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Haldimand County Business Excellence Breakfast rescheduled to Wednesday, Apr. 26, 2023

In light of the potential weather event and warning, Haldimand County has made the difficult decision to postpone the Business Excellence Breakfast event to Wednesday, April 26, 2023. The safety of all attendees is our top concern. We look forward to now welcoming businesses on the rescheduled date of  Wednesday, April 26, 2023.

This is a free networking event at the Riverside Exhibition Centre in Caledonia. The Business Excellence Breakfast is presented by Haldimand County in partnership with the My Main Street Local Business Accelerator program, Grand Erie Business Centre and Caledonia Agricultural Society.

This year’s breakfast will feature Eric Termuende speaking about One-Degree Shifts: Building Tomorrow’s Greatest Places to Work. In this engaging and takeaway-loaded presentation, workplace expert Eric Termuende will share what years of research, stories and insights uncover about the one-degree shifts leaders use to adapt to an ever-changing world around them and build incredible teams.

“The Business Excellence Breakfast is an opportunity for Haldimand County to thank our local businesses for all they do to make Haldimand County a great place to live and work,”  said Mayor Shelley Ann Bentley. “This year in particular, we would like to celebrate and acknowledge businesses for their achievements and challenges that they have overcome through the pandemic.”

“This event is also a great opportunity to connect with other local business owners, partners and members of Council,” added Lidy Romanuk, Manager, Economic Development and Tourism.

The My Main Street, Local Business Accelerator program is delivered by the Economic Developers Council of Ontario with an overall Government of Canada investment of $23.25 million through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario), to support the recovery and strength of main streets and local businesses in southern Ontario.

“Main streets play a vital role in growing local communities and economies for everyone, said the Honorable Filomena Tassi, Minister responsible for FedDev Ontario. “The Government of Canada will continue to invest in My Main Street and the small businesses the program serves, resulting in local economic growth and more vibrant neighbourhoods for Canadians and their families to call home.”

Haldimand County invites local business owners, representatives from Chambers of Commerce, Business Improvement Areas and business organizations across the county to attend. There is no cost to attend but registration is required, visit the www.haldimandcounty.ca/business and follow the links for the Business Excellence Breakfast or reach out to opportunity@haldimandcounty.on.ca (905) 318-5932 ext. 6331 to RSVP.

Haldimand County announces recipients of support through the Government of Canada-funded My Main Street, Local Business Accelerator program

Main streets play a vital role in growing the Canadian economy and supporting local communities. Haldimand County, in partnership with Grand Erie Business Centre and with funding received through the My Main Street Local Business Accelerator program, would like to acknowledge 20 local small business owners who have received a non-repayable contribution of $10,000.

The My Main Street Local Business Accelerator program is a data-driven community economic development initiative focused on revitalizing main streets with a healthy retail mix, while providing new and existing businesses on main streets with new economic opportunities.

With the funding received from My Main Street, participating Haldimand County businesses have been able to expand their businesses through the purchase of new products and equipment, diversify their service offerings and product lines, make leasehold improvements, and in some cases, start new businesses.

Haldimand County congratulates the following businesses that demonstrated ideas that will contribute to the downtown retail environment and increase foot traffic to their own business as well as neighbouring main street businesses.

Jarvis

Dunnville

Selkirk

  • Selkirk Social Purchase of an industrial espresso machine for new business.

Hagersville

  • Main 88 Purchase of new kitchen equipment to increase production.
  • Active Relief Centre Purchase of a new retail line.
  • Baejj Purchase of a new oven and freezer to increase productivity.
  • Plank Road Purchase of a point-of-sale system (POS) and kitchen equipment to increase efficiency.

Cayuga

  • Carolinian Café Purchase of a new espresso machine to increase productivity.
  • Caruso’s Purchase of equipment to open a new ice cream parlour attached to the main restaurant.

Caledonia

The My Main Street, Local Business Accelerator program is delivered by the Economic Developers Council of Ontario with an overall Government of Canada investment of $23.25 million, through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario) to support the recovery and strength of main streets and local businesses in southern Ontario.

Quotes

“Main streets play a vital role in growing local communities and economies for everyone. The Government of Canada will continue to invest in My Main Street and the small businesses the program serves, resulting in local economic growth and more vibrant neighbourhoods for Canadians and their families to call home.”

