One of the challenges with Business Retention and Expansion (BR+E) projects is effectively communicating the vast amount of information that is collected. As part of the BR+E program, it is important to develop a final report and action plan. This plan will act as a full and complete record of the project. It is also recommended that Coordinators consider writing a short summary that can be shared with businesses and the broader community. One of the ways to achieve this is by using i nfographics.

Infographics are a great communication tool; they give the reader an overview of the who, what, when, where and most importantly, why, all in about a page or so. They use visuals to convey complex information in a more easily-digestible format.

Research shows that 40% of people respond better to visuals.  Infographics make it easier for people to consume and retain large amounts of information because they harness the human ability to see trends and patterns.

Would you like to see examples? Follow this link:   How Infographics Support Business Retention + Expansion Projects.

Example of an infographic - accurate details displayed

When properly constructed, infographics help to make long, data-dense information more understandable and enjoyable to read. Creating an infographic for a summary of a project allows the readers to get the main information from the report in just a short amount of time, and retain more of the material that is presented. Infographics are a great feature of any BR+E report, and help to share data to the reports targeted audience.

Barn fires can cause a devastating loss of livestock and assets for owners in addition to emotional and economic hardships for families, businesses and communities.

 

There are best practices to follow to reduce the risk of barn fires:

• Have a qualified professional complete assessments of all farm buildings
• Have all electrical equipment inspected yearly by a licensed electrical contractor, including wiring, mechanical and heating systems
• When heat lamps are required, protect the immediate area with non-combustible sheathing, keep the area around the heat lamp clear of clutter or bedding materials that could catch fire and only use heat lamps with the CSA or ULC label
• Establish good housekeeping practices - eliminate clutter inside and outside the buildings to reduce the risk of fire spreading
• Be sure to check exposed electrical equipment for corroded parts and repair all damaged fixtures or equipment as soon as possible
• Avoid storing dangerous fuels and chemicals such as gasoline, cleaning fluids or solvents inside barns
• Ensure that all applicable regulations are followed when constructing or renovating farm buildings
• Make sure all equipment and motors are in good working condition, and free from dust and debris
• Always keep a fire extinguisher on hand
• Make sure a reliable source of water is available and easily accessible by fire departments.

Ontario encourages owners of farm buildings to follow these best management practices when working with livestock in farm buildings. Planning ahead to reduce risks and prevent accidents will help protect employees, family members and animals.

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Growing Forward 2 Webinar for Processors - Join Us

Planning to implement a project and apply for Growing Forward 2 cost-share funding assistance? Join one of the Growing Forward 2 webinars and gain valuable tips when completing your application.

 

Dates :

Monday, February 22, 2016, 10:00 am to 10:30 am

Monday, February 22, 2016 1:30 pm to 2:00 pm (French)

Wednesday, March 9, 2016, 10:00 am to 10:30 am 

Ontario Craft Brewery ramps up production with Growing Forward 2 funding

Time is always in short supply when you run a business. It's something Brent Davies always seems to run out of. He's vice president and co-owner of Wellington Brewery, so finding the time to look into funding opportunities just never seems to rise to the top of his priority pile.

 "When you are a small company, and trying to do everything, you just don't have the manpower to investigate funding options," says Brent. "But after successfully accessing three cost-sharing projects through Growing Forward 2, I would encourage other small business to find the time. It's a well-run program and worth the effort."

Wellington Brewery is Canada's oldest independently owned craft brewery. Based in Guelph for the past 30 years, the company employs 45 full-time and 17 part-time staff. "We have grown slowly over the years, on purpose. We want to grow within our means and stay true to supporting our local community with our core business in Guelph and the Kitchener-Waterloo area."

Davies first heard about Growing Forward 2 funding through other members of Ontario Craft Breweries who had accessed funds.

After learning a little more about the program, Wellington Brewery decided to work with a business advisor - who had successfully worked with other breweries to access funding - to help them through the Growing Forward 2 application process.

Taking the time to apply has helped the brewery grow their bu siness while maintaining their local craft feel. Wellington Brewery has had three projects approved through the fund.

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