The monthly newsletter for Norfolk's business community
The monthly newsletter for Norfolk's business community
April 2023
Welcome to the new Norfolk County Business Bulletin, the monthly newsletter for Norfolk's business community! You'll receive all the latest news and updates from Norfolk's Economic Development team, delivered straight to your inbox. Let us know what you think at business@norfolkcounty.ca.

County Updates

Norfolk Community Days are back


... and better than ever! The second annual Norfolk Community Days on June 3-10, 2023. With the success of the inaugural Norfolk Community Day hosted in June 2022, Norfolk County staff have expanded this year’s event to span the whole week. Learn more about the events here.
 
Want to be involved?
We’re looking for community event partners, volunteers and sponsors Contact Matt McGinty to learn more.

Calling all Artists and Tourism Operators

Norfolk County is sponsoring festivals and events to drive tourism and build the County’s brand as a live entertainment destination. Our first events will take place in early June with the County-wide Community Days Kick-Off Event (Langton Rocks!) and Norfolk Night Market taking place at the fairgrounds on June 9-10. We are seeking tourism operators to set up immersive experiences that will enhance the festival experience and promote tourism. There is no fee to obtain a space to set up your promotional booth if your activity is approved. Please note, if you would like to sell artisanal goods, food, or beverages, you should apply with the event organizer. Norfolk County is also taking artist applications to share with our event organizers and hire in our own events, such as Community Days.

For more details, please visit the Amplify Norfolk website.

If you have any questions about an idea or application, please contact dallas.waldie@norfolkcounty.ca.

All you need to know about the new Not-for-profit Corporation Act

The provisions of the new Ontario Not-for-Profit Act (ONCA) comes into effect as of 2023. The ONCA provides Ontario not-for-profit corporations with a modern legal framework to meet the needs of today’s not-for-profit sector. It sets out how not-for-profit corporations are created, governed and dissolved.
This workshop will highlight the changes required to not-for-profit incorporating and other documents to bring them into conformity with the ONCA. Existing corporations previously governed under the Corporations Act are encouraged to review their documents before the end of the transition period.
When: Tuesday April 25, 5 - 6 p.m.
Where: Venture Norfolk (4077 Hwy 3 E, Simcoe)

Register Here
Seeking contributors to appear on The Past and the Curious

Producers are filming Season 5 of an antique show called "The Past and the Curious", showcasing antiques and memorabilia. They aim to tell the stories behind the items, their historical significance, the personal attachment the collector may have to their artifact, its impact on society, and current value when applicable. It can be compared to The Antique Roadshow, but will film in the one location on set in Simcoe.  

They hope to locate potential contributors from Simcoe, Aylmer, Port Dover, Waterford, Delhi, Port Elgin and possibly the surrounding towns.  Filming will take place in the first week of May.

More Details Here

Shop Norfolk Update

The Shop Norfolk two-year pilot project is ending in May. If you are a business or organization that wants to continue the online sales platform, please contact business@norfolkcounty.ca as soon as possible.

More Details Here

Register for Shop Norfolk


As spring approaches, now is the time to ensure that your business is listed on the Visit Norfolk mobile App. Listing your business and festival events on Visit Norfolk is easy and free. We do all the work. 

Learn More Here
Community Improvement Plan (CIP) Program 

Norfolk County Council has approved budget funding for 2023 for the municipal CIP Grant Program!

If you have a property that needs upgrades and improvements, you may qualify for a CIP grant. 
Check out more below!




Learn More Here
2023 Patio Season is approaching!

Temporary Outdoor Patio information has been updated on the Norfolk County website. Requests for temporary patio permits must be submitted through the online application form at least eight weeks in advance to allow for processing timelines. Temporary Patios will be allowed to operate from May 1 – October 31. If you are considering a patio this summer, visit the website here to apply 
Temporary Outdoor Patio - Information and application
Our Display Unit is Open!
If you are a tourism business in Norfolk County with printed marketing material, we are accepting items for display at the Robinson Administration Building in Simcoe. If you have a display unit in your business and wish to receive display supplies, please contact business@norfolkcounty.ca or call 519-426-5870 ext 8126.

2023 Workshop Series


Norfolk County in collaboration with Venture Norfolk has brought back the workshop series for 2023.


If you missed last month’s in-person presentation on the Digital Modernization Adoption Plan (DMAP) and the Digitization Competence Centre (DCC) programs, you can register for the virtual presentation here

May 2023

Topic: Sustainability 101: A Practical Guide for Businesses
When: Tuesday May 16
Time: 5 - 6 p.m.
Venue: Venture Norfolk, 4077 Hwy 3 E, Simcoe
Description: Join us for an interactive workshop designed to help small and medium-sized businesses understand the basics of sustainability and how it can benefit their business. Led by an expert facilitator from Core Impact Coalition, this workshop will provide participants with a practical guide to implementing sustainable practices in their business operations. Topics covered will include reducing waste, conserving energy, sourcing sustainable materials, and communicating sustainability efforts to customers and stakeholders. Participants will leave the workshop with actionable steps to improve sustainability practices and enhance their business's reputation as a responsible and forward-thinking organization

Register Here
Digital Main Street 

Digital Transformation Grant is still ongoing. Businesses are able to apply for the $2500 technology grant to enhance their online presence. 
Click Here for More

Tourism Week in Ontairo's Southwest

Date: Wednesday, April 26
Time: 12 to 3 p.m.
Location: The Industrial Theatre Room - 100 Kellogg Lane, London

A light lunch will be served, followed by a welcome message from the OSW team, presentation from a speaker who will be announced shortly, and networking opportunities.

Make sure to register here before April 21 at 4 p.m.

Do you have an idea to improve your community?

Ontario Community Changemakers is a leadership and micro-grant program for young civic innovators with bold ideas to activate public space, enhance civic engagement and foster social inclusion. This program, now in its third year, is powered by 8 80 Cities and funded by Balsam Foundation.

Applications close May 14, 2023 at 11:59 p.m. 

Apply Now

Assistance for Businesses

Restaurants Canada Show 2023 - Be Part of the Ontario Pavilion!
Restaurants Canada (RC Show) marks the 78th edition of Canada’s largest food and beverage trade event taking place live and in-person at the Enercare Centre, Exhibition Place in Toronto, April 10 - 12. The Ontario Pavillion showcases Ontario-made products and connects exhibitors with international buyers as well as chefs, caterers, distributors, brokers, restaurateurs, and foodservice operators

Exhibit with OMAFRA and save!

We are offering a 10’ x 10’ booth and promotion package at adiscount rate of $2,299 or $1,149.50 for 5’x10’ booth. Limited space available

For more information visitthe show website at rcshow.com or contact Lerna at lerna@restaurantscanada.org or visit RC Show website.

Exhibit at SIALCanada, Toronto - May 9 to 11, 2023
Be part of the Ontario Pavilion and exhibit your Ontario food and beverage products at SIAL Canada, North America’s largest food and beverage innovation trade show at the Enercare Centre in Toronto, May 9-11. 

This feature pavilion connects you with domestic and international buyers. 
Register your exhibit booth here!

OMAFRA isoffering companies a 10’ x 10’ booth and promotion package at a discount rateof $2,299 +HST. Limited space available!

For more information visit the show website or contact April.schnurr@ontario.ca.

Food Processing Skills Canada's Student Work Placement Program - Funding Available
SUMMER applications are OPEN for employers in Food and Beverage Manufacturing (and related businesses) to receive up to $7,000 for hiring a domestic student in Canada. Don’t wait, apply Now at swpp-fpsc.com.

Food Processing Skills Canada’s Student Work Placement Program+ has made it easy for employers in Canada’s food and beverage manufacturing industry to connect with college and university students for workterms.
Click here for more.


RGS1 Canada TradeCertification Program - educating small businesses to become trade ready ingrocery and food service
Are you ready to take your small business to the next level?

With funding through the Government of Canada’s AgriAssurance Program, under the Canadian Agricultural Partnership, GS1 Canada has developeda Trade Certification Program for 200 eligible Canadian small businesses with food products.

The program educates small businesses on how to meet trading partner requirements across grocery and food service channels and provides guidance and resources through the product listing process. Eligible small businesses will also receive a one-year paid GS1 Canada Individual or Basic subscription with up to 10 barcodes (terms and conditions apply).

Are you eligible? Visit their website to learn more.

Financial support was provided through the AgriAssuranceProgram under the Canadian Agricultural Partnership
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