Our Vision For The Future

Mission: Working in Partnership for the Communities' Future.

Mandate: SEDC exists to promote sustainable economic and social development throughout the region.

Who we are:
A member of the Western Ontario Community Futures Development Corporation Association

Communities we serve: Arran-Elderslie, Chatsworth, Brockton, Grey Highlands, Hanover, Minto, South Bruce, Southgate, Wellington North and West Grey. See the catchment area map.

RESOURCES FOR CANADIAN BUSINESSES DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

Small and medium-sized businesses are the backbone of the Canadian economy. During this extraordinary time, the Canadian government, the province, our local municipalities and financial organizations are taking actions to help sustain the business community during this time of uncertainty caused by the pandemic.

We created a list of resources available to assist businesses, employees and families survive during this economic hardship. We are all in this together.

Download/View the Resource Package here.

Access to a Spreadsheet of the resources here. 

Updated November 3rd, 2020

Wellington County Business Recovery Grants

Wellington County Business Recovery Grants will be administered by the local Community Futures Development Corporations: Waterloo Wellington Community Futures (WWCF) and the Saugeen Economic Development Corporation (SEDC).

Grant application details:
Businesses operating a physical location in Wellington County may apply for a one-time grant.
• Total maximum grant allowance per business is $2,000. 
• Funding is for items and projects as of March 29, 2021.
• Business has been in operation since January 1, 2021.
• Complete the Wellington County Business Recovery Grant Application.
• Provide a quote, estimate, or invoice for items or project.
• Provide a copy of your Master Business License or Incorporation documents.
• Applications accepted on a first come, first serve basis and until all funding is allocated.
• Grants will be paid with proof of invoice.
• Grants must be paid out within 60 days of approval.

Business Safety Supply and PPE Grant
Grant maximum of $1,000 to enhance safety measures.

• Eligible Expenses:
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as masks, gloves, gowns, plexiglass, etc.
• Hard surface disinfectants
• Hand sanitizers
• Methods to ensure physical distancing, such as floor stickers, signage etc.

Business Services Support Grant:
Grant maximum of $1,000 for services that support COVID-19 recovery.

• Eligible Expenses:
• Website development
• Design services
• Access to design programmes subscription (ie. Canva, Adobe)

Physical Adaptation and Technology Grant
Grant maximum of $1,500 for projects related to physical adaptation and technology that will support the business in operating safely.

Eligible Expenses:
• Physical adaptation: patios, pickup windows, outdoor heaters, barrier, direction tools, other modifications needed to operate
• Physical technology tools: Touch-free or contactless solutions such as touchless payments, touchless technology for doors or sanitation,
• Online tools: e-commerce (new or upgraded), reservation systems, digital document software, mobile friendly websites, digital help desk
• Digital tools: software upgrades, digital plug-in and dashboards

Steps to Apply:
• For those businesses in Minto or Wellington North, contact the Saugeen Economic Development Corporation (SEDC) office
• For those business in Centre Wellington, Erin, Guelph Eramosa, Mapleton and Puslinch, contact the Wellington Waterloo Community Futures (WWCF) office
• Complete the Wellington County BR+E Recovery Grant Application
• Get a quote, estimate, or invoice for safety supplies
• Provide a copy of your Master Business License or Incorporation documents

All applications will be reviewed and evaluated by the CFDC organizations

Please click the link for the APPLICATION and submit to rose@sbdc.ca upon completion.

LIMITED SPOTS AVAILABLE: Business Resurgence Program

The Business Resurgence Program is a FREE consulting program for local small businesses. There are several consulting options available: Business Bootcamp, Business Profit Optimizer, Business Advisor, Digital Marketing Coach, or a membership with the Excellence in Manufacturing Consortium. For a more detailed description please see the Business Resurgence Program application form. 

Applications can be submitted through our website or e-mailed to caly@sbdc.ca. There is no formal application deadline, but businesses are encouraged to apply as soon as possible as there are limited spots available.

Regional Relief and Recovery Fund

Support available through Saugeen Economic Development Corporation has been fully committed, however we continue to accept applications in the case that we are able to obtain more funding. Please see the RRRF application form for loan information and eligibility requirements. Eligible organizations are encouraged to contact Jamie Doherty at 519-799-5750 X 5 to discuss other funding or liquidity relief options currently available.

SSUP (Student Start Up Program)

If you’re a youth with a summer business idea or are a business or organization who would like to sponsor a student, visit saugeenconnects.com/youth or email info@saugeenconnects.com.

By completing a relaxed business plan, eligible applicants can earn $150 cash to help get their business idea started or expanded. As a bonus, if they post a photo on social media engaged in
their business, use the hashtag #saugeenssup and send us a final report, they can receive a $150 bonus! Students can also participate in five workshops that will help them in running their business and for each workshop they attend they will receive $20. If they attend all five workshops they will receive a total of $150 ($25 per workshop).

Applications must be in no later than 4:30pm on May 7th, with successful applicants being notified by May 28th.
 

Bruce County Emergency Business Sustainability Loan - Applications Now Being Accepted until March 31st, 2021

Low interest loans of up to $20,000 are available to help local businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic. A total funded by Bruce County—is available through the Bruce County Emergency Business Sustainability Loan, administered by the Bruce Community Futures Development Corporation (BCFDC) and the Saugeen Economic Development Corporation (SEDC). For a more detailed description please see the Bruce County Emergency Business Sustainability Loan Application.

The Saugeen Economy Newsletter is Now Available

Download the latest issue here: 2nd Half of 2020.

Resiliency Maps for Grey and Bruce County Residents: 

Bruce and Grey Counties have launched Community and Business Resiliency Maps in response to the demand for a "One-Stop-Shop" site for local business that are open during the pandemic. You are able to promote services and any changes to your operations with a free listing on this site. The maps includes essential services that remain open at physical locations, those that have changed their operations to respond to physical distancing guidelines, and businesses that have moved entirely online. To create a listing in Grey County send an email to ecdev@grey.ca and in Bruce County send an email to info@businesstobruce.com

See Map for Grey County Here. 

See Map for Bruce County Here.

Contact Information: 

515 Mill Street, P.O. Box 177, Neustadt, ON N0G 2M0
PH: 519-799-5750 | Toll-free: 1-877-335-7332
Fax: 519-799-5752