The business community in Simcoe County is diverse, growing and supported by a host of resources. The following document guides existing and aspiring entrepreneurs to various organizations and resources across Simcoe County. Currently, only government organizations (including members of the Ontario Network of Entrepreneurs), not-for-profits and crown corporations are represented in this document. There are numerous other private sector supports available. Contact edo@simcoe.ca for more information.

LIST OF PROVIDERS

Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC), a financial institution owned by the Government of Canada, offers business loans and advisory services to help Canadian businesses grow, both at home and abroad. They offer a full spectrum of specialized financing, including venture capital, equity as well as growth and business transition capital.www.bdc.ca

A Business Improvement Area (BIA) is a geographic area in a municipality. A BIA board of management is an organization set up to provide certain business promotion and improvement functions within that area. A BIA allows local business people and property owners to join together and with the support of the municipality, to organize, finance and carry out physical improvement and promote economic development in their district. The local municipality is the body that is responsible for approving the budget of the BIA.

Chambers of Commerce (CoC) are business networks with mandates to act in the interest of the local business community. CoCs are made up of a group of members that are local business representatives or owners. The members typically elect a board or council, who then hires a president or CEO to run the organization.

The Christian Farmers Federation of Ontario is a professional organization for family farm entrepreneurs. As an Accredited Farm Organization, they advocate on behalf of their members, advising provincial government on policy solutions for a broad range of agricultural and rural issues. https://www.christianfarmers.org/

Community Futures Development Corporations (CFDCs), a Government of Canada initiative, offer a wide variety of programs and services supporting community economic development and small business growth. In particular, they provide:
• Business loans for small- and medium-sized businesses and social enterprises;
• Business counselling services;
• Access to community and business information;
• Support for community-based projects;
• Strategic community planning and socio-economic development Simcoe County is home to four CFDCs, each serving different areas:
• Nottawasaga Futures – www.nottawasaga.com
• Orillia & Area Community Development Corporation- www.orilliacdc.com
• North Simcoe CFDC – www.nscfdc.on.ca
• Centre for Business and Economic Development -www.centreforbusiness.ca

County of Simcoe Site Selection & Online Land Inventory Portal is designed to assist potential investors, businesses or site selectors in researching and identifying properties for potential new locations, expansion or relocation of their operations in Simcoe County. http://maps.simcoe.ca/public?THEME=Economic%20Development

DMZ Innisfil is a startup accelerator program focused on providing founders with an alternative to building and scaling their startups in the city. DMZ Innisfil enables founders to access world-class acceleration support and a strong connection to the Toronto ecosystem while enjoying a different quality of life in Innisfil. Startups are given access to space, mentorship, exclusive resources and a vast network of support, including partners, customers, and investors. For more information, please visit https://innisfilaccelerates.ca/dmz-innisfil/

Employment Ontario Centres are designed to help job seekers find jobs, access resources, and build skills or retrain workers. They act as a link to the Ontario Job Bank and help connect employers with the local labour force. There are centres set up across Ontario in local municipalities to provide direct access to their services.

Export Development Canada (EDC) is Canada’s export credit agency, helping Canadian companies respond to international business opportunities. EDC is a self-financing, Crown corporation that operates at arm’s length from the Government providing insurance and financial services, bonding products and small business solutions to Canadian exporters and investors and their international buyers. www.edc.ca

Farm Credit Canada (FCC) is a financially self-sustaining federal commercial Crown corporation reporting to Canadians and Parliament through the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food. They provide financing, knowledge and software to over 100,000 customers. www.fcc-fac.ca

Futurpreneur Canada has been fueling the entrepreneurial passions of Canada’s young enterprise for nearly two decades. They are the only national, non-profit organization that provides financing, mentoring and support tools to aspiring business owners aged 18-39. The internationally recognized mentoring program hand matches young entrepreneurs with a business expert from a network of more than 2,800 volunteer mentors. www.futurpreneur.ca

Georgian Angel Network is a group of private investors from across the region that come from a wide variety of backgrounds and careers. The group’s investment capacity typically ranges from $100,000 to $350,000 (sometimes more) and look at participating in subsequent financing rounds (follow-on investment). Furthermore, they consider syndication opportunities with other angel investors, other commercialization partners and early-stage venture capital funds. Since inception in 2012, the members of GAN have invested over $20 million in 75 different companies. GAN also manages a fund (GAN Xcelerate Fund) that invests smaller amounts in very early stage startups to help them become “angel investment ready”. www.georgianangelnet.ca

Georgian College
The Henry Bernick Entrepreneurship Centre (HBEC) is a resource for entrepreneurs at various stages, across all industry sectors. With the support of Georgian College and the Ontario Centres of Excellence, HBEC helps students and community based entrepreneurs validate their business ideas and grow existing businesses by connecting them with the tools they need to be successful including mentorship, funding, training and networking.
www.georgiancollege.ca/community-alumni/entrepreneurship-centre

