Community Economic Development
With economic development as our foundation, our team works with business support agencies, varying levels of government, and other organizations to create and deliver the programs and services needed by local entrepreneurs.
Creating New Services and Tools to Support Business Growth
We recognize the important knowledge and experience of our partners. We foster these collaborative relationships to offer unique business supports and programs that fit the needs of local businesses.
An Easier Way to Buy and Sell Businesses
Are you looking to sell your business or hoping to buy an existing business?
Business transition opportunities allow new entrepreneurs to buy into businesses that they would never have thought possible. From small independent businesses to midsize companies, including retail, construction, automotive, health, and agriculture, we can help any size business.
Whether you are the transferring owner or the new successor, a transfer of ownership is about more than just taxes and financing. This program connects buyers and sellers through a shared database and online portal. Users can create an individual profile to access a national database of buyers and sellers, investors, and online tools. Along with our partners, we provide the expertise to set business buyers and sellers up for success.
Request a Free Coaching Session
Our team is here to help you navigate your business journey. We will guide you through the steps that will take you from idea to operation, and continue to support you as a member of our local business community.
Small Business Week
Each October, our team works with our community partners to lead Small Business Week celebrations designed to acknowledge our community’s entrepreneurs. Small businesses provide well-paying, local jobs that bring energy and a distinct character to the North Simcoe area.
Interested in participating as a business owner or entrepreneur? Contact our team or join our contact list to stay updated on Small Business Week events.
Employer Breakfast
The Employer Breakfast series is an opportunity for networking and learning about resources that can support your business – whether it is loan options, non-repayable grants, training, how we work with local businesses to deliver our services, and more.
Join our contact list to receive your invite to upcoming Employer Breakfast events. Come along to meet new connections and discover new opportunities to support you and your business.
Southwestern Ontario Francophone Tourism Recovery Program
Are you a local Francophone tourism operator impacted by the pandemic?
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused a decline of tourism activities in many Ontario communities. To help in the recovery of this important sector, the Francophone Tourism Recovery Program in Southwestern Ontario will support Francophone businesses and organizations that are facing adaptation costs of new health measures related to the pandemic. This can include the purchase of equipment, cleaning products and disinfectants, investment in equipment, expansion work to promote social distancing, or the digitalization of services offered. This grant, retroactive to June 1, 2020, could reach up to $20,000 and cover up to 80% of the expenses incurred. We can help.
This program is offered by the Société Économique de l’Ontario (SÉO) and implemented in partnership with the Assemblée de la Francophonie de l’Ontario (AFO), the bilingual Community Futures Development Corporations (CFDCs) of Southwestern Ontario and the Tourism Industry Association of Ontario (TIAO).
Programme de relance du tourisme francophone
Past Projects
Our expanding list of past projects is one of our greatest achievements. We are proud to feature our past initiatives that have resulted in the growth of our local business community.