Economic Development Office

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Federal COVID-19 information line (1-833-784-4397)

Public Health Ontario (1-866-797-0000)

Tourism Industry Survey 5.0

NOTE: Choose “Region 7: Bruce Peninsula, Southern Georgian Bay and Lake Simcoe” in response to Question #2 – Which region of Ontario do you operate in?

A message of thanks from TIAO:

We know it can feel as though answering the same questions in these surveys is an exercise in futility, but this data really does matter. It matters because what you are experiencing matters. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on tourism businesses is historic and unprecedented. We need to leverage the power of the collective impact of this, to tell all levels of government what tourism businesses and operators need to survive this crisis.

We use our survey data to:

When we meet with government to advocate on behalf of the tourism industry, the number one question we hear is “Do you have numbers to support this?”

We recognize that in the midst of crisis, it takes valuable time and energy to fill out survey, but please know that this data tells a powerful story, and it is making a difference.

At TIAO, our job is to make sure no tourism business is left behind because we are a powerful and united industry. When you take time to give us data, you empower us to represent you to government.

Survey Closing May 19, 2020 – 8:00 am

Quick Support Navigation Tool

The Innovation, Science, and Economic Development (ISED) Canada has updated its business support finder to include COVID-19 related programs. Stop scouring dozens of websites and making countless phone calls, click the link below and, through the magic & wonder of technology, a comprehensive list of information, tailored to your needs, is at your fingertips.

Province Announces Stage 1 Reopening Begins This Weekend

Yesterday the Ontario Government announced the Stage 1 reopening for some businesses. We will continue to communicate these measures as we learn more.

Saturday May 16 as soon as 12:01am:

Tuesday May 19 as soon as 12:01am: 

To support business-owners, workers and the economic recovery of the province, the government has launched a website to provide businesses with information on personal protective equipment (PPE) suppliers. The Workplace PPE Supplier Directory has an up-to-date list of Ontario companies and business associations that are ready to supply personal protective equipment. Find more information here.

Read the detailed list here

Wasaga's Beach Closed for Long Weekend, But Interior Provincial Parks and Trails Are Open

Response from Premier Doug Ford

"When Wasaga Beach Provincial Park is opened on May 15, ministry officers will be present in provincial parks to provide information, assist with emergencies and enforce provincial park rules and regulations,” Premier Ford said. “During this time, Wasaga Beach Provincial Park’s beach will remain closed in order to reduce chances for groups of people to gather or unintentionally interact. While the beach will remain closed, Wasaga Beach Provincial Park has a number of trails in the interior of the park that will be available for public use on May 15.”

See Press Release (May 15th, 2020)

Agri-Food Open for Business Targeted Intake

The Governments of Canada and Ontario are supporting the agriculture, agri-food and agri-products sectors to capture online e-business opportunities that will help create new, expanded or enhanced markets and open new retail channels to help generate new revenue streams for future growth.

In order to be eligible an applicant must be involved in the agriculture, agri-food and agri-products sectors, among other criteria. Read more

This targeted application intake features two funding streams:

Bring Your Business Online: Provides a grant of up to $5,000 to eligible organizations/businesses to help establish an online presence.

Develop Online Business Opportunities: Provides cost-share funding for up to 90 per cent of eligible costs to a maximum of $75,000 to develop e-business opportunities on a larger scale.

Regional Relief and Recovery Fund: Interest-free business loans

FedDev will be offering interest free loans for SMEs that have not been able to access other resources. No security, no payments required until December 31, 2022. All applications will be completed online. CFDCs will be offering the same option 1 product in rural communities that are serviced by the Community Futures Program. Businesses can only apply to one stream. Apply Now!

Option 1: Up to a $40,000 Conditionally Repayable Contribution (Interest-Free Loan)

Option 2: Up to a $500,000 Unconditionally Repayable Contribution (Interest-Free Loan)

Wasaga Beach Chamber Launches 'The Digital Marketplace'

The Digital Marketplace is yet another opportunity for operating businesses to build exposure and for the community to stay connected to them. Brought to you by the Wasaga Beach Chamber of Commerce.