The Centre for Changemaking and Social Innovation inspires positive social change across central Ontario by joining forces with non-profit organizations and Georgian College students and faculty leaders to respond to complex social issues. Through the Social Enterprise Network Central Ontario (SENCO), student-led projects, research, workshops, experiential learning opportunities and innovative curriculum, the Centre is motivating the next generation of changemakers to use social entrepreneurial skills and mindsets to transform their community.
https://www.georgiancollege.ca/community-alumni/centre-social-entrepreneurship/

The Government of Canada created the Canada Business Network – Government Services for Entrepreneurs portal. The portal contains information and resources pertaining to Start-Up, Planning, Financing, Managing and Growing your business. www.canadabusiness.ca

ideaLAB – Design and create unique projects at Innisfil’s community hackerspace. Members get access to 3D printers, vinyl and laser cutters, and a digital media lab. Record and produce videos or audio content; use a green screen for special effects; build a robot; solder simple electronics; or craft sculptures and jewellery. Local entrepreneurs have access to the equipment to develop and create marketing packages, websites, vinyl signs and stickers, promotional videos, business cards, and more. Thousands of resources and help guides are also available through the adjoining library. www.innisfilidealab.ca

Innisfil Accelerates is the home of the Town of Innisfil’s Economic Development Team. Innisfil Accelerates offers a wide range of resources, services, and programs designed to help entrepreneurs start and scale their businesses. For more information, please visit https://innisfilaccelerates.ca/

Innovation Canada is a single access point to funding, expertise, facilities, and global opportunities for smalland medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) seeking to grow through innovation. The only service of its kind in Canada, it offers free, one-on-one assistance from expert advisors who provide customized guidance in selecting the most relevant programs and services to help you grow your business. innovation.canada.ca

#LadiesLearningCode is a not-for-profit organization with the mission to be the leading resource for women and youth to become passionate builders – not just consumers – of technology by learning technical skills in a hands-on, social, and collaborative way. www.ladieslearningcode.com/chapters/barrie

Lakehead College Economic Development and Innovation Office (EDI) acts as a liaison for industry to access University resources, while striving to support and assist faculty spin-off companies, student start-up companies, and entrepreneurial Alumni. The office is an essential component in developing and maintaining linkages with research and business partners, furthering local economic development while working with private industry, investors, and government. It is also responsible for the management and commercialization of the University’s intellectual property, and assists researchers in transferring knowledge and innovations to those outside the University community. www.lakeheadu.ca/research-and-innovation/economic-development

Libraries
From your company’s ideation to its growth and expansion, your local library has resources, connections, and space to support your success. Simcoe County is home to 28 public library locations across its municipalities, plus 3 locations in Barrie and Orillia. Call or visit them to:
• Brush up on business tactics with audiobooks, ebooks, or traditional print

• Meet privately with partners or clients in free study rooms, or book larger board rooms for formal presentations and meetings

• Attend workshops or get 1:1 tech coaching

• Start your research (local markets, history, genealogy, GIS)

Looking for a nearby co-working space? With free hot desks, wifi, and customer service, your ideal solution may be closer than you think! Local libraries are also experts at connecting with the community. If you’re looking to pilot a project or you’re seeking customer validation, consider offering a public program! For more information, ask about your library’s program strategy and policies. Find them at www.simcoe.ca/Library/Pages/Consortium-Members.aspx

The National Farmers Union – Ontario – Local 347 Dufferin Simcoe is a group of dedicated people who care deeply about the future of regenerative farming. By promoting local food, as well as farmers who use ecological practices, they create a safe and sustainable food system. They advocate for stronger policies that protect local farms and food, and tackle the many challenges farmers face. Their mission is to develop and enhance awareness of regenerative agriculture by advocating for, and inspiring sustainable agricultural practices. https://nfuontario.ca/new/locals/local-347-simcoe-duffering/

Ontario Centres of Excellence (OCE) focuses on ensuring the people of Ontario reap the personal and economic benefits of leading-edge research underway at our publicly funded universities, colleges and research hospitals. OCE supports the commercialization of academic intellectual property (IP), industry-academic collaborations and the development and adoption of emerging technologies. This includes overseeing the execution of advanced technology platforms that will equip Ontario companies to compete in a competitive global digital economy. OCE also support and invest in early-stage projects where the probability of commercial success and investment return on innovation are substantial. OCE’s strong expertise in de-risking innovation helps attract private investors and other funders to new ventures, bolstering their success. www.oce-ontario.org

The Orillia Manufacturers Association is a regional organization that has been meeting and holding events since its inception in October, 1998. Members are located in the City of Orillia and surrounding Townships such as Oro-Medonte, Severn and Ramara. OMA’s focus is to address issues common to all members and to share information and best practices as they relate to the manufacturing sector through member activities such as Speaker Events, Training & Education sessions and Site Tours. https://www.orilliamanufacturers.com/
https://sandboxcentre.com

