Bruce County’s 2020 Economic Development Annual Report says more than $1.3 million in grants was distributed to 382 local businesses that year.
The report notes 2020 was challenging, with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic forcing business closures and
significantly impacting the local economy.
It notes, the County’s Economic Development department continues to focus on business recovery and community support measures.
In addition to $1,327,866 in grants from the Support the Bruce: Business Sustainability Fund, the County provided financial support for 101 small businesses to modify operations during the pandemic.
That included 51 façade improvements, 36 patios and take-out windows, 28 new or expanded product lines and 19 e-commerce platforms.
Staff say 77 jobs were created through ‘Business to Bruce’ support and 48 businesses were started through ‘Business to Bruce.’
The County supported 510 business consultations with entrepreneurs and 811 entrepreneurs trained through Business to Bruce support.
County Director of Planning and Development Mark Paoli says, “Economic development programs in 2020 quickly pivoted to support businesses who needed it most, while at the same making progress towards our long-term goals to foster growth and resiliency in our local economy and business community.”
The County report says it will continue to support economic development programs through the pandemic, on top of focusing efforts on attracting visitors, residents and entrepreneurs to the region with its Explore the Bruce, Business to Bruce and Spruce the Bruce programs.
It says the County will also continue projects like the Workforce Development and Attraction Strategy, Grey Bruce Local Immigration Partnership, and the Ontario Tourism Innovation Lab SPARK program.
County Economic Development Manager Jill Roote says, “We continue to feel the tremendous impact of the pandemic into 2021. Bruce County Economic Development continues to support small businesses as they navigate these unparalleled times. Together with collaboration, commitment and teamwork, rebuilding and eventual recovery can be realized.”