This platform is currently free to all businesses. Membership with the Chamber is not required to participate. Businesses may register an account and follow the steps to build a unique profile. Businesses will be able to share events as well.

Ontario Announced Guiding Principles to Reopen the Province

Today, the Ontario government released A Framework for Reopening our Province, which outlines the criteria Ontario's Chief Medical Officer of Health and health experts will use to advise the government on the loosening of emergency measures, as well as guiding principles for the safe, gradual reopening of businesses, services and public spaces. The framework also provides details of an outreach strategy, led by the Ontario Jobs and Recovery Committee, to help inform the restart of the provincial economy.

FSC/OTEC Rapid Response Project for Hospitality and Tourism Workers

TIAO, the Future Skills Centre and OTEC in their rapid response project for hard-hit tourism and hospitality workers. The goal is to equip these displaced workers to be able to navigate an uncertain future and get new skills for changing jobs by 1) understanding and supporting their immediate needs, 2) mapping their skills and assets, and 3) finding and implementing in real-time new approaches to digitally re-skilling and up-skilling.

The project includes an online platform where workers will find immediate services to support resilience during the crisis. Through the platform, displaced workers will access information about COVID-related government benefits, training, certifications, tourism and hospitality job opportunities, and options to work in jobs in related industries.

The online platform will also provide support for businesses. Using it, employers will be able to support employees while they are laid off, track the stages of recovery, and respond to new realities — as the industry adapts, new business models arise, and workers will need, for example, new training in safety and protective equipment and spacing.  Read more

WTTC UNVEILS "SAFE TRAVELS" GLOBAL PROTOCOLS TO

RESTART THE TRAVEL AND TOURISM SECTOR

TIAO is happy to share with you the "fresh off the presses" Global Standard Protocols for Hospitality/Hotels and Outdoor Retail. These have been created in collaboration with input from global brands, and WTTC members. They also take into account WHO and CDC guidelines. TIAOs own Beth Potter is a member of this committee.

The Protocols are designed to rebuild confidence among consumers so that they can travel safely once the restrictions are lifted. They are organized into 4 pillars:

At the recent G20 Tourism Ministers meeting, there was agreement around the table to adopt a coordinated approach within the sector. This is a step in that direction.

You can download the hospitality document here

You can download the Outdoor shopping destinations/retail establishments document here

Commercial Rent Assistance Program (CECRA)

The Ontario government is partnering with the federal government to provide urgent relief for small businesses and landlords affected by the COVID-19 outbreak. The province is committing $241 million through the new Ontario-Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance Program (OCECRA). The total amount of provincial-federal relief that would be provided is more than $900 million, helping to ensure small businesses are ready to reopen their doors when the emergency measures are lifted.  Read more

New Shopify POS: Rebuilt for Today's Retail Experience

Free Until October 31, 2020

There's no denying it: independent retailers have recently endured a series of harsh and unexpected setbacks. As millions self-isolate for safety, many stores remain closed and shopping habits are being dramatically altered. That’s why Shopify is introducing the all-new Shopify POS. They've fully reimagined their point-of-sale to help brick-and-mortar retailers strengthen sales and relaunch or reopen stores into today’s retail environment. And to ease any current financial pressure, we're making it completely free until October 31, 2020. Read more

Tourism Simcoe County has created a Resource Page for COVID-19.

It includes an ever-changing listing of the tourism businesses which have pivoted to offer delivery, curbside pick-up or other safe ways to purchase their goods and services, as well as industry resources. We highly recommend that this webpage becomes the central database for all of Simcoe County.

Is there something missing? Get in touch with Brittany Black at [email protected]

Certain Businesses Allowed to Reopen Under Strict Safety Guidelines

The Ontario government is allowing certain businesses and workplaces to reopen as long as they comply with strict public health measures and operate safely during the COVID-19 outbreak. Those permitted to start up include seasonal businesses and some essential construction projects.  Read more

Emergency Support Fund for the Culture, History, and Sport Sectors

A new COVID -19 Emergency Support Fund for Cultural, Heritage, and Sport Organizations will be a $500 million fun to provide additional temporary relief to these sectors. This fund will address the financial needs of affected organizations so they can continue to support artists and athletes.  Learn more

