June 9, 2020

REGIONAL APPROACH

The Ontario government announced a regional approach to Stage 2 of reopening the province. Simcoe-Muskoka District Health Unit has been given the green light to move into Stage 2 on Friday, June 12 at 12:01 a.m., which will allow a number of businesses and services to reopen with proper health and safety measures in place. Read the news release for more details.

ADD OR UPDATE YOUR BUSINESS - LAKE OF BAYS OPEN FOR BUSINESS MAP

If your business is now reopening (and/or as your business operations continue to evolve), please send an email to jclancy@lakeofbays.on.ca or submit this brief form to add or update your listing. Help us to help promote your business - there are currently 42 businesses featured on the map.

MUSKOKA BUSINESS RECOVERY FUND (MBRF)

Under the MBRF, small businesses who have been unable to qualify for current COVID-19 support programs can apply for a loan of up to $40,000. Loans will be established at 0% interest and no payments are required until December 31, 2022. Principal repayments can be voluntarily made at any time.

Similar to the Canada Emergency Business Account, 25% of any loan (up to $10,000) can be forgiven provided the recipient has paid 75% of the original loan amount prior to December 31, 2022. If the recipient is unable to repay the loan by December 31, 2022, the loan will be converted to a three-year term loan with interest rates not to exceed 5%, effective January 1, 2023. The full balance must be repaid no later than December 31, 2025.

For more information, please email Muskoka Futures at rrrf@muskokafutures.ca or visit muskokafutures.ca to apply. Funded through FedNor and the District of Muskoka.

REGIONAL RELIEF AND RECOVERY FUND (RRRF)

The RRRF is a special one-time relief fund established by the Government of Canada to support businesses and organizations economically impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Visit FedNor’s website for more information and fill out an application to request support.

CANADIAN BUSINESS RESILIENCE SERVICE

The Business Resilience Service (1-866-989-1080) is a new telephone helpline designed to connect business owners with accounting professionals to give advice about navigating the COVID-19 pandemic. The business advisors can answer questions about tax regulations and the implications of COVID-19, inform business owners about government support programs that best fit their unique circumstances, and provide strategic financial planning for their road to recovery.

The service is free for four weeks (starting May 25, 2020) and is available 7 days a week from 8:00am to 8:00pm.

HUMBLE PIE CELEBRATES 10TH ANNIVERSARY!

Congratulations to Humble Pie Butter Tart Factory & Pizzeria in Baysville. We celebrate you and your 10-year milestone! Read the Business Spotlight to learn more.

The 2020 Muskoka Community Grant program has three (3) streams aimed to help grassroots community groups, not-for-profit organizations and registered charities to deliver projects and/or programs to strengthen and enhance the vitality and well-being of the Muskoka Community.

PAY IT FORWARD

Available to grassroots Muskoka community groups since 2012, this program provides grants up to $2,500 to projects that fill a strategic need in the community, enhance community support and leadership, and create positive change.

COMMUNITY ENHANCEMENT FUND (NEW in 2020)

Available to not-for-profit/charitable community groups, this program provides grants up to $10,000 to initiatives focused on improving quality of life for vulnerable populations (i.e. poverty reduction; food security; housing and living conditions; education and training opportunities; volunteer and job development; and citizen engagement).

SOCIAL SERVICE RELIEF FUND (NEW in 2020)

Available to community groups, this program provides grants up to $5,000 to provide financial assistance for essential services such as food programs or other necessary programs to help vulnerable populations during COVID-19.

For more information or to apply, visit engagemuskoka.ca. Deadline: June 29, 2020, at 4:00 p.m.