Save the Date: The 2021 Grey Bruce Virtual Job Fair will take place on March 10th!
The region's largest job fair is expanding and going virtual this year. The virtual platform will help over 100 local employers find the qualified workers they need to fill vacancies and regrow their businesses. More than 1200 job seekers attended in 2020 from all across Grey County and beyond. More information to come on how businesses can book a virtual booth and schedule appointments with candidates.
Are you listed on our Community and Business Resiliency Map?
The Grey County Community and Business Resiliency Map is a one-stop map website that lists businesses currently open in Grey (providing essential services, and those that have adapted their business models/services/hours, moved to online ordering, offering delivery, takeout and curbside pick-up).
To help us keep the map as accurate as possible, please email ecdev@grey.ca to get your business listed or make any changes to your current listing.
Small Business Mentorship Opportunities In partnership with Grey County and the Grey County Business Enterprise Centre (BEC), Catapult Grey Bruce is piloting a formal mentorship program to provide local entrepreneurs with an experienced mentor to assist them in growing or pivoting their company. The program is available at no charge to entrepreneurs located in or operating primarily in Grey or Bruce Counties.
Entrepreneurs will be matched based on their mentorship preferences and the goals they hope to achieve through the program. Applications are now available and can be submitted through the Catapult Grey Bruce website
Ontario Small Business Support Grant
Applications are still being accepted for the new Ontario Small Business Support Grant. This provincial grant will help small businesses that are required to close or significantly restrict services under the new Provincewide Shutdown effective December 26, 2020.
Starting at $10,000 for all eligible businesses, the grant will provide businesses with dollar for dollar funding to a maximum of $20,000 to help cover decreased revenue expected as a result of the Provincewide Shutdown.
Eligibility:
To receive the grant, a small business must:
Be required to close or restrict services subject to the Provincewide Shutdown effective 12:01 a.m. on December 26, 2020
Have fewer than 100 employees at the enterprise level
Have experienced a minimum of 20 per cent revenue decline comparing April 2020 to April 2019 revenues (or alternate time periods for businesses that were not in operation in April 2019).
Businesses that are not eligible include those that were already required to close prior to the introduction of modified Stage 2 measures, and essential businesses permitted to operate with capacity restrictions (e.g., discount and big box stores selling groceries, supermarkets, grocery stores, convenience stores, pharmacies, and beer, wine and liquor stores).
Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy (CERS)
Canadian businesses, non-profit organizations, or charities who have seen a drop in revenue during the COVID-19 pandemic, may be eligible for a subsidy to cover part of their commercial rent or property expenses, starting on September 27, 2020, until June 2021.
This subsidy will provide payments directly to qualifying renters and property owners, without requiring the participation of landlords.
If you are eligible for the base subsidy, you may also be eligible for lockdown support if your business location is significantly affected by a public health order for a week or more.
Grey County Business Support Line
Do you need information about business supports or operating your business during COVID-19? Call the Grey County Business Support Line. Our staff will be happy to assess your situation and help you connect with the right services for your needs. Calls are answered Monday-Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.