Tariff Relief to Importers of Certain Medical Goods

The Federal Government is waiving tariffs on certain medical goods, including personal protective equipment such as masks and gloves. Tariff reliefs for these goods will remain in place for as long as necessary to deal with COVID-19.  Learn more

BDC Mid-Market Financing Now Available

The Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) has put together the Business Credit Availability Program (BACP) that will provide loans ranging between 12.5 million and $60 million for medium-sized businesses impacted by COVID-19.  Learn more

EDC Business Credit Availability Program (BCAP) Guarantee

As part of the Business Credit Availability Program (BCAP), EDC guarantees new operating credit and cash flow term loans that financial institutions extend to SMEs. Qualified businesses can access up to $6.25 million in credit.   Learn more

Ontario Providing Employers with Workplace Safety Guidelines

The Ontario government is ensuring employers have the safety guidelines they need to protect workers, customers, and the general public from COVID-19 as it prepares for a gradual reopening of the provincial economy.

The government safety guidelines released will provide direction to those working in manufacturing, food manufacturing and processing, restaurant and food service, and the agricultural sector. Read more

Google Helping Local Restaurants To Connect With Customers

To help restaurants during this time, Google has launched new tools to make it easier for restaurants to share how they are operating. Canadian restaurants can now update their free Google My Business business listing to communicate adjusted hours or updated delivery options, such as curbside pickup, no-contact delivery or takeout. Businesses can even create a COVID-19 post on their business profile to share any new safety precautions they’ve implemented to keep customers safe.  Read more

RTO7 Launches Operations Implementation Program (OIP)

RTO7 is ready to go with its newest program, the Operations Implementation Program (OIP). This program was created as part of RTO7’s 2020/21 COVID-19 Business Recovery Plan to assist and support the tourism operators in BruceGreySimcoe during recovery from the effects of COVID-19 on their business.

How does OIP work? RTO7 will match an operator’s investment in operational expenses with $1,000 (includes HST) for a social media campaign to promote the tourism business. Eligible operational expenses include mortgage payments, rent, insurance, inventory purchases, etc. Proof of payment must be submitted with your final report and note that RTO7 covers the additional agency fees.

The setting up of the social media campaign will be actioned now to ensure your tourism business is ready to be advertised at the appropriate time.

For detailed information on the program, visit the Operations Implementation Program page on RTO7.ca.

Have questions? Contact Amanda, [email protected] / 226-568-0242 or Kim, [email protected] / 519-379-2506

WSPS Resources and Webinars

The Workplace Safety & Prevention Services vision of ‘Every Worker, Healthy and Safe, Every Day’ has never been stronger. As this pandemic recedes and you prepare for the gradual re-opening of your business, the WSPS wants you to know that they are committed to assisting you.

Effective May 1, 2020, amendments have been made to both the Joint Health and Safety Committee Certification Program Standard, and the Joint Health and Safety Committee Certification Provider Standard, to allow the following changes:

Find additional details here

Post pandemic business resumption checklists - self-assessment tools designed to help businesses identify gaps and risks, as well as potential approaches so they can safely resume operations.

• Businesses Operating Through the Pandemic checklist here

• Businesses Returning to the Workplace after Working remotely checklist here

• Businesses Returning after Shutdown of Operations checklist here

Pathogen Decontamination checklist - it provides guidance to businesses as they prepare their facilities for a return to regular business operations. found here

CFIB Offering Free CECRA Templates

The Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) is offering free customizable templates to easily put policies in place that keep your employees, clients and business safe. Among those templates you can find a CECRA request letter in order to invite your landlord to participate in the Canada Emergency Commercial Rental Assistance program. Plug-in your information to let your landlord know when your lease expires, what actions you’ve taken to obtain financial relief during the crisis and why their participation in the program would help.  Read more

EDCO, OBIAA, and TIAO have outlined challenges with CECRA, sending a letter to the finance minister. Read letter

Facebook Offers Resource Hub to Support Businesses

Facebook, we’re committed to providing businesses with as much support as possible during this challenging time. Visit the Business Resource Hub for tools to help you manage your business through disruption.  Read more

COVID-19: Tackling the Barriers

The Ontario government is launching the  COVID-19: Tackling the Barriers  website to help businesses overcome the unique challenges created by the global pandemic.

