategic plan has identified the following key priority areas of focus in an attempt to foster economic development in our community:

  •      BUSINESS RETENTION + EXPANSION
  •      PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
  •      YOUTH
  •      CONNECTIONS BETWEEN POST-SECONDARY AND BUSINESS

 

CURRENT PROJECTS:

We work in partnership with many local and regional organizations to further community economic development.  Current project work includes:

 

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT:
Working in partnership with other small business support agencies, the CDC’s goal is to build the capacity of local small businesses, non-profits and social enterprises and to enhance employee recruitment and retention through the facilitation of relevant training programs. For information about these programs, please visit our workshops page

 

BUSINESS TRANSITION MATCHING:
Through the BizLink program, the CDC can provide subsidized access to an online matching and support service for qualified investors looking to buy and business owners looking to sell in Simcoe County. Our goal is to support business and employee retention by supporting both buyers and sellers looking to transition in and/or out of business. To access this program or for more information, please visit our buying/selling a business page

 

TOURISM INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES:
Working with regional tourism stakeholders and building on the 2016/17 Tourism Asset Mapping project & Tourism Investment Opportunities Report, the CDC facilitated the development of a regional Tourism Investment Opportunities Strategy that includes informational mini-feasibility reports meant to attract the interest of potential investors in Ontario’s Lake Country.  For more information and to access the full reports, please visit www.ontarioslakecountry.com/invest

 

COMMUNITY CAPACITY BUILDING FUND:
This fund is offered once annually and is intended to strengthen our communities by supporting projects that build capacity, are innovative, incremental and address local needs and priorities.  For more information, please visit our grants page

 

YOUTH EMPLOYMENT/SELF-EMPLOYMENT:
The CDC currently supports youth employment opportunities through a youth wage subsidy program. This program assists youth with gaining valuable skills & experience to enhance career pathways. For more information, please visit our Pathways to Employment page