October 16, 2020
By Bob Peters
Cornwall Ontario – October is Small Business Month and Ontario has launched a new website and updated its small business strategy.
The following provides a snapshot of information and resources from the Province of Ontario to help small businesses and entrepreneurs rebuild, reinvest and grow.
New Online Resource
The Ontario government has launched a new Small Business Recovery web page, outlining resources available for Ontario businesses with fewer than 100 employees.
Rebuilding Main Street
Ontario has outlined its Main Street Recovery Plan, building on more than $10 billion in urgent relief and support provided through Ontario’s COVID-19 Action Plan. This includes support for the Digital Main Street program. Read more in the following document:
Ontario’s Small Business COVID-19 Recovery Network
Ontario is helping small businesses access direct local support by linking Ontario’s 47 Small Business Enterprise Centres intothe new Small Business COVID-19 Recovery Network. Through this network, Small Business Enterprise Centres will offer more individually tailored advice, planning, and tools to serve the needs of owners and entrepreneurs in their community.
The Cornwall Business Enterprise Centre is available to help business owners in Cornwall, SDG and Akwesasne. You can link up with them online:
Small Business Strategy
The Small Business Strategy is a long-term plan for Ontario small businesses, strengthened by five pillars that will support their recovery and lay the foundation for their future growth. To keep pace with rapidly changing needs, this strategy will evolve over time. The one thing that won’t change, however, is Ontario’s commitment to small business success.
The Small Business Strategy’s five pillars for renewal and growth
Lowering costs
Reducing costly red tape, streamlining processes and putting more government services online, so small businesses can spend less time filling out forms and more time reaching their goals.
Increasing exports
Finding new opportunities for small businesses to access domestic and international markets, so they can grow and create jobs.
Accelerating technology adoption
Helping small businesses create a strong online presence — while promoting the development, adoption, and commercialization of new technologies — so they can become more competitive.
Developing talent
Improving access to talent and retention, so small businesses can grow and develop a stronger talent pool for the future.
Encouraging entrepreneurship, succession planning, and diversity
Supporting the next generation of entrepreneurs and diverse business leaders to build a stronger, more inclusive economy — one that includes greater representation from women, Indigenous peoples, people from racialized communities, and people with disabilities.
More info can be found here:
Additional Resources
There are a number of additional resources available from other community partners, including the Community Futures Development Corporation and the Cornwall Chamber of Commerce. You can stay informed on the latest business news by signing up for the Cornwall Economic Development newsletter and by regularly visiting the News page on the ChooseCornwall.ca website.