 

Businesses working to retool their operations to produce health-related products, or those that want to continue their operations in this new environment of physical distancing, can submit any potential roadblocks to the website.

 

The province is prepared to allow temporary changes to provincial rules and regulations in order to remove any barriers that are hindering business and negatively impacting Ontario's supply chain.

Read more

Canada Emergency Relief Benefit (CERB) Expanded

The Canada Emergency Relief Benefit (CERB) will be expanded to include supports for seasonal and part-time workers and self-employed individuals who would otherwise not be eligible for Employment Insurance. This includes sole-proprietors. Read more

Relief for Businesses

For a list of relief resources for businesses check out our Economic Development page.

Stop the Spread Business Information Line

Businesses who have questions about closures of at-risk workplaces or how emergency measures impact their business or employment can call the Stop the Spread Business Information Line at 1-888-444-3659.

Occupational Health & Safety Number

The Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development has a dedicated Health and Safety Contact Centre where you can report a health and safety incident: 1-877-202-0008. A report can be made to this number at any time of day.

Financial Resources For Your Business Video Series

Join the South Georgian Bay Small Business Enterprise Centre, Wasaga Tax and Accounting, Wasaga Beach Chamber of Commerce, Centre of Business, H Visual Media and BruceGreySimcoe. This video series is created to help local businesses navigate their financial resources during these extremely unique and trying times.

May 19 - Digital Service Squad Live

Your Digital Service Squad is here to help. Join Ben Frisch every Tuesday at 10am for a Facebook live video. He'll be focusing on digital marketing, tips, advice, and support to help navigate this dificult time for businesses. You can connect, ask questions and suggest new topics. Upcoming topics Include: Getting started with E-commerce, Selling on social media, how to use tools like zoom, and slack to adapt and continue operating your business.

Learn More

*NEW* May 19 - Reimagine Your Business Engagement

In this webinar you will learn tips for storytelling and techniques for how to engage with the media and your customers post-COVID. As the local tourism industry looks to rebound, you will touch on ideas for building new audiences within a three-hour travel radius.

Learn More

*NEW* May 20 - Digital Main Street Webinar: Social Media Boot Camp

DMS has a huge variety of FREE webinars coming up that are geared to help small businesses get through these challenging times

Learn More

*NEW* May 20 - How to Recover the Customers and Revenue Taken By COVID-19

In the webinar, Jeremy explores three core questions:Who needs your company and its expertise the most right now? What products or services can you deliver to solve real problems that are valued?

and how can you proactively sell and deliver your services to the people with the most need?

Learn More

*NEW* May 20 - How to Transition to Virtual Selling

Challenges abound when it comes to making this transition: the technology and office environment. Leading the sales process from start to finish with no in-person meetings. Developing rapport when you can’t meet for coffee or lunch. Delivering effective needs discovery, demos, and finalist presentations through phone and video conference. Focusing and being productive in a challenging time and challenging environment.

Learn More

May 21 - Facebook and Instagram Advertising on a Budget

Whether you have $0, $50, or $100 a month to spend on Facebook and Instagram, you can still reach your target customers and clients. Discover some creative ways to do so in this beginner-level webinar.

Learn More

*NEW* May 21 - Virtual Youth Mentorship Meeting

Join young, small business owners & mentors in a casual group setting to obtain valuable peer-to-peer networking, mentorship & professional growth!

Register Now

*NEW* May 21 - Things You Can Be Doing To Your Website and Web Presence During This Time to Increase Leads

In this session, we explain what 'search engine optimization' means, and present an overview of a successful SEO strategy. We provide a foundational understanding of various factors that affect SEO, including onsite (technical), offsite (public relations, list building, Google Maps, Youtube). We'll guide you in how to audit your current website's status with Google and explain which tools are the best to use to track and monitor growth.

Learn More

*NEW* May 22 - Planning for Revocery: How to Restart Your Business in the Wake of COVID-19

What will recovery look like for Canadian businesses? Discover what various business sectors can expect as well as the steps entrepreneurs need to take to successfully jump-start their operations.