  • The Honourable Filomena Tassi, Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario

“The program has changed the scale of how we think about our business, we have always been focused on local and now we are building a creative destination and with the My Main Street non-repayable contribution we have been able to expand our ability to offer those programs.”

  • Lacie Williamson, Owner, LVW Creative Barracks

“Haldimand County would like to thank the Government of Canada, FedDev Ontario and the Economic Developers Council of Ontario for their support of local business. Emerging from the pandemic, many businesses were seeking ways to encourage people to come back and shop in our downtowns. These funds assisted the start-up of three new businesses and helped the remaining businesses make purchases of equipment and tools to diversify and attract new customers to our downtowns.”

  • Lidy Romanuk, Manager, Economic Development and Tourism

“The Economic Developers Council of Ontario (EDCO) is delighted to be delivering the My Main Street Local Business Accelerator program to support local business and main streets across southern Ontario. Thanks to the support of the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario, local businesses will have access to resources to help create economic opportunities for these main street communities, which is an essential component to a successful local economy.”

  • Doug Lindeblom, Managing Director, My Main Street, Local Business Accelerator

Associated Links

Haldimand County Business Excellence Breakfast to feature guest speaker Eric Termuende

Haldimand County is pleased to announce the return of the Business Excellence Breakfast. This free networking event will take place on Thursday, February 23, 2023 from 7:00-9:30 am at the Riverside Exhibition Centre in Caledonia. The Business Excellence Breakfast is presented by Haldimand County in partnership with the My Main Street Local Business Accelerator program, Grand Erie Business Centre and Caledonia Agricultural Society.

This year’s breakfast will feature Eric Termuende speaking about One-Degree Shifts: Building Tomorrow’s Greatest Places to Work. In this engaging and takeaway-loaded presentation, workplace expert Eric Termuende will share what years of research, stories and insights uncover about the one-degree shifts leaders use to adapt to an ever-changing world around them and build incredible teams.

“The Business Excellence Breakfast is an opportunity for Haldimand County to thank our local businesses for all they do to make Haldimand County a great place to live and work,”  said Mayor Shelley Ann Bentley. “This year in particular, we would like to celebrate and acknowledge businesses for their achievements and challenges that they have overcome through the pandemic.”

“This event is also a great opportunity to connect with other local business owners, partners and members of Council,” added Lidy Romanuk, Manager, Economic Development and Tourism.

The My Main Street, Local Business Accelerator program is delivered by the Economic Developers Council of Ontario with an overall Government of Canada investment of $23.25 million through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario), to support the recovery and strength of main streets and local businesses in southern Ontario.

“Main streets play a vital role in growing local communities and economies for everyone, said the Honorable Filomena Tassi, Minister responsible for FedDev Ontario. “The Government of Canada will continue to invest in My Main Street and the small businesses the program serves, resulting in local economic growth and more vibrant neighbourhoods for Canadians and their families to call home.”

Haldimand County invites local business owners, representatives from Chambers of Commerce, Business Improvement Areas and business organizations across the county to attend. There is no cost to attend but registration is required, visit the www.haldimandcounty.ca/business and follow the links for the Business Excellence Breakfast or reach out to opportunity@haldimandcounty.on.ca (905) 318-5932 ext. 6331 to RSVP.

County Launches Annual Haldimand Wish Book, to encourage residents to shop local

Haldimand County’s Economic Development and Tourism division has released the annual Haldimand Wish Book – a one-stop guide for local gift ideas, and unique experiences. This is the third year the wish book has provided residents with ways to ‘shop local’ for the holidays.

The Holiday Wish Book celebrates local, hand-made products and features over 36 local businesses in the print version. Copies are being distributed to all households in Haldimand by mail and will also be available for pickup at Haldimand Libraries. An online, downloadable version of the Holiday Wish Book is available at https://tourismhaldimand.ca/wish-book/.

“The Holiday Wish Book is a great opportunity for residents to find great gift ideas for everyone on their list while supporting local business,” said Manager of Economic Development & Tourism at Haldimand County, Lidy Romanuk.

Through the online directory, also located at https://tourismhaldimand.ca/wish-book/, shoppers can also find an additional number of local businesses, holiday events, experiences and gift inspiration.

For more information on the Haldimand Holiday Wish Book and support local this holiday season, visit tourismhaldimand.ca/wish-book. A social media campaign is currently in market that highlights participating businesses, so be sure to like and share your favourites. Find Tourism Haldimand on Facebook and Instagram.

