SOCIAL MEDIA MARKETING

The Bracebridge Chamber of Commerce in partnership with Muskoka Small Business Centre is hosting a workshop entitled Understanding Social Marketing.  It is being led by Randy Mitson.

Wed. Oct. 17th from 9:00 am until 12:00 noon at Nipissing University, Muskoka Campus, 125 Wellington St., Bracebridge.

$15.00 per person.

With less than 14% of all customers believing traditional marketing, social marketing is quickly becoming the medium of choice to promote brand and product. It all starts with good customer service and building a solid foundation for your social brand to stand upon.

We'll explore what building a social foundation is all about, discover how popular social platforms differ, their strengths, weaknesses, myths and facts, through this half day presentation by Randy Mitson, Marketing Director for Algonquin Outfitters, a local chain of 12 outfitting and retail loactions.

Bring your questions about Social Marketing and be prepared to share personal experiences.

Bracebridge Chamber Workshops

Will you be prepared if the Ministry of Labour comes knocking?

The Bracebridge Chamber of Commerce is hosting two workshops in partnership with Workplace Safety & Prevention Services.

Both will be held on ednesday, October 3rd at Nipissing University, Muskoka Campus.

Session 1 - 9:00-10:20 am - Workplace Health & Safety and Your Business / Workplace

Session 2 - 10:30-11:30 am - Electrical Safety Authority and Your Business / Workplace.

Each session is $10.00 or sign up for both and pay only $15.00.

Pre-Registration is mandatory. Click here for more information and a registration form.

Grants for Festivals & Events

Celebrate Ontario 2013 is now open for applications!

Celebrate Ontario is an annual program that helps new and existing festivals and events enhance their programs, activities and services. The program also supports bid and event hosting costs of major one-time events and festivals attracting out-of-province visitors through the Blockbuster category.

This support helps grow tourism in the province by making it easier for event organizers to offer new and improved experiences that will attract more tourists and increase visitor spending.

IMPORTANT NOTICE: All organizers of festivals and events are required to apply via the new Grants Ontario web-based application system.

Applicants must register with the Government of Ontario’s encrypted ONe-key log-in system at Grants Ontario as users and apply online. Applicants are strongly encouraged to register for a ONe-key password as soon as possible to ensure they meet the application deadline. Local tourism advisors can assist applicants with any questions they might have about Celebrate Ontario Main Stage and Signature 2013 grant applications.

Full details, including what’s eligible, how to apply, and when to apply are on the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport’s website at: www.ontario.ca/celebrateontario.

NEW GRANT FOR BUSINESSES!

Innovation Initiatives Northern Ontario (IION) has recently received funding through FedNor to create the Step Forward Entrepreneurs Program.   Here is a link to the news release on the funding and here is a link to the Program website.

This program can provide up to $5000 to a business to assist in the following areas:

1.  Sales & Marketing
2.  Product Development
3.  Business Enhancement

The funding can assist in many sectors - not just technology and IION is aiming for a 30 day turn-around time for applications.  Funds must be used within 6 months of approval.

Examples for use of the funds include:
- an international marketing strategy
- trade show costs
- feasibility studies
- process reviews
- see this link for more details


How do I get started?

Contact the staff at IION by calling 705-474-3450 extension 4075, or email at info@iion.ca today! 

Who is IION?

Innovation Initiatives Ontario North (iiON) is a Regional Innovation Centre (RIC) located in North Bay at Nipissing University /Canadore College. The location leverages synergies with the existing expertise at both Nipissing University and Canadore College campuses. iiON is leading a local/regional resource alliance serving clients within the Ontario Network of Excellence (ONE).

Grant for Accessibility Upgrades

Funding for Accessibility Upgrades

Enabling Accessibility Fund Call for Proposals. The Office for Disability Issues, Government of Canada is pleased to announce another call for proposals under the Small Project component of the Federal Enabling Accessibility Fund. 

It provides grants of up to $50,000 to renovate, construct or retrofit your place of business, modify vehicles and/or upgrade information and communication technologies to improve accessibility. funding will cover 75% of total project costs. 

The application form and guidelines can be found on the website. All applicants are encouraged to read the guidelines before completing the application.  

Northern Produce Grand Opening!

Mayor Smith congratulates John Bilissis on the Grand Opening of Northern Produce located 196 Ecclestone Drive. You can get all kinds of fresh fruits & vegetables from John & Diana - they'll even bring something in if you need it.

Want to get your product to new markets?

On November 7, 2012, The Home Depot Canada will host its third Meet the Buyer event in Toronto, Ontario.

Qualified manufacturers will be invited to the event and given the opportunity to:

• Pitch their product to a buyer from The Home Depot Canada 
• Showcase their product to members of The Home Depot's Merchandising Team, including senior leadership, in a tradeshow style environment
• Attend presentations given by senior representatives of The Home Depot Canada and the Governments of Ontario and Quebec 
• Network and share experiences with key representatives from The Home Depot Canada, the Governments of Ontario and Quebec as well as fellow innovative product manufacturers
• Develop valuable knowledge related to the requirements of doing business with a large retailer such as The Home Depot.   

There are no fees to apply or to attend the Meet the Buyer event. Applications will be accepted from August 6 to September 30, 2012

Visit the website for more information.