April 23, 2020

ADD OR UPDATE YOUR BUSINESS ON THE MAP

To support your business's marketing efforts during these unprecedented times, the Township of Lake of Bays has launched an interactive map to help the community shop local and discover the products and services currently available to them.

Please explore the interactive map to verify the accuracy of your listing or to request to add your business to the map.

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!

If your business does not qualify for the current government supports and you are in need of assistance, the Township of Lake of Bays want to hear from you. Please tell us your story so that we can better advocate to get you the support needed as a result of the pandemic.

Contact: Jennifer Clancy, Economic Development Coordinator, [email protected], 705-635-2272 ext. 235

SURVEY FOR TOURISM, SPORT AND CULTURE SECTORS

MPP Norman Miller is requesting input to help him advocate provincially for your operation and our community. Take the survey here.

Deadline: April 30, 2020

BUSINESS TECHNOLOGY IMPROVEMENT FUND (BTIF)

BTIF aims to encourage businesses to become early adopters of digital technology and innovation BY providing a grant of 50% funding up to $25,000 for businesses to adopt technology. For more information, visit pmcn.ca/btif.

Contact: Parry Sound/Muskoka Community Network, [email protected], 705-646-9044

LAKE OF BAYS VIRTUAL RECREATION ZONE

The Virtual Recreation Zone hosts a collection of online fitness and activity programs, health and wellness resources, and virtual experiences and attractions. In the wake of COVID-19 physical distancing and self-isolation, the Township aims to provide ideas and activities which encourage active living for all ages and abilities.

Visit lakeofbays.on.ca/VirtualRecreationZone

ONLINE VIDEO TUTORIALS

Learn business, creative, education and tech skills

taught by expert instructors. Start streaming

thousands of online video tutorials today - all available free with your Lake of Bays Public Library card! For more information, visit Lynda.com.

Contact: Lake of Bays Public Library - Dwight branch 705-635-3319, or Baysville branch 705- 767-2361

WEBINAR - SOCIAL MEDIA FOR SMALL BUSINESS

This fun and interactive workshop looks at the basics of today’s popular social media channels—including Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Pinterest—and helps you 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.

When: Wednesday, April 29, 2020, 6:00-7:30pm

Register on Eventbrite

WEBINAR - MAXIMIZING YOUR ONLINE ADVERTISING AND DIGITAL MARKETING BUDGET

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.

When: Thursday, April 30, 2020, 6:00-7:30pm

Register on Eventbrite

WEBINAR - EMAIL MARKETING BOOT CAMP

Whether you are just getting started in business or you are a seasoned business owner, email is still the most cost effective and powerful marketing tool that can significantly increase profitability of your business. If you can just set it up right and get your target prospects to open that email…

When: Thursday, May 7, 2020, 9:00-11:00am

Register on Eventbrite

WEBINAR - ECOMMERCE OPTIONS FOR SMALL BUSINESS

It’s never been easier for small businesses to dip their toes into the world of ecommerce. Discover the fundamentals of selling online in this webinar that’s perfect for ecommerce beginners.

When: Wednesday, May 13, 2020, 7:00-8:30pm

Register on Eventbrite

FREE ONE-ON-ONE DIGITAL MARKETING SUPPORT

The Digital Service Squad is available until May 31, 2020 to help you build or enhance an online presence, promote products/services and sell online. They can provide free digital marketing advice to Lake of Bays businesses to help you through the COVID-19 pandemic. Consultations with business owners will be done over the phone or by video conference. Read the April 22, 2020 service update from the DSS.

Register on mylakeofbays.ca/digital-service-squad

EXPLORERS' EDGE WEEKLY TOURISM UPDATE

Ensuring lines of communication are open, the Explorers' Edge (RTO 12) will host weekly webinars during the COVID-19 crisis.

When: Every Wednesday from 1-2pm (ongoing)

Register on GoToWebinar

LAKE OF BAYS BUSINESS ASSISTANCE

We understand that COVID-19 may be creating new challenges for you and your business. The Township continues to update business support programs and resources on our website as they are announced. Need help navigating the various programs and resources available?

Contact: Jennifer Clancy, Economic Development Coordinator, [email protected], 705-635-2272 ext. 235

21 DAYS AND 21 WAYS TO SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESSES

Help spread the word about the Township's digital marketing campaign to encourage creative ways to safely support local businesses in Lake of Bays during this unprecedented time of challenge. Click on any image below to be redirected to the shareable Facebook posts for Day 15 to 21.