Bradford Catalyst Centre
In autumn 2022, the Town of BWG’s Office of Economic Development, along with its community support partners, undertook a feasibility study to determine the need for a Business Catalyst Centre (BCC). The centre would be located in or near downtown and be a collaborative ecosystem whereby industry, small business, entrepreneurs, start-ups, government, academia and venture capital can intersect to create community, spark innovation and stimulate economic growth.
Following a comprehensive research and consultative process with business groups, it was determined that the preferred model for the BCC would be a physical location that offered mentorship to entrepreneurs and small business owners and one that provided a central meeting space.
In December 2023, BWG Council approved the BCC model in principle. In January 2024, as part of the annual Business Plan and Budget, Council approved $200,000 in ‘seed’ funding to establish the centre.
The Office of Economic Development continues to work with project consultant Accolade Innovations Inc. to create Memoranda of Understanding with partner groups, which will be offering programs, undertaking Articles of Incorporation and locating/securing/renovating a site. The process is anticipated to be completed in 2025.
Nottawasaga Futures Business Excellence Centre
Nottawasaga Futures is a community economic development agency serving the South Simcoe Area. Small business resources include
- Access to resource materials from our Business Library
- Access to archived How-To Guides for certain types of businesses
- Business consultants
- Computer workstations to research or register a business
- Support for financial sourcing
- Knowledgeable staff who provide counseling and support
Contact: 905-775-9119 | ced@nottawasaga.com
https://www.nottawasaga.com/bizcentre/
Bradford Board of Trade
The Bradford Board of Trade is committed to enriching the lives of its members and the business community at large, both professionally and personally through community building, education and networking.
As a Chamber of Commerce non-profit organization the BBT’s mandate it is to sustain and promote local businesses by:
- Providing services that help local businesses run their organizations more effectively
- Providing networking opportunities that help local businesses increase sales and access service providers
- Taking an advocacy role in representing local business to government
61 Holland Street East (upstairs office of Town Treasury building)
Contact: 416-778-8727 | tricia@bradfordboardoftrade.com
https://www.bradfordboardoftrade.com/
SWAN (Successful Women Always Networking)
Founded in 2011, SWAN is an organization comprised of female business owners, entrepreneurs, and self-employed professionals within the Bradford, Ontario area. We meet monthly for the purpose of networking with, supporting, encouraging, and promoting each other and our respective businesses. We also participate as a group at various events and fundraisers for local charities to benefit those in need within our community.
South Simcoe Community StartUp
South Simcoe Community StartUp is a non-profit social enterprise. We are a catalyst for entrepreneurs, town councils and all stakeholders in the Innisfil, Adjala-Tosorontio, Bradford West Gwillimbury, Essa and New Tecumseth area to come together and develop a business community that supports and enriches the success of small businesses and start-ups.
Contact: 705-719-7125 | director@southsimcoestartup.ca
https://www.southsimcoestartup.ca/
BNI (Business Networking International)
The BWG BNI chapter is a dynamic, committed group of business people who know how to refer business to each other.
Contact: 705-730-6648
http://www.bni-ocn.com/ont–central-north-bni-business-elite
York Small Business Enterprise Centre
The York Small Business Enterprise Centre (YSBEC) serves small businesses in the northern six York Region municipalities: Aurora, East Gwillimbury, Georgina, King, Newmarket and Whitchurch-Stouffville. The municipalities of Markham, Richmond Hill, and Vaughan also have Small Business Enterprise Centres to serve their respective communities.
Contact: 905-830-4444; 71584 | daniela.mazzaferro@york.ca
https://www.yorklink.ca/york-small-business-enterprise-centre/
Barrie Small Business Centre
The Small Business Centre encourages and supports entrepreneurship in The City of Barrie, The City of Orillia, and all of Simcoe County, by being a one-stop source for all your small business needs. The Small Business Centre is supported by the Province of Ontario, and the City of Barrie.
Our team can help you make the right decisions during your business start-up and assist you in developing your business as it grows.
Services are free and include:
- Business feasibility and guidance
- Reliable information including one-on-one business plan consultation
- Advice on permits, licenses and regulatory requirements
- Coaching for a range of business challenges, managing cash flow and accounting, hiring and managing staff, marketing, social media, and more
- Training and networking opportunities
- Referrals to other business support services, including business incubators, government programs and shared workspaces
Contact: 705-720-2445 | smallbusiness@barrie.ca
https://barriebusinesscentre.ca/
Newmarket Chamber
The Newmarket Chamber helps its members navigate, adapt, reach out and thrive with dynamic programs, services and initiatives designed with business success in mind.
Contact: 905-898-5900 | lauren@newmarketchamber.ca
https://www.newmarketchamber.ca/
Get Your Information Package
The Office of Economic Development is available to assist you with any business inquiries and has a variety of helpful publications available for download.
CALL US TODAY
905-775-5366 X1310
Speak directly with one of BWG Economic Development’s knowledgeable and helpful staff today.
EMAIL US TODAY
ecdev@townofbwg.com
The BWG Office of Economic Development is committed to responsive, informative and comprehensive service. Do not hesitate to contact our staff with any questions or concerns.