Thanks to those on our board who stepped up and helped out at the Dream Career event last month. It was my first time involved in the event and I was impressed with the level of coordination between the various groups involved that it took to pull the event off. The event brought 1200 local grade 7, 8 and high school students together with various employers where the students could explore careers. They were able to try out various hands on displays as well as ask questions to professionals in various fields. They were also exposed to a panel of even further varied careers. Thanks as well to our own Diana Morris, Jaemilyn Gavino and Cindy Boston-Brown for all of their efforts to make the day a huge success.

I think that we all get a little myopic at times. We get caught up in the day today and forget about looking forward to the future or what is happening beyond our four walls. Our local Board of Trade is so busy that sometimes I forget to look beyond what is happening here to see what the Provincial and National organizations we belong to are doing on our behalf. Many of those efforts have a large impact locally. The Ontario Chamber of Commerce keeps a living document on current advocacy “wins” as well as current projects it is working on. There are far too many to outline here but some recent ones that have a direct impact on local businesses in Dufferin County include: Supporting Housing Development Across Ontario, Improving Access to Primary Care, Investing in Broadband Infrastructure (just not on main street Mono yet!), Addressing Interprovincial Trade Barriers, and Removing Barriers to Foreign Credential Recognition just to name a few. If you have an issue facing your business that we can’t handle locally then we certainly are connected to those who can?

DBOT celebrated small business week by releasing its first “Good Business Dufferin” podcast. If you haven’t had a chance to watch or listen make sure to tune in to upcoming episodes. The first episode was well-produced and informative. There are some great local guests coming on board.

The BizHub recently sent out an eblast of the myriad of services that it can help local businesses with. If you happen to have any overflow work approaching the holidays don’t hesitate to reach out to see how they can help. Having used the services of the BizHub we found them to be fairly priced and very effective.

Have a great month doing business in the county!

Stay well,

Doug Harkness, Chair

Dufferin Board of Trade

doug@dufferinbot.ca

The federal government has released essential information on the 2025 Canada Summer Jobs (CSJ) Program, including an earlier application deadline than in previous years. Members of the Dufferin Board of Trade are encouraged to review these updates and prepare for the upcoming application period.

The application window for the 2025 CSJ Program will open the week of November 18, 2024, and close on December 19, 2024, at 11:59 p.m. (PST). Employers are advised to submit applications early, as this year’s deadline arrives before the end of the calendar year.

The Canada Summer Jobs Program, a key component of the Youth Employment and Skills Strategy (YESS), helps young Canadians aged 15 to 30 gain valuable work experience, especially those facing employment barriers. The 2025 program aims to support 70,000 quality job placements across the country.

This year, the CSJ Call for Applications concludes before January. Don’t miss out—apply early to secure funding for Canada Summer Jobs!

Last Chance in 2024 to

Level Up Your Business!

Join us on November 27th for the final Level Up Dufferin session of the year—free training to help Dufferin businesses and nonprofits stand out as inclusive, accessible, and socially responsible.

Why Attend?

• Be a Community Leader: Show your commitment as an LGBTQ+ Safe Space, and promote accessibility and environmental responsibility.
• Attract Talent & Customers: People want to work for and support businesses that care about inclusivity and sustainability.
• Strengthen Dufferin: Help build a community that values diversity, responsibility, and accessibility.

What You’ll Get:

• Hands-On Training: Practical tips to create a welcoming, inclusive, and eco-friendly space.
• Recognition Materials: Receive a toolkit with posters, window decals, and more to proudly display your commitment.
• Listing in Our Directory: Be recognized in the Level Up Dufferin directory, showing customers and talent your values.

Don’t miss out on this unique chance to grow your impact—register now to reserve your spot!

SAVE

Are you tired of juggling multiple responsibilities? Well, leave it to us! We're offering your business an opportunity to save money on your essential business needs!

Introducing our Get Started Package - only $200 + HST

This includes 3 Professional Headshots, General Editing, 1,000 locally printed Business Cards and your business card design! Contact our Communications Manager Jaemilyn to inquire or redeem this offer - jaemilyn@dufferinbot.ca

Note: You DO NOT have to be a member to take advantage of this deal.

