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WHAT'S NEW
FINANCIAL INCENTIVES FOR YOUR PROPERTY
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Do you own or rent commercial or industrial property? You may be eligible to apply for financial incentive programs through the Town’s Community Improvement Plan (CIP). The programs provide funding to support investment in improvements, redevelopments, or expansions of properties located within the designated Community Improvement Areas. The CIP is intended to encourage broader economic growth, sustainable development, and revitalization in our community.
Learn more on April 22 at the CIP Information Session. Town representatives will answer your questions about the CIP and explain the application process. Although geared to properties located in Priority Zone 2, all business and property owners are invited to attend.
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WORKSHOPS AND EVENTS
TAX TIPS FOR SOLE PROPRIETORS
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Hosted by a representative of the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), this session will cover general business tax information. Learn about common tax errors, what causes them and how to avoid them. Financial benchmarks, general bookkeeping concepts, best practices for managing finances, and information on the CRA’s services will also be discussed. This workshop provides an excellent opportunity to speak directly to a CRA representative and to ask any questions concerning business tax issues.
- April 9, 2025 | 1 - 3 p.m.
- 200 Lakeview Court (upper level)
- Registration is FREE
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| SUCCESSION PLANNING FOR SMALL BUSINESS | | |
Selling your business is one of the most important decisions you make as an entrepreneur. Whether you want to retire or move on to other challenges, the sale could be your largest-ever financial transaction. Mark Jamieson, Co-ordinator of the Orangeville and Area Small Business Enterprise Centre (SBEC), will discuss how taking the right steps early on can help you maximize the sale price, minimize tax liabilities and other expenses, and achieve your other goals for the transaction. In this workshop we will explore many exit options, whether they be internal or external.
- May 27 , 2025 | 9 - 10:30 a.m.
- 200 Lakeview Court (upper level)
- Registration is FREE
| | | Visit our website to explore all our events for 2025. | | |
BUSINESS FEATURE
LOCAL BUSINESS RECEIVES TOWN FUNDING
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Aardvark Music and Culture is an all-encompassing music experience owned and operated by Perry Joseph. The store sells instruments, accessories, and LP records, both new and used. Additionally, they offer lessons for acoustic, electric, and bass guitar, as well as piano, voice, drums, and ukulele. Aardvark acts as a community hub where people can stop in and talk about anything from music to politics.
Perry has performed in many original music bands of various genres over the last 50 years, touring in Canada, the United States, and England. He performs in Orangeville at summer festivals and local venues throughout the year. Perry was given the opportunity to open Aardvark 16 years ago after managing another music store, and it has grown into a well-established business in the downtown core.
| | | This past year, Aardvark received a grant through the Town of Orangeville’s Community Improvement Plan (CIP) to upgrade the store’s facade at 145 Broadway. “The process can be time consuming, but in the end, it was well worth it, and the results are stunning.” Learn more about the financial incentives at Orangeville.ca/CIP. | | |
ACCESS FUNDING, PROGRAMS, AND RESOURCES | | |
Apply for the 2025 Call for Artists
Orangeville's public art collection continues to grow! Local artists residing in Dufferin County are invited to submit original designs for the Town of Orangeville’s 2025 Call for Artists. This year, up to four utility boxes will be decorated through the program. Successful artist submissions must:
- Be innovative in design
- Foster community pride
- Strive to counteract graffiti vandalism
- Contribute to a sense of identity for residents and businesses
Interested artists are encouraged to review all requirements in the Call for Artists before completing an online submission. The submission deadline is Thursday, May 15, 2025, at 12 p.m.
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Start a business with Summer Company
Do you know a student with a great business idea? The Summer Company program supports entrepreneurs between the ages of 15 and 29 in launching and operating a summer business. The program, offered through the Orangeville and Area Small Business Enterprise Centre (SBEC), provides participants with:
- Training and business skills
- $1,500 startup funding + $1,500 on successful completion
- Mentorship from local business experts
- Networking opportunities with peers
Post-secondary and secondary school student entrepreneurs are encouraged to apply by May 16.
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Get ready for festival season!
Excitement is building for Orangeville’s 2025 summer festival season, and it's the perfect time for your business to get involved! From vibrant sights and sounds to delicious local flavours, the summer season offers a fantastic opportunity to connect with visitors and and showcase your business. Here are three great ways to be part of the action:
• Stand out in the crowd: Get creative by decorating your space or offering unique experiences to attract attention while the town is buzzing with residents and visitors.
• Take your business to the festival: Showcase your products or services at the festivals by participating as a vendor or exploring sponsorship opportunities.
• Show your community spirit: Become a festival volunteer and play a vital role in supporting the success of our local festivals.
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| In addition to festivals, local sporting events are also expected to attract athletes and spectators to our community. Browse our event calendar for exciting events happening in Orangeville throughout the summer and beyond. | | |
Share your thoughts on Municipal Accommodation Tax (MAT)
Dufferin County is conducting a feasibility study for the implementation of a MAT in the region. An online survey is now open for all local residents, businesses, and employees. Have your say by Tuesday, April 15, 2025.
| | | Your business can play an important role in helping to develop our community as a tourism destination. We invite you to get involved and stay informed. Learn how online. | | |
BUSINESS UPDATES
CELEBRATE BUSINESS MILESTONES
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Congratulations to all local businesses celebrating recent milestones!
Mathnasium | Grand opening
Oh My Glow Aesthetics | Grand opening
The Nest | 1 year in business
Did you know that the Town of Orangeville celebrates your business milestones with congratulatory certificates? Let us cheer you on at your Grand Opening or special occasion. Tell us about your business with our Business Connection form.
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TIP OF THE MONTH
SUPPORT DUFFERIN BUSINESS
| | In response to the tariffs imposed by the U.S., Dufferin County is supporting businesses in the region by encouraging residents to shop local. Support our local businesses by sharing your Dufferin shopping experiences on social media with #TeamDufferin. The County is also hosting hybrid seminars with experts who can answer your questions about tariffs and the effect they can have on local business. Visit their website to learn more about these sessions and discover more business resources. | | |
PARTNER EVENTS
Local events and learning opportunities to inspire and connect you.
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Orangeville Home and Garden Show
Friday, April 4 | 5 - 9 p.m.
Saturday, April 5 | 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Sunday, April 6 | 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Hosted by the Orangeville Lions Club
Winning at Recruitment
Tuesday, April 8 | 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Hosted by the Town of Shelburne
Small Business Fraud Protection
Tuesday, April 8 | 11:30 a.m. 1 p.m.
Hosted by Community Futures
Future-Proof Your Marketing Plan
Friday, April 11 | 10 – 11:30 a.m.
Hosted by Community Futures
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2025 Shelburne, Dufferin and Area Job Fair
Thursday, April 24 | 11 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Hosted by the Town of Shelburne
Strategies for Rural Stability and Growth in Uncertain Times
Wednesday, May 7 | 2 – 4 p.m.
Hosted by Dufferin County
2025 EDC Breakfast
Tuesday, May 26 | 7 – 9 a.m.
Hosted by the Town of Shelburne
Female Founders Network
May – October
Hosted by the Community Futures SGB
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Should you need to contact our office while our phone lines are down, please use the following emails:
- For small business support: sbec@orangeville.ca
- For economic development inquiries: edo@orangeville.ca
- For visitor information: tourism@orangeville.ca
If you do not have access to email, please call 519-939-1143. Thank you for your patience and understanding at this time.
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