For any questions, or businesses who want to be added to our online directory, contact the Economic Development and Tourism division at opportunity@haldimandcounty.on.ca

Government of Canada Supports Haldimand County through the Tourism Relief Fund

Haldimand County is pleased to announce the receipt of a non-repayable contribution of $94,105 from Ontario’s Southwest Regional Tourism Organization to create a new tourism experience development program, “From Great to Grand: Growing Tourism Experiences in Haldimand County.”  The program aims to bring multiple businesses through the experience development process, promoting the launch of new market-ready experiences by early 2023.

This funding is part of the Government of Canada’s Tourism Relief Fund, delivered by the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario). Ontario’s Southwest Regional Tourism Organization received nearly $11 million from FedDev Ontario to help local tourism organizations and businesses safely welcome back visitors, recover from the impacts of the pandemic and prepare for future growth.

The “From Great to Grand: Growing Tourism Experiences”  program will focus on creating four new experiential tourism products as travel motivators that engage visitors in a series of memorable travel activities, revealed over time, that are inherently personal, engage the senses and make connections on an emotional, physical, spiritual or intellectual level. The program will encourage operators to respond to a traveller’s desire to venture beyond the beaten tourist paths and dive deeper into authentic local culture.

There has been a great local response to the program, and Tourism Haldimand will be working with the following four businesses as experience partners to carry out the goals and priorities of this program:

  • Forest Fit – nature’s gym without walls
  • Potting Shed – Experience a new era of gardening
  • Rabi’s Grand Kitchen – social enterprise hub and food incubator
  • Cottonwood Mansion – preserving local history

In addition to Haldimand County’s successful application to the Tourism Relief Fund, five other Haldimand County organizations also received funding. Congratulations to the successful applicants:

  • Caledonia Business Improvement Area
  • Ruthven Park National Historic Site Inc.
  • Toronto Motorsports Park
  • Twisted Lemon Restaurant
  • Windecker Woods Flower Farm

Quotes

“The Government of Canada’s $78-million investment through the Tourism Relief Fund is helping communities across southern Ontario. With this funding, southern Ontario’s Regional Tourism Organizations and Indigenous Tourism Ontario are providing hundreds of local businesses and organizations with the support they need to create jobs, attract more visitors and grow local economies, now and into the future.”

  • The Honourable Filomena Tassi, Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario

“Tourism development enables a range of benefits to all stakeholders involved. It increases income and jobs from tourist spending, helps preserve cultural and natural heritage for tourists, and increases understanding of other cultures.  Community-led projects such as the ‘Great to Grand: Growing Tourism Experiences’ program and small-scale business supports at the local level provide significant contributions toward community improvement, and we’re thrilled to be able to deliver this program with support from the Ontario Southwest Tourism Relief Fund.”

  • Lidy Romanuk, Manager, Economic Development and Tourism.

“Tourism innovators from across the region have demonstrated the abundance of creativity and opportunity for continued tourism growth within Ontario’s Southwest. Through the Tourism Relief Fund, we’re seeing infrastructure improvements, new experience development and destination management projects. These projects will extend more travel into the shoulder seasons, prioritize environmental sustainability and inclusivity, and are innovative and bold. We’re pleased to be working with FedDev Ontario to administer the Tourism Relief Fund in Ontario’s Southwest.”

  • Joanne Wolnik, Executive Director, Ontario’s Southwest Regional Tourism Organization

Government of Canada Logo                 Haldimand County logo. A yellow sun rising or setting atop green and blue waves. Haldimand County in black lettering below.

Haldimand County announces return of Small Business Breakfast on October 20

Haldimand County, in partnership with the Haldimand Business Network, is pleased to announce the return of the Small Business Breakfast, which is being hosted by the Hagersville Chamber of Commerce. The free event will take place on October 20 at the Hagersville Community Centre from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. and all local business owners are invited to attend.

This year’s guest speaker is hometown hero Becky Kellar, three time Olympic women’s hockey gold medalist. Becky, who was born and raised in Hagersville, will share an impactful and motivational message about the journey to excellence and how to challenge our limits, find our passion, believe in ourselves and grow on our own ‘path to gold’.

“We are pleased to partner with the Hagersville Chamber of Commerce and the Haldimand Business Network to reconnect with business owners across Haldimand County and to celebrate the impact each business makes in our communities,” says Lidy Romanuk, Manager of Economic Development and Tourism.  “The Small Business Breakfast provides an important opportunity for business owners to network and celebrate one another.”

