Today, the Orillia District Chamber of Commerce and the Ontario Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the Ontario and Canadian governments, launched the COVID-19 Rapid Screening Initiative. Through this initiative, the Orillia District Chamber will roll out free rapid tests for small- and medium-sized businesses in Orillia and across Lake Country. “Chambers of Commerce and Boards…
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…
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…
Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, local business owners, event organizers, and politicians were still able to gather (virtually) this year to celebrate the achievements of Orillia’s business community. The Orillia District Chamber of Commerce (ODCC) held its annual Business Achievement Awards Thursday night where 90 locally owned businesses and organizations from Orillia, Oro-Medonte, Ramara, Severn Townships, and Rama…
RESULTS: The 15-Minute Grant Challenge issued by the City of Orillia’s Economic Recovery Task Force was a great success. Aimed at encouraging local businesses to apply for the Province’s Ontario Small Business Support Grant, 61 local businesses took the challenge and applied for the grant, resulting in an estimated $915,000 in grant funding flowing into…
Everyone should enjoy their properties stress free. That’s why James Foy started his Orillia-based business, All in Home and Yard. He provides interior and exterior property maintenance, such as landscaping, window and eaves trough cleaning, and junk removal. Foy says, this way, his clients — businesses, busy families, or seniors — can skip the hassle.…
