March 2022

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

BRiNC Accelerator Program

Are you an aspiring entrepreneur looking to grow your business in Norfolk County?
BRiNC provides proven training, business skills development, information about access to capital, and targeted mentorship from leading trainers and business founders.
The services of BRiNC are being offered exclusively to Norfolk County-based entrepreneurs, and are available at no cost.

Norfolk County’s “Spark” Tourism Program Winners Announced

Three Norfolk County entrepreneurs awarded grants and mentors to “Spark” new Tourism ideas.

After a multi-step review process, including a friendlier take on the “Dragon’s Den” pitch session, the Norfolk winners are:

- Brooke Martin (Norfolk’s Bounty: A Picnic Experience in the Forest and on the Farm)

- Hannah & Cliff Lawrance (Glamping Accommodations - Bed, Bike & Breakfast)

- Marshall Collins, Collins Harbour (Rotating Food Trucks at Collins Harbour)

The program’s goals included fostering and supporting new tourism ideas, experiences and partnerships that will enhance current offerings, address gaps or challenges, motivate travel, and longer stays, and increase year-round visits in the region.

Spark Program Information

2021 Census Data – Population and Dwellings

Statistics Canada has started to release data from the 2021 Census.

The Population and Dwellings topic was the first data made available.

The County’s GIS team has developed an infographic of the results.

Norfolk County has grown 5.4% since 2016, and has a population of 67,490 as of 2021.

Look for additional data releases that will be shared in future newsletters. The data release schedule for the census can be found here.

Norfolk County Council Declares 2022 “The Year of the Garden”

Like many other communities across Canada, Norfolk declares 2022 as the year of the garden. Look out for a list of activities that will highlight Ontario’s Garden.

Southern Ontario Tourism Conference

Last Call for Norfolk County tourism businesses to register for the Southern Ontario Tourism Conference March 8 - 9th London Ontario, #SOConf22. In-person or Virtual, you may register here.

Sign Up for Shop Norfolk and Sell Online Today
Staff is standing by to walk you through the process of adding your businesses items and sell directly to Norfolk County residents!
Email our team to begin the onboarding process.

Last Call - The Digital Service Squad (DSS) Program

The DSS members are still available to provide free technical advice to our small businesses, but the current program is slated to end at the end of March.

To contact the DSS members and setup a consultation, email the Squad at DigitalMainStreet@norfolkcounty.ca

Canada Digital Adoption Program

This program is similar to our Digital Main Street program.

CDAP provides funding and support to businesses, as well as training and work opportunities for young Canadians.

Additional information can be found here.

Business Visitation

Do you have an expansion or growth idea you want to implement or a new market you wish to break into?

Are you facing a challenge and wish to get an independent opinion. The Business Visitation Program can help. Contact us at 519-426-5870 ext 1264 or book a meeting here.

Add your Business or Event to the Visit Norfolk App Today Download your free VisitNorfolk App from your phone’s app store and spread the word! Visitors can now pre-plan their trips to Norfolk County and schedule all kinds of unique stops along the way

NEW hardcopy County maps are also now available.

If you are a Norfolk County tourism business and you are not yet included on the App, please register for the next on-boarding upload by emailing: business@norfolkcounty.ca

Assistance for Businesses

Government Funding Opportunities

Ontario Business Cost Rebate Program

Applications are now open - businesses that were required to close or reduce capacity due to the current public health measures are eligible. Examples - including restaurants and gyms - will receive a rebate payment equivalent to 100 percent of their costs.
The application form is available here.

FedDevOntario: Canada Community Revitalization Fund

Are you a not-for-profit organization?
Does your organization have a project that aims to:

- Build new community infrastructure and revitalize existing assets

- Bring people back to public spaces safely as health measures ease

- Create jobs and stimulate local economies

Additional information can be found here.

Skill Development Fund Extended

This fund has expanded eligibility to allow for a wider range of organizations. It has also expanded apprenticeship training and funding to cover a wider range of financial supports for trainees, including expenses for transit and childcare.
For additional information click here.

OntarioTrillium Foundation: Grant Application Deadlines Announced

The Resilient Communities Fund application window is Mar. 9th to Apr. 6, 2022.
Capital Grants application deadline is August 3, 2022.
The Youth Opportunities Fund deadline is September 20, 2022.
The full list of grant deadlines can be found here.

CanExport: Export Funding

Companies may access up to $50,000 in funding to assist with international market development activities.

The fund covers up to 50 percent of costs for export marketing of products in international markets where a Canadian company has little or no sales.
CanExportis now accepting new applications for projects starting April 1, 2022.
More information available here.

Canada Organic Trade Association: Export Support Fund

Do you grow and wish to export organic produce?
You may be eligible for a grant of 50 percent of your shipping costs.
Shipping must have taken place between April 1, 2021 and March 31, 2022.
There is currently a lot of funding available, however all applications must be completed by March 31, 2022.
More information here.

Ontario Agri-Careers Support Initiative

This new, cost-share initiative supports pilot projects that address food processing labour shortages and build a strong, competitive, and skilled agri-food workforce.

Projects may be eligible for up to 70 percent of approved expenses to a maximum of $80,000 for individual businesses or up to $200,000 for a collaboration between two or more businesses. Applications will be accepted from March 3, 2022 to April 7, 2022.

Program guidelines available here and the application form is available here.

Restaurants Canada Show

Restaurants Canada’s trade show takes place live and in-person at the Enercare Centre, Exhibition Place in Toronto from May 9 to 11, 2022.
Ontario Pavilion Booth costs: 10’ x 10’ booth rate of $2,299 or $1,149.50 for 5’x10’ booth
More information available here.

Business Feature

Unilever is hiring!

Unilever is ramping up production and has several openings for full-time and part-time employees. Are you looking for a career in a clean environment? Check the job openings here.

Community Updates

Ontario Southwest: Workplace Wellbeing Program

SWOTC is offering a Workplace Wellbeing program in partnership with The Burnout Clinic.
Schedule a 25-minute wellbeing check-in from February 3rd to 10th. Joining the online wellbeing community to gain resources and engage with other operators. Take part in a full-day wellbeing training session to learn about attracting and retaining talent with Inworkplace wellness and leadership skills for mental and emotional health recovery from March 22nd to 24th. See more here.

Workforce Planning Board of Grand Erie: The Grand Reshuffle

This Local Labour Market Plan will present a snapshot of Grand Erie’s labour market in 2021. The Grand Erie area is home to a diverse set of employers, and employees, all of whom continue to be impacted by the changes in how and where we work. This report delves into the labour market shuffle that has started to take hold in Grand Erie as a result of the pandemic.

See the entire document

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