Breakfast will be served by Barin’s Kitchen of Hagersville. There is no cost to attend but registration is required. Local businesses and business organizations who wish to register may visit www.BusinessHaldimand.ca and follow the links for the Small Business Breakfast or reach out to opportunity@haldimandcounty.on.ca to RSVP.

Applications are now open for Haldimand County’s new, industry-leading Experiential Tourism Development Program

Haldimand County is setting the stage for regenerative tourism development in Ontario with the launch of its new program “From Good to Grand: Growing Tourism Experiences in Haldimand County.” As part of this program, Haldimand County will be looking for four operators or organizations to develop new tourism experiences to be brought to market in early 2023.

“In August 2022, the Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC) identified four key pillars to best underpin a new federal Tourism Growth Strategy and ensure the industry achieves its key goals by 2030: 1) Attract and Retain a Sustainable Tourism Workforce, 2) Improve Access for Visitors to and within Canada, 3) Develop and Promote Tourism Assets, and 4) Build a Regenerative and Inclusive Tourism Industry. Experiential Tourism is a key method to achieve these goals,” explains Lidy Romanuk, Haldimand County’s Manager of Economic Development and Tourism, “we value and understand the role that Tourism Haldimand and Haldimand County play in building a resilient and inclusive tourism sector.”

Joanne Wolnik, Executive Director of Ontario’s Southwest Regional Tourism Organization, furthers, “Experiential tourism development invites stakeholders new to tourism, as well as seasoned operators, new ways to diversify their business, welcome visitors, and access the tourism economy.  Across Ontario’s Southwest, we’ve seen artisans, producers, historians, chefs, musicians, farmers and more, share what they’re passionate about while adding new revenue streams to their business by developing and offering experiential programming for travellers.  Ontario’s Southwest regional tourism organization has been investing in experiential tourism development since 2017 and Haldimand County Economic Development & Tourism, has been a key player in this initiative. We are thrilled to see this continued investment in sustainable industry growth.”

An open call for participants has launched, and interested operators and organizations are encouraged to apply by Monday, Sept. 19 at 11:59:59 p.m., EST. The selected participants will receive support to bring their tourism ideas to market including access to 40 hours of one-on-one coaching with industry experts; participation in experience development workshops; and marketing and advertising support to promote and encourage bookings. The program will run until December 31, 2022.

For more information and to apply, visit businesshaldimand.ca.

New grant funding allows Haldimand County Digital Service Squad to continue to help small businesses adopt online technologies

Haldimand County, in partnership with Grand Erie Business Centre, has announced that it has received a $118,000 grant from the Digital Main Street program for a two-year Digital Service Squad program, which provides small business owners with the tools and support needed to digitally transform their businesses.

“Haldimand County and our partners Grand Erie Business Centre are thrilled to be able to offer the Digital Main Street program through to March 2024. Since the first introduction of the program in the Fall of 2020, we’ve seen a significant impact to local businesses. To date 123 businesses within Haldimand County have received a $2,500 Digital Transformation Grant and 529 businesses have received assistance and we’re pleased that the program will be continuing.  Businesses who connect with a member of our Digital Service Squad receive valuable one-on-one assistance to successfully navigate today’s digital landscape helping to enhance the economic strength of Haldimand County and apply for a Digital Transformation Grant.” Lidy Romanuk, Manager, Economic Development and Tourism, Haldimand County.

Digital Service Squads (DSS) are the cornerstone of Digital Main Street (DMS), with trained specialists who meet with brick-and-mortar small businesses, at no cost, to help them complete an online assessment and to introduce them to online training modules designed to build their digital knowledge and skills. This one-on-one DSS assistance includes support for basic website setup, Google Business Profiles, 360⁰ photos, social media presence, and much more. Squad members are also trained to help qualified small businesses with the development of their Digital Transformation Plan and then with the application process for a $2,500 Digital Transformation Grant.

“Small businesses are innovative and entrepreneurial, but often lack the resources to respond to change, be resilient, yet flexible,” said Kay Matthews, Executive Director, OBIAA. “OBIAA is delighted to work once again alongside the Digital Main Street team and is thrilled to support Haldimand County’s squad. The Digital Main Street program’s resources, grants, training, and Digital Service Squad assistance provide the means for more small businesses in communities across Haldimand County to adopt innovative ways, create new revenue streams, expand their markets, and face the future with optimism and confidence.”