Introducing Good Business Dufferin, the podcast where we interview insightful business owners to help you grow your business. Join us as we dive deep into the journeys of local entrepreneurs, uncovering their strategies, challenges, and successes.

Whether you’re just starting out or looking to take your business to the next level, our interviews provide valuable insights and

practical advice to inspire and empower you on your entrepreneurial journey. Tune in to Good Business Dufferin and learn from like-minded business owners to take your business to the next level!

In this episode of the Good Business Dufferin Podcast, we’re joined by Orangeville Mayor Lisa Post. She shares her journey and her vision for community initiatives like the Rooted In Community Food Drive, fare-free transit, and Orangeville: The Brightside Facebook group. Mayor Post also highlights the powerful role of small businesses in driving positive change and supporting the community.

Thanks to Skorski Web Design for sponsoring this episode! For more on growing your business in Dufferin County, visit the Dufferin Biz Hub website, and don’t forget to like and subscribe.

CRAVE AND CAPTURE

Wastenot Farms Inc.

The Dufferin Board of Trade and the Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) are looking for your insights on issues that matter to your businesses. How confident are you in Ontario’s economy and your organization’s outlook? What should governments prioritize to drive economic growth? 

Your participation in our annual Business Confidence Survey is as important as ever. The results of the survey will inform the 2025 Ontario Economic Report: the landmark research platform of the OCC, offering a unique perspective on the experience of businesses of all sizes across the province.

Share your views by taking a short five-minute survey here:  

CLICK HERE TO ACCESS SURVEY

This survey is being conducted by Leger, one of North America’s fastest-growing market research companies.  

All responses will be kept strictly anonymous and confidential.  

Closing date: Friday, November 14, 2024 at midnight 

Take the survey and let the government know what is important to you!  

The 2024 Ontario Economic Outlook and Fiscal Review highlights the government’s fiscally responsible approach to strengthening the province.

This plan focuses on investing in economic growth and developing essential infrastructure to support Ontario’s expanding communities.

Key initiatives include reducing gridlock, making life more affordable with immediate relief for individuals and families, and lowering the debt burden to benefit future generations.

Do you live in a rural community? Whether you are already behind the wheel of an electric vehicle, hesitant, or curious about making the switch, the County of Dufferin wants to hear from you!

Take the survey for your chance to win a $250 gift card to a locally owned restaurant of your choice!

For Current Electric Vehicle (EV) Drivers:

Tell us about your experience! How are you using your EV, what made you decide to go electric, and what information could help others in our community make the switch?

For Non-Electric Vehicle Drivers:

We’re interested in your perspective too! Whether you're curious, hesitant, or simply exploring options, your feedback will guide us in creating resources and experiences to empower you to make informed decisions about electric vehicles.

Visit joinindufferin.com/evbackraods to take the survey!

Imagine an outdoor space in your community where you can come together with neighbours, access wellness resources, attend a workshop, or rely on in times of need, whether you need first aid supplies or a connection to emergency services.

The County of Dufferin is seeking input on the design of a pilot Community Resilience Hub, to help us design a space that meets the everyday needs of residents, while also building our capacity to prepare for and respond to climate change impacts and emergencies.

Here’s what we want to know:

• What features would you be most likely to use or enjoy at the Hub?

• What types of programming would you like offered at the Hub?

• What types of green infrastructure (e.g. rain garden) should be part of the hub?

Visit joinindufferin.com/crh to complete the survey by November 18. Your ideas will directly inform three different designs options that will be brought back to the community to vote on in 2025.

Central Ontario 2024 Housing Summit

November 12, 2024 (9:30 AM - 4:00 PM)

Join us for a day of thought-provoking discussions and forward-thinking at the 2024 Central Ontario Housing Summit, ‘Reducing Barriers to Increase Supply,’ presented by Enbridge Gas.

Hosted by Greater Dufferin HBA, Guelph & District HBA and Simcoe County HBA, this summit will bring together association members, industry leaders, and elected officials from all three levels for a day of learning and collaboration focused on actionable solutions to reduce barriers and increase supply.