Register Now

May 25 - Social Media for Small Business

Social media can be a very powerful tool for business growth, but first you need to know what it is and how it works. In this fun and interactive workshop, we’ll look at the basics of today’s popular social media channels—including Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Pinterest—and decide which are right for you. You’ll develop a social media plan that will drive business results without a big investment of time and energy.

Learn More

May 25 - How To Launch Your Online Business

This session will be a follow-up to the May 11th Mastermind Implementation session, where participants will continue to ask questions and review how your online business is doing.

Learn More

May 26 - Digital Service Squad Live

Your Digital Service Squad is here to help. Join Ben Frisch every Tuesday at 10am for a Facebook live video. He'll be focusing on digital marketing, tips, advice, and support to help navigate this dificult time for businesses. You can connect, ask questions and suggest new topics. Upcoming topics Include: Getting started with E-commerce, Selling on social media, how to use tools like zoom, and slack to adapt and continue operating your business.

Learn More

May 27 - Google Analytics for Small Business

Ever wondered who’s visiting your website, and what they’re doing there? Google Analytics can tell you all of that and more. Discover the fundamentals of Google Analytics in this beginner-level webinar.

Learn More

*NEW* May 28 - Stream Online Like A Pro; Impacting Online Conversation, Amplification and Applause

Learn the tips and tricks on how to pre-record and host a LIVE tour or experience professionally and inexpensively using everyday digital tools.

Learn More

*NEW* June 3 - Small Business Websites 101

There is a great deal to consider when you’re building a new website or redesigning an existing one. This beginner workshop covers everything you need to know, from choosing and registering a domain name, to building the website itself, to making sure it’s secure.

Learn More

*NEW* June 9 - Maximizing Your Online Advertising and Digital Marketing Budget

You don't need a big budget to get noticed on the web - you just need creativity! Savvy businesses are using bootstrap digital marketing techniques to amplify their message online. In this hands-on workshop, you'll learn the tricks and tools needed to market your business effectively on a shoestring budget.

Learn More

*NEW* June 10 - Facebook and Instagram Advertising on a Budget

Whether you have $0, $50, or $100 a month to spend on Facebook and Instagram, you can still reach your target customers and clients. Discover some creative ways to do so in this beginner-level webinar.

Learn More

*NEW* June 11 - 20 Practical Business Tips for Re-emergence

Learn practical tips on how your business can use data and predictions to think about scenarios to re-emerge and what new protocols will be needed once businesses re-open. Together, participants will consider the “new norm” of business operations and visitor interactions that will be influenced by government decisions and regulations.

Learn More

*NEW* June 17 - Social Media for Small Business

Social media can be a very powerful tool for business growth, but first you need to know what it is and how it works. In this fun and interactive workshop, we’ll look at the basics of today’s popular social media channels—including Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Pinterest—and decide which are right for you. You’ll develop a social media plan that will drive business results without a big investment of time and energy.

Learn More

*NEW* June 24 - Small Business Data Privacy and the Law

Most small businesses don’t have onsite IT departments, but that doesn’t mean you’re off the hook when it comes to keeping your customer and client data secure. Discover how to do so effectively and safely in this beginner-level webinar.

Learn More

*NEW* June 25 - Marketing Tourism in a Crisis

In this webinar Jeff Fromm will review new strategic frameworks and best practices used by brands to navigate uncertain times through the lens of tourism. In this webinar we will discuss: 1) An action plan based on a new journey 2) What it takes to have a purpose advantage 3) Share best in class examples of applying these frameworks in times of crisis.

Learn More

*NEW* June 29 - Maximizing Your Online Advertising and Digital Marketing Budget

You don't need a big budget to get noticed on the web - you just need creativity! Savvy businesses are using bootstrap digital marketing techniques to amplify their message online. In this hands-on workshop, you'll learn the tricks and tools needed to market your business effectively on a shoestring budget.

Learn More

*Disclaimer: The Town of Wasaga Beach is unable to provide any warranty regarding the accuracy or completeness of third-party submissions. Distribution of these items does not imply an endorsement of the views, information or services mentioned.