Back to SearchWasaga Beach centre will support the growth and success of local businesses and entrepreneurs right here in our community
“Small business is the backbone of our economy and our community. That’s why this Council is taking action to ensure small businesses and entrepreneurs in Wasaga Beach have easy access to all of the tools and business supports they need to be successful,” said Mayor Brian Smith. “The Town is proud to partner with the South Georgian Bay Small Business Enterprise Centre to bring their services to Wasaga Beach. This means that Wasaga Beach businesses and entrepreneurs will now have access to all of the centre's business services without needing to travel outside our community.”
Wasaga Beach – The Town of Wasaga Beach is welcoming the South Georgian Bay Small Business Enterprise Centre (SBEC) to town. A new Wasaga Beach-based office will support the growth and success of local businesses and entrepreneurs right here in our community.
Beginning June 27th, SBEC staff will begin operating out of the Wasaga Beach Public Library.
Hours of operation start at 10 a.m. on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of each month.
This new business centre is the result of feedback that was provided at two recent Town-organized business round tables. It begins to address Council Priority #51 – improving access to small business supports and services in Wasaga Beach.
Small business services that are offered, include:
- Free consultations – topics may include but are not limited to: starting a business, developing a business plan, growing your business, business relocation, marketing, financial planning, and looking for resources.
- Business resources and programming, including Starter Company Plus, and Summer Company.
- Events and workshops
In-person business services must be booked in advance through email or phone call. To book an in-person consultation, email sbec@collingwood.ca or call 705-351-3309. To book a virtual consultation, head to enterprisecentre.ca.
LOCAL BUSINESSES INVITED TO ATTEND LAUNCH EVENT ON JULY 11
Local businesses and entrepreneurs are invited to attend a launch event that will take place between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. on Thursday, July 11th in the REMAX room at the Wasaga Stars Arena, located at 544 River Road West in Wasaga Beach.
Partner quotes
Tim Newton, Manager – South Georgian Bay Small Business Enterprise Centre
“The South Georgian Bay Small Business Enterprise Centre has been a cornerstone for businesses in South Georgian Bay since 2007. In an exciting new development, we’re strengthening our relationship with the Town of Wasaga Beach by offering in-person consultation services directly from the Wasaga Beach Public Library. Adding this new service location will further our commitment to supporting local businesses directly where they operate.”
Background
In 2023, the Town of Wasaga Beach hosted two Business Round Tables to engage with local business stakeholders. The summary report, presented to Council on June 29th, 2023, highlighted several critical needs articulated by participants. Among these needs were calls for hosting workshops within Wasaga Beach on vital subjects such as funding applications and social media best practices. There was also a strong push to assign a dedicated town employee as the primary point of contact for businesses, particularly focusing on startup assistance and ongoing support. Participants also advocated for a business resources trade show to inform businesses about available resources. Moreover, there was a notable emphasis on the need for a local presence of small business support to minimize the requirement for people to commute to Collingwood for in-person services. This feedback highlighted a clear desire for improved resources and highlighted the absence of a dedicated business development center and co-working space in Wasaga Beach.
About the South Georgian Bay Small Business Enterprise Centre
Established in August 2007, the South Georgian Bay Small Business Enterprise Centre (SGB SBEC) was created from a collaborative initiative between the Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade and the Town of Collingwood. Designed to be a cornerstone of support for small businesses and entrepreneurs, the center forms an integral part of a wider network of similar establishments across Ontario. Administered by the Town of Collingwood and supported by neighboring municipalities including Wasaga Beach, Blue Mountains, and Clearview Township, alongside the Province of Ontario, the SGB SBEC operates with the primary goal of nurturing the growth and sustainability of small businesses through various developmental stages for those communities.
About Wasaga Beach
The Town of Wasaga Beach aims to be a place where people come to create memories that will last a lifetime. This latest action, to improve access to small business supports and services in Wasaga Beach, supports this vision and Council’s priorities. It’s part of the Town’s plan to become a leader in sustainability, creativity, innovation and fun – a place with thriving businesses and safe, inclusive and complete neighbourhoods where we celebrate our rich history, diversity of cultures and natural beauty, including the Nottawasaga River, Georgian Bay and the longest freshwater beach in the world.
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