The Digital Transformation Grant application window is open and will close on October 31, 2022.  All interested Haldimand County business owners are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.  Digital Main Street has also extended its ShopHERE program. This amazing opportunity creates online stores for independent small businesses and artists at no cost.  For more information about the Digital Transformation Grant, the ShopHERE program, or to book an appointment with the Digital Service Squad, email opportunity@haldimandcounty.on.ca or call (905) 318-5932.

Haldimand County welcomes My Main Street Ambassadors to provide on-the-ground support for local businesses and entrepreneurs

Haldimand County’s Economic Development and Tourism  Department is pleased to introduce Main Street Ambassadors Jenna Beemer and Jessica Easson as part of our community’s participation in the My Main Street Local Business Accelerator program.

Through the Government of Canada’s My Main Street Local Business Accelerator, delivered by the Economic Developers Council of Ontario (EDCO), businesses and entrepreneurs in Haldimand County will have access to these dedicated Main Street Ambassadors who will offer insight and support to help revitalize the main street community. The Government of Canada, through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario), provided EDCO and the Canadian Urban Institute (CUI) with a $23.25-million investment to deliver My Main Street support across southern Ontario.

“Our government is committed to supporting small businesses to drive economic growth in communities across Southern Ontario,” says the Honourable Helena Jaczek, Minister responsible for FedDev Ontario. “The My Main Street program invests in local small businesses and communities to keep our neighbourhoods vibrant, grow our economy and make sure Canadians have access to good jobs.”

“We have a great business community and passionate business owners, and we are looking forward to working with them to further improve the retail mix and increase the diversity of business offerings,” says Lidy Romanuk, Haldimand County’s Manager of Economic Development and Tourism.

In their roles, Jenna and Jessica, will be working over the next year to help grow existing businesses and welcome new entrepreneurs—and business ideas—to the area. As a part of the Local Business Accelerator program, Caledonia, Cayuga, Jarvis, Hagersville, Dunnville and Selkirk business owners will be eligible for detailed market research, data analysis, business support and more.

For more information, please contact Jenna Beemer at jbeemer@haldimandcounty.on.ca or Jessica Easson at jeasson@haldimandcounty.on.ca and visit the My Main Street website. For local program updates the Haldimand County website.

Background:

The Economic Developers Council of Ontario (EDCO) is delivering the My Main Street, Local Business Accelerator program stream, which is supporting the revitalization of main street communities and provides non-repayable contributions for more than 650 local businesses across southern Ontario. The program focuses on creating and maintaining vibrant and inclusive local main streets while providing residents, new entrepreneurs, and existing businesses with economic opportunities in our communities.

For more than 12 years, the Government of Canada, through FedDev Ontario, has worked to advance and diversify the southern Ontario economy through funding opportunities and business services that support innovation, growth and job creation in Canada’s most populous region. The Agency has delivered impressive results, which can be seen in southern Ontario businesses that are creating innovative technologies, improving productivity, growing revenues, creating jobs, and in the economic advancement of communities across the region. Learn more about the impacts the Agency is having in southern Ontario by exploring our pivotal projects, our Southern Ontario Spotlight, and FedDev Ontario’s Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

Haldimand Logo, My Main St Logo, Government of Canada Logo

Haldimand County launches new online building permit and planning application portal

Haldimand County is pleased to announce the launch of its new, online building permit & planning application portal. Residents, contractors and developers can now submit applications, pay fees, schedule inspections and get status updates from one central location, 24/7.

The new online portal, powered by CityView, will allow registered users to access their own, customized dashboard of all past and present building, municipal enforcement and planning-related business activities. Users will also be able to submit by-law complaints and track their status through the portal.

“The introduction of CityView is one additional step the county has taken to enhance its services and improve customer experience,” said Mike Evers, Haldimand County’s General Manager of Community & Development Services.

“Not only does the portal make it easier for residents and builders to manage their construction and development-related projects, it streamlines the application intake process for staff to maximize efficiencies and save time,” Evers added.

Individuals who wish to utilize this new online portal can create an account at HaldimandCounty.ca/apply. Anyone with an upcoming building or planning-related project is encouraged to sign up and submit applications using the new system.

Individuals with questions about the new online portal are encouraged to read the Frequently Asked Questions or contact Building & Municipal Enforcement Services or Planning staff for further information.