January 2024

Economic News in Thunder Bay

Summer Company waitlist

The Thunder Bay and District Entrepreneur Centre proudly hosts the Summer Company initiative, a provincial-endorsed program empowering driven individuals aged 15 to 29.

This opportunity enables participants to launch and manage their own seasonal businesses.

Upon acceptance, candidates gain access to grants of up to $3,000, providing crucial seed funding for their business endeavors. Throughout the summer, they'll receive invaluable hands-on business coaching and mentorship, empowering their entrepreneurial journey every step of the way.

Applications are opening soon, join our waitlist to be notified.

Apply to the CEDC Tourism Development Fund (TDF) for your 2024 event or project!

The CEDC Tourism Development Fund provides funding for events and projects attracting visitors to Thunder Bay, accepting applications year-round. To expedite funding, apply 90 days pre-event for <$50,000, and 120 days for >$50,000.

Funding Streams:

1. CEDC Tourism Event Fund: Backs events (e.g., sports, concerts, festivals) drawing out-of-town visitors who stay overnight in taxed accommodations in Thunder Bay.
2. CEDC Tourism Product Development Fund: Supports projects enhancing or creating business products/infrastructure, benefiting Thunder Bay's tourism. Projects must impact the community and not solely benefit one organization.

Meet the Team at the Thunder Bay CEDC!

Introducing the Chief Executive Officer of the Thunder Bay CEDC, Jamie!

Jamie loves the ever-changing nature of the CEO role, where each day contributes to making Thunder Bay a better place to work, live, do business, and visit. A stand out achievement for Jamie is in 2023, the CEDC hosted representatives from Invest Ontario and Invest in Canada, putting Thunder Bay on the investment attraction map.

Outside the office, catch Jamie at the hockey rink or dance studio with the kids, or enjoying the scenic trails and lakes our community offers!

Thunder Bay CEDC will be at PDAC 2024

Thunder Bay CEDC will be at PDAC 2024 – The World’s Premier Mineral Exploration & Mining Convention in Toronto.

What is PDAC?

PDAC 2024, the ultimate gathering for everyone linked to mining and mineral exploration! From educational sessions to networking opportunities, this event unites 30,000+ attendees from 130+ countries for insightful programming, and business prospects.

Look for us in our distinctive blue blazers in the crowd of 1,100+ exhibitors and 700 speakers shaping the future of the mining industry.

Helping Hands at the Thunder Bay Dew Drop Inn

The Thunder Bay CEDC team rolled up our sleeves and lent a hand at Dew Drop Inn, prepping meals and serving nearly 400 members of our community. It was inspiring to see everyone come together to make a difference.Giving back feels amazing, and we're honored to be part of such a caring city.

Let's keep spreading kindness and support wherever we can! 

Install an EV Charger on your property



Plug-in Thunder Bay funding program is aimed to support Thunder Bay businesses and property owners with the he installment of Electric Vehicle(EV) charging stations.



• Funding will support up to 50% of total project costs
• For profit & non-profit organizations are eligible for funding
• Program is fully supported and easy to use

Attention Thunder Bay Mining Service and Supply Companies

On January 17th at Confederation College join Goodman School of Mines and MineConnect for an interactive youth event to promote careers in mining! They are seeking companies operating in the mining industry to set up booths and interact with 110+ local high school students. Share insights about your company, industry and career opportunities.

Contact, Heather@mineconnect.com to be part of this exciting event and inspire future talent in mining!

Small Business News in Thunder Bay

Are you serious about maximizing the ROI on your 2024 trade show investments?

Whether you attend trade shows or exhibit at them, your goal is to generate awareness of your product or service and make connections for potential business opportunities.

Learn how to develop the strategy and skills you need to maximize your trade show ROI at this 1-hour webinar on January 23, 2024.

Tourism News in Thunder Bay

Operators, offering funding of up to $25,000  

Join ITAC in its mission to empower Indigenous tourism enterprises nationwide and work collectively towards ITAC’s vision to help make Canada the global leader in Indigenous tourism by 2030 through the Indigenous Tourism Fund Micro and Small Business Stream.

This funding program recognizes market readiness standards set by The Original Original Accreditation Program, considering factors such as resource availability, cash flow, and market dynamics. 



Its primary objective is to support Indigenous tourism operators, offering funding of up to $25,000 per business to enhance their operations across six crucial categories.

The PATHS Tourism Business Builder

The PATHS Tourism Business Builder was designed for Indigenous tourism operators in Ontario. It was built to support you and your business at any stage of growth, so that your business can keep evolving and developing at its own pace, and you can take your next steps with confidence by using the tools and resources that are provided within this document.

Did you know that ITO BUSINESS ADVISORS provide many resources for tourism support to individual businesses and communities? We are currently accepting applications for IBA support programs, including business coaching, financial management, several great workshops and much more. Participate in a free, confidential assessment to see how we can support your individual path to success.

Need Support with The Original Original Accreditation Application? 

Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting in the Indigenous tourism industry, The Original Original Business Development Toolkit is here to support your journey.

The workshop series will guide you through the Business Ready application for The Original Original Accreditation Program, now available on demand. This series is structured around the six key categories of market readiness that the application covers.

Nonprofits, Apply today for the Ecosystem Fund

Are you a non-profit organization working with 2SLGBTQI+ entrepreneurs looking to secure funding for your project? The Ecosystem Fund is officially open for applications.

Supported by the government of Canada, the fund has been designed to assist non-profit organizations. It fuels two core categories of projects, including programs supporting 2SLGBTQI+ entrepreneurs with particular consideration for projects supporting under-served entrepreneurs and/or projects in regions with limited support for entrepreneurs. It also provides funds for internal capacity-building initiatives, which will strengthen the organization’s ability to better serve 2SLGBTQI+ entrepreneurs.

Don't miss out! We will be hosting webinars to provide you with more information, and our regional Grant Managers are available to assist and support you.

Copyright © 2023 Thunder Bay CEDC, All rights reserved.

You are receiving this email because you have subscribed to our mailing list.

Our mailing address is:

Thunder Bay CEDC

34 Cumberland Street North

Suite 701

Thunder Bay, On P7C 5K4

Canada

Connect with us