|
WHAT'S NEW
CONNECT WITH ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
| | |
From May 11 to 17, Economic Development Week highlights the important role that economic development plays in building vibrant and sustainable communities worldwide. Locally, the Town of Orangeville’s Economic Development and Culture (EDC) division is committed to nurturing the economic resiliency of our community. To achieve this, our team focuses on developing a diverse business environment in Orangeville, supporting our small businesses, and fostering tourism and cultural opportunities. We are guided by our newly adopted EDC Strategy as we aim to connect, enhance, and build Orangeville’s business community.
To support local businesses, we need to understand the opportunities and challenges that are impacting Orangeville. Connecting directly with business owners is the best way to learn. If you’re opening, expanding, relocating, celebrating a milestone, or want to share insights about operating in Orangeville, we are here to listen. We invite you to start the conversation by filling out our simple online business connection form. We look forward to hearing from you!
| | |
WORKSHOPS AND EVENTS
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
| |
| HOW TO BOOST THE VALUE OF YOUR BUSINESS | | |
Business owners make decisions every day that shape their company’s future. With so many competing demands, it’s vital to understand which choices have the greatest impact on a company's financial worth. Led by Rodney Hough of the Entrepreneurs Club, this workshop will highlight the eight main drivers of a company's value and offer tips on how to significantly boost it. Whether you're preparing to sell your business or simply want to enhance its worth, this workshop will help you maximize your investment.
- June 19 , 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
CLIENTS COME FIRST AT NEW FITNESS STUDIO
| | Strong Studio is owned and operated by Kendall Merrill in the Town of Orangeville. The facility is dedicated to individuals and small groups, ensuring that every session is uninterrupted and tailored to your specific needs. They offer one-on-one or dual personal training, group fitness classes, massage therapy, and online fitness/nutrition coaching, all in a space where privacy and comfort are prioritized. Led by highly educated and certified trainers, Strong Studio emphasizes education and a customized approach to help you reach your fitness goals. Whether you're working on strength, flexibility, weight loss, or overall wellness, the private setting allows for the undivided attention and expert guidance needed to ensure you receive the best possible service, every time. At Strong Studio, it's all about you! | | | To develop her business, Kendall worked with the Orangeville and Area Small Business Enterprise Centre (SBEC), participated in the Starter Company Plus program, and is now an active member of a Forum group. With this support, Kendall was able to navigate the process of structuring and growing her business to perform at its best. The networking opportunities through the SBEC have created rewarding relationships with fellow entrepreneurs who share the same passion for growing successful businesses. Thanks to the support she received at the SBEC, she has established the direction of her business and feels confident in taking the next steps towards its continued success. | | |
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. Artists are welcome to submit visual artwork in the following mediums: painting, drawing, photography, and digital art. 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.
| |  | |
Funding for tourism businesses
The next intake deadline for Central Counties Tourism’s 2025/2026 Partnership Program Is June 13, 2025 at 3 p.m. This annual matching-funds program is designed to support tourism stakeholders in building capacity and driving growth in the visitor economy. New for this year is the addition of a small business marketing support stream, providing up to $2000 in matched funding. The program will provide support to eligible tourism-related projects within York, Durham, and Headwaters between April 1, 2025 to March 31, 2026. The next intake is September 15.
| | | |
Festival season is here
Orangeville’s lively festival season is about to begin! The popular Orangeville Blues and Jazz Festival kicks it off from May 30 to June 1 and the festivities continue all summer. Sporting events like the RBC Canadian Open and the Barry Burman Summer Shootout also bring visitors to Orangeville and when they’re not playing or cheering, they’ll be exploring our community. Find all the 2025 events online, mark your calendars, and get ready to welcome tourists to your business!
| | | |
Enhance your tourism expertise
The Central Counties Tourism Learning Lab offers an interactive learning experience on a variety of tourism-related topics including grant writing, social media marketing, and the Ontario tourism landscape. The signature Tourism Ambassador Program educates participants about the relationship between tourism, businesses, and the local economy, while introducing tools to create a memorable guest experience. The programs are quick, accessible, and recommended for business owners, staff, community tourism groups, and other tourism stakeholders.
| | | |
Discover the 2025 Explore Dufferin Guide
Beyond Orangeville’s borders, there is even more to see and do in Dufferin County. In the new Explore Dufferin guide, you’ll find information about our region’s top attractions, itineraries, event listings, and more.
| | | |
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.
Is your tourism business on social media? Don’t forget to tag @OrangevilleTourism for a chance to be featured on Love Orangeville’s Instagram or Facebook accounts.
| | |
BUSINESS UPDATES
CELEBRATE BUSINESS MILESTONES
| | |
Congratulations to all local businesses celebrating recent milestones!
The Health Practice | Grand opening
Plant.ed Café | 1 year in business
Love and Light Jewels | 1 year in business
Geoje Bubbles | 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.
| | | |
TIP OF THE MONTH
ACCESS FEDERAL SUPPORT FOR YOUR BUSINESS
| | With over 267 offices across Canada, Community Futures supports businesses through mentoring, counselling, information, and online learning. Additionally, businesses can apply for loans up to $300,000. Community Futures South Georgian Bay (CFSGB), located in Collingwood, serves our local business area as a one-stop business resource. | | |
PARTNER EVENTS
Local events and learning opportunities to inspire and connect you.
| | | | |
