July 8 | 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm

Learn how to set up and optimize a free Google My Business profile to get your business on the map! 

Client Profile: Design By Bobbi

“I’m a very good designer,” said Leppington, “but I don’t know as much about expanding a business. The guidance from the CDC was invaluable. They specialize in small business loans, so their understanding and expertise was exactly what we needed.”

Employer Feedback: Botree

“Katie knew our brand, our core values, and our culture. She used her knowledge of our brand and Heather’s professional goals to match us up. It has been an exceptional match for our organization and for Heather. Together, we are constantly learning, growing, and utilizing our unique talents."

The top three businesses will receive a monetary prize: $5,000 (gold), $3,000 (silver), $2,000 (bronze), and be recognized at a WSIB awards ceremony in November. The gold winner will also feature in a promotional video – like this one from last year, which will appear on their website and social media channels.  

Applications are due by July 9, 2021 

Starter Company Plus is a great opportunity for enterprising people aged 18+ who want to start, grow or buy a small business. The program provides hands-on business coaching and training, as well as mentoring from local business leaders who will help make your business a reality with potential to receive a grant up to $5,000

Applicants that have projects ready to proceed are strongly encouraged to submit their applications by July 23, 2021

The Canada Community Revitalization Fund (CCRF) aims to help communities across Canada build and improve community infrastructure projects so they can rebound from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. With a national investment of $500 million over two years, the Fund will support not-for-profit organizations, municipalities and other community groups, as well as Indigenous communities.

The Government of Canada is investing $33 million across Canada in this program to support businesses as they reopen so they can stay open and thrive in recovery. $8.8 million will be invested in Ontario, through the Ontario Chamber of Commerce, to support businesses as they reopen so they can stay open and thrive in recovery.

The funding will be provided through provincial and territorial chambers of commerce to support businesses to promote consumer confidence and local businesses! The program is open to chambers of commerce and boards of trade who are members of the OCC.

For more details on how your chamber/board of trade can apply to the Shop Local program, contact shoplocal@occ.ca.

Applications are open from Friday, June 25 – Tuesday, July 27, 2021

The See You on the Patio program launched on Friday, June 11 when outdoor dining was permitted to reopen. The program highlights restaurants throughout the city which offer open air dining, through a promotional campaign, animation program and summer street closure on Fridays and Saturdays in the downtown core starting on July 2.

Take the opportunity to learn about important topics and actionable ideas that are directly applicable to your role in your organization, such as: