July 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

Meet our new Director!

We are happy to announce that John Regan EcD(F), CEcD was hired as Norfolk County's Director of Strategic Innovation and Economic Development beginning June 22.

John comes to the County with over 25 years of Economic Development experience. In addition to a diploma in Economic Development from the University of Waterloo, John has both Canadian and international designations as an Economic Developer. He has served on the Economic Development Council of Ontario (EDCO) in several roles, including President, and is currently an appointed Director on the Economic Development Association of Canada (EDAC).

John is a well-seasoned senior municipal leader, who believes that being a public servant is an honour and privilege. He takes a grassroots, "boots on the ground" approach to Economic Development and has a wide-ranging background that includes time as both a serial entrepreneur and a municipal councilor.

We are pleased to have John join us and bring his expertise in innovative, sustainable growth and community economic development to Norfolk County.

John can be reached at john.regan@norfolkcounty.ca or by calling
519-426-5870 ext. 1174 or 519-427-4532

Coming soon! Economic Development Strategy Survey

Norfolk County has engaged KPMG to assist with priority setting for a 2023-2027 Economic Development Strategy focused on achieving a more balanced economy. As part of the project, KPMG consultants are conducting interviews, focus group studies, and town hall workshops with key stakeholders of the County. The purpose of the community engagement activities is to capture insights, knowledge, opinions, and experiences necessary to develop comprehensive recommendations for an economic development strategy that is reflective of the strengths and opportunities of the County.

Look for a link to the survey, delivered straight to your inbox later this month.

Ride Norfolk is going on-demand!

Starting July 17th, Ride Norfolk will move to an on-demand service model. Book your ride between existing bus stops during all service hours. Brantford remains a fixed route service with two trips per day from the Simcoe Library. Booking opens July 12th for local service.

For the best experience, book your ride by downloading the Blaise Transit App from the Apple Store or Google Play. Rides can also be booked online at ride.blaisetransit.com or by calling 1-888-465-0783. Trips can be booked 45 minutes to 7 days in advance and are available on a first-come, first-serve basis.

More information can be found on our website at norfolkcounty.ca/RideNorfolkApp or call us at 519-428-3178

Norfolk County…Open For Fun This Summer

Norfolk County is hosting a number of amazing concerts this season. Be sure to check them out!

Jay Pollman

July 12
Buy Tickets Here

Against the Wind

The Ultimate Bob Seger Experience

July 27
Buy tickets here

South Coast Jazz Music Festival
Local Stage Showcase ft. Route 6, The Feds, and more.

August 11

Buy tickets here

Jann Arden

August 27
Buy tickets here

Assistance for Businesses

New Ontario-Made Manufacturing Investment Tax Credit
An eligible Ontario corporation can claim capital investments in two capital cost allowance classes for qualifying expenditures up to a limit of $20 million in a taxation year. The tax credit for a taxation year is 10% of eligible expenditures for qualifying investments, up to a maximum of $2 million (i.e., 10% of the $20 million limit). The Canada Revenue Agency administers tax credits on behalf of Ontario, and corporations can claim the tax credit on their T2 Corporation Income Tax return. Additional information is available here.

Southwestern Ontario Development Fund (SWODF)
The SWODF Fund provides support for projects and investments to businesses, municipalities, and not-for-profit organizations for economic development in southwestern Ontario. The upcoming application window opens June 19, 2023, and runs until September 14, 2023. The fund supports Projects that:
- create jobs and build talent
- attract and encourage private-sector investment
- lead to business growth and broad positive economic impacts
- encourage innovation, collaboration, and cluster development
Additional information is available here.

Governments Helping Grape Growers and Beekeepers Strengthen Their Businesses
The governments of Canada and Ontario are investing up to $10 million through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership to help the grape growing and beekeeping sectors offset extraordinary costs caused by significant grapevine and bee colony losses due to extreme weather conditions in 2021-22. Click here to learn more.

Upcoming Events

Will and Estate Planning: What Farmers Need to Know

You have a legal will. Now, one of the major decisions to make is choosing an executor. As a farm owner, what should you know? Join wealth expert Dr. Tom Deans for a virtual event as he walks you through some of the will and estate planning issues unique to farm owners, like selecting an executor and developing an exit plan if you’re selling to someone outside the family.

Tuesday, July 11, 2023, 2 p.m. (Eastern)

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