Centre Wellington Quarterly News Letter

Edition #1

June 2025

Growing Together

CENTRE WELLINGTON QUARTERLY BUSINESS UPDATE

Here’s what has been happening in Centre Wellington’s Economy and what’s to come!

Welcome to the Centre Wellington Economic Development Newsletter!

We’re excited to keep you informed on the latest updates, opportunities, and initiatives designed to support our local business community.

Our team is currently working on the new Economic Development & Tourism Strategy, which we look forward to sharing with you later this fall. This strategy will help shape the future of economic growth and tourism in Centre Wellington.

We’re also pleased to share that Council has approved the Fergus Downtown Illumination Grant—details can be found inside this edition. Additionally, you’ll find a variety of upcoming training sessions and funding opportunities aimed at helping businesses grow and adapt.

With the added strain of tariffs and economic uncertainty, we know these are challenging times. That’s why we remain committed to supporting businesses of all sizes across our community—your success is our priority.

Thank you for being a part of Centre Wellington’s thriving business community. We hope you enjoy this month’s newsletter!

Service Canada Work-Sharing Program

When businesses experience a temporary downturn beyond their control, such as economic pressures or tariffs, Service Canada’s Work-Sharing Program can offer much-needed support. This program helps employers avoid layoffs by allowing staff to work reduced hours while receiving Employment Insurance benefits to make up the difference. It’s a great way to retain skilled workers and maintain operations during tough times.

Why Apply?

Retain your trained workforce
Reduce layoffs
Support recovery with a flexible plan

Eligible businesses must be year-round operations in Canada for at least 2 years and experiencing a temporary decline in business.

Learn more: canada.ca/work-sharing or call 416-459-0115

Text Link

Downtown Fergus Illumination Grant

Lets Brighten Up Downtown Fergus!

Are you a business or property owner in Downtown Fergus? The Illumination Grant Program is here to help you light up your storefront and enhance the charm of Fergus’ historic downtown!

This grant supports exterior lighting improvements that boost safety, highlight architectural features, and create a more inviting nighttime atmosphere for visitors and locals alike.

Eligible projects include Light installation ($4,000) and Lighting Materials ($2,500) for businesses located in Downtown Fergus on St Andrew St W between Tower St and St David St to start and expanding to other areas of the downtown with subsequent phases of the program.

Let’s work together to make Downtown Fergus shine — one storefront at a time!

Centre Wellington CIP Program

The Centre Wellington Community Improvement Plan (CIP) is a planning and economic development tool that supports revitalization, strategic growth, and private sector investment in key areas of the Township. Administered by the Economic Development Office, the CIP Grant Program offers a range of financial incentives for projects that enhance building façades, support housing development, improve accessibility, and contribute to sustainability and economic diversification within Centre Wellington.

The CIP includes the following grant programs:

Study Grant Program
Façade and Property Improvement Grant Program
Building Improvement Grant Program
Rental Housing Grant Program
Rental Housing Development Charge (DC) Deferral Program
Tax Increment Equivalent Grant (TIEG) Program
Brownfields Tax Assistance Program (TAP)
Downtown Fergus Illumination Grant Stream
Learn more and apply: here

Business Park Land Now Available in Centre Wellington

The Township of Centre Wellington is offering approximately 45 acres of shovel-ready employment land in a new business park located in northeast Fergus, with convenient access to Highway 6. In addition, municipal business park lands are available at 101 Gregson Court and 970 Gartshore Street in Fergus.

These properties are fully serviced and zoned for employment use. The Township is now inviting interested parties to submit a Letter of Intent—the next step in acquiring a lot in the municipal business park.

The minimum purchase price is set at $450,000 per acre, as confirmed by Council. Offers below this value will not be considered.

To request the Letter of Intent template or to learn more, please contact Economic Development at economicdevelopment@centrewellington.ca or call 519-846-9691 x304.

Upcoming Workshops & Training Sessions

How to Sell Your Food Product

Hosted by Business Centre Guelph- Wellington and led by Foodpreneur Advantage, this free online seminar is designed for food entrepreneurs who want to successfully sell their products at markets, online, or to retailers. Led by Nicole Haney, former Founder & CEO of Boho Bars, you’ll learn practical strategies for pricing, marketing, and positioning your food product to drive sales and grow your customer base.

Date: Thursday, August 28, 2025

Time: 10:00 AM

Learn more and register at: guelphbusiness.com

Rhyze® Up! Program – For Women Entrepreneurs Ready to Scale

Hosted by Boundless Accelerator, the Rhyze® Up! national accelerator supports women-led and nonbinary-owned businesses across Canada that are ready to grow. The program includes mentorship, project support, leadership coaching, and access to up to $10,000 in business services.

Eligible companies must be incorporated in Canada, earning at least $200,000 in annual revenue, and committed to scaling.

Limited spots are available.

Learn more and apply at: boundlessaccelerator.ca

Starter Company+ Program Info. Session

Hosted by the Business Centre Guelph-Wellington, this session is for small business owners looking to grow. Learn about the 4-month Starter Company+ program, which offers targeted support and up to $5,000 in grant funding.

Dates: July 22 or August 19

Applications open August 2025. Session includes a program overview and Q&A

Let’s Highlight your Amazing Business

Do you own a business in Centre Wellington?

As we continue to highlight the importance of shopping local, we want to showcase the incredible range of businesses right here in Centre Wellington—from all industries and of all sizes.

Whether you're a storefront, service provider, home-based business, or something in between, we want to share your story with the community!

We’ll be featuring local business spotlights through our social media channels. If you'd like to be included, send us a short write-up and a few photos—or invite us to visit your location.

Contact: economicdevelopment@centrewellington.ca

Let’s show off the amazing businesses that make Centre Wellington such a great place to live, work, and shop!

Highlight your Rural Business through the Fall Rural Romp Event

The Fall Rural Romp is one of Wellington County’s biggest local food events, drawing visitors to explore farms and food businesses across Centre Wellington, Erin, Guelph/Eramosa, Puslinch, and Guelph. It’s a great way to showcase your business to new customers. If your business is rooted in food, farming, or local experiences, this could be a great fit for you!

To participate, your business must first be a Taste Real Partner, which includes year-round promotion, event opportunities, and inclusion in local food directories. Then, simply complete the Romp application by July 18. Get involved and help celebrate our local food and farm scene!

Stay informed! Register to receive future editions of our newsletter

Staff Profiles

George Borovilos

George is the Manager of Economic Development for Centre Wellington and brings many years of experience and a wealth of knowledge to the role.

A true concierge for local businesses—large and small—George is dedicated to supporting entrepreneurs, driving growth, and making Centre Wellington the place your business can call home.