Regional Tourism Organization 7 (RTO7) provides strategic and collaborative leadership to build, sustain and grow tourism in BruceGreySimcoe (see map). RTO7 offers funding programs and access to resources and data. Their mission is to work collaboratively with tourism partners and stakeholders to build, sustain and grow visitation, investment and visitor spending. www.RTO7.ca

Simcoe County Federation of Agriculture develops and consolidates farmers’ positions for the protection and promotion of activities within the County to improve the welfare of individual farmers and the agricultural industry. They focus on bringing the viewpoints and concerns of the membership to the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) and to the municipal, provincial, and federal representatives for policy development. We facilitate the spread of information of concern to the Agricultural industry to all farmers in the county. https://www.simcoecountyfa.org/

The Simcoe Muskoka Workforce Development Board is a community directed, non-profit corporation, 1 of 26 local planning board areas funded by the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development (MLTSD). SMWDB acts as a neutral broker, sourcing, conducting and distributing local labour market research as well as engaging and facilitating community stakeholders in workforce development activities. https://www.smwdb.com/

Small Business Enterprise Centres (SBECs) are a resource helping local enterprising people start and grow their businesses to meet their entrepreneurial aspirations. Part of the Small Business Enterpries Centres of Ontario Network (https://sbcontario.ca/), SBECs provide support to new and existing businesses offering free one-onone consultations, business plan reviews, seminars, networking opportunities and more. The two Centres serving Simcoe County are:

• South Georgian Bay Small Business Enterprise Centre
www.enterprisecentre.ca. Serving Clearview, Collingwood and Wasaga Beach.

• Small Business Centre Barrie, Simcoe County and Orillia
www.barriebusinesscentre.ca. Serving all other areas of the County, including Barrie and Orillia.

South Simcoe Community StartUp is a non-profit social enterprise. They 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 startups. www.southsimcoestartup.ca/

The Southwestern Ontario Development Fund is a fund designed to help businesses create new jobs, and invest in new technologies, equipment or skills training for workers. It will also support economic development projects that will attract or retain investment in Ontario-based industries and communities. This program considered Simcoe County as part of Southwestern Ontario. http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/food/industry/
swodf-program.htm

XcelerateHER empowers women entrepreneurs with support and resources to help them start, grow or scale their business and overcome barriers and challenges they face in today’s economy. A coalition of leading women entrepreneurs and community partners launched XcelerateHer to unite women entrepreneurs and connect them to the support and resources available in the central Ontario entrepreneurial ecosystem. https://xcelerateher.ca/

ventureLAB is the non-profit Regional Innovation Centre (RIC) servicing Simcoe County. It is a member of the ONE network that supports Simcoe County, Muskoka and York Region. ventureLAB helps entrepreneurs bring their innovations to market, by offering a unique combination of mentoring, partnering and connecting tailored to the unique needs of each business. ventureLAB offers the BUILD training program, 1:1 advisory services, workshops,
conferences, investor meetings and other special events. www.venturelab.ca

Tinker Lab – A place of discovery, creativity and imagination, just through the doors of Barrie’s Downtown Library. Use the 3D printer to create something neat, play with the Ozo Bots, Dash robots or Meccano. Create something on the sewing machine, or take the K’NEX roller coaster for a ride! It’s all about learning and experiencing new things in a hands-on environment. All ages are welcome, as there is something for everyone. If you’re looking to
prototype, model, experiment, or share your creations for customer validation, check out the Tinker Lab and ask
about opportunities! https://www.barrielibrary.ca/programs-events/tinker-lab

Startup Barrie is a grassroots driven movement bringing together people passionate about collaboration, innovation and learning. Their mission is to get people together to support one another (in both success and failures) as they create new companies. Startup Barrie is made up of entrepreneurs, technologist, designers and intrapreneurs who work for other organizations. Organizations, mentors and SMEs are also a big part of the support of this community – http://www.startupbarrie.ca/

YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka provides various youth employment & self-employment programs. Programs include the High School Entrepreneurship Outreach Program (HSEOP), Youth Job Connection and Youth Quest. www.ymcaofsimcoemuskoka.ca

Errors and Omission:
While we have made every attempt to ensure that the information contained in this document has been obtained from reliable sources, the County of Simcoe are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for the results obtained from the use of this information. All information in this document is provided “as is,” with no guarantee of completeness, accuracy, timeliness, or of the results obtained from the use of this information, and without warranty of any kind, express or implied including but not limited to warranties of performance, merchantability, and fitness for a particular purchase. In no event will the County of Simcoe, or their councillors, agents or employees be liable to you or anyone else for any decision made or action taken in reliance on the information in this document. If information is missing or incorrect in this document, please feel free to send additions or changes to edo@simcoe.ca.