Bracebridge Launched New Tourism Experiences at Cottage Life

Bracebridge’s new experiential tourism offerings were launched recently at the Spring Cottage Life Show.  The interest and response received from the general public was exciting  - Bracebridge is truly offering something that people genuinely want, and will travel to Bracebridge to get!

The experiences are can be a few hours, some are entire days and some are multi-day experiences that are focussed on 3 main pillars - arts, culinary and lifestyle.

Check out Muskoka's newest tourism experiences at www.canadascottagecountry.ca

Annual Workshop & Speed Mentoring

Mark your calendar: Thursday, Feb 7, 2013!


Bridges to Better Business with Keynote Speaker Tim Alison, Happy Entrepreneur

Muskoka Small Business Centre’s annual event, “Bridges to Better Business” will be held on Thursday, Feb 7, 2013, at the Opera House in Gravenhurst. This great networking and learning event will focus on Maximizing the Profit Potential of Your Business with keynote speaker Tim Alison, a panel of successful local business owners, and a series of "speed mentoring” sessions with local business professionals.

For more information contact Muskoka Small Business Centre at 705-646-9021, email info@muskokasmallbusiness.ca , website (including registration).

Funding Announced for Business Park Infrastructure

On Saturday, October 27th, The Honourable Tony Clement, Minister for FedNor, announced FedNor funding of $163,336 to assist in completing infrastructure upgrades to District Road #118 to enable the development of a business and light industrial park development at the Canyon Court Business Park.  Specifically, the funding will be used to improve the existing roadway and create turning lanes to provide safe access to this 70-acre industrial park development site.

The Honourable Tony Clement (with Mayor Smith and Tom O'Callaghan, Fowler Construction)

Tom O'Callaghan, Fowler Construction, Emcee for the Event

Mayor Graydon Smith at Funding Announcement

The majority of the work funded by FedNor will be completed by year end (i.e. December 31^st).  We would expect work to begin in a few weeks.

This property was formerly known as South Bracebridge Business Park and was recently named Canyon Court Business Park because of its proximity to the Muskoka River Canyon.  The park includes 22 lots that range in size from .84 acres to 9 acres and it will be fully wired with Fibre Optics.

The unique Business Park Zoning allows for a large range of uses including:   Contractor’s Yard, Emergency Service Depot, Equipment Sales & Rental, Farm Implement Dealer, Fuel Storage Tank, Home Improvement Centre , Indoor Storage Facilities, Light Manufacturing, Manufacturing and Processing Plant, Motor Vehicle Body Shop, Motor Vehicle Dealership, Motor Vehicle Parts Establishment, Motor Vehicle Rental Agency, Motor Vehicle Repair Garage, Office, Outside Display and Sale - Permitted only as an accessory use, Outside Storage (permitted with buffering), Passenger Transportation Depot, Printing and Publishing Establishment, Rental Agency, Retail Store Permitted only as an accessory use (not exceeding 25%), Service and Repair Shop, Truck or Transportation Depot, Veterinary Clinic

For information contact, Cheryl Kelley, Town of Bracebridge

Bracebridge's Tourism Brand moving to next step

Following a comprehensive community assessment and subsequent rebranding process, Bracebridge is about to embark upon a new economic development initiative.  This new initiative will be based around attracting visitors with a variety of hands-on learning experiences designed to increase traffic, and therefore spending, in our community throughout the year.

Life-long learning is the fastest growing element in today’s tourism marketplace. Our hands-on experiences will be based around three pillars: the Arts, Culinary and Muskoka Lifestyle. The experiences will be provided by local businesses or individuals who have a vested interest in attracting new customers through these experiences.

If you would like to learn more about this opportunity and how you and your business could benefit check out Bracebridge's Branding Blog for more information.  

(From Bracebridge Brand Leadership Blog, October 19, 2012)

Pathways to Intelligent Communities

Join Muskoka Community Network Join for a discussion on the Pathways to Intelligent Communities

Friday, March 23, 2012

Location:  Nipissing University, Bracebridge

Time:  1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Cost:  $25.00

Link for more information and to get tickets

Bracebridge Branding

Updates for the Bracebridge brand are posted on the Town of Bracebridge website - check there for the most recently updates.

Recent Advertising to Promote Niche Manufacturing

The Town recently placed an advertisement in the the Canadian Manufacturer's and Exporter's Association Publication called 20/20.  This publication is distributed all over Canada. 

The goal is to promote our community for niche manufacturing/manufacturers - who are likely to be smaller businesses with products that are for a defined market which could be in Ontario or across the world. 

With help from local businesses were were able to promote some of our local industries in this ad - but more importantly promote the community as a place to establish these types of businesses.  We've also built an area of the Town's website in an effort to showcase more of these Bracebridge businesses.

Ontario Construction Mission to Japan & Korea

The Ministry of Economic Development and Innovation, along with Canadian Embassies in Seoul and Tokyo, Consulate in Nagoya and Trade offices in Kitakyushu and Sapporo, invite you to participate in an Ontario Construction Mission to Japan and Korea. The mission will exhibit at the Architecture + Construction Material 2012 at Tokyo. Prior to the exhibition, the mission will visit selected cities in Korea and Japan for business development purpose.

Should you work in construction field (building material, energy efficiency technology etc.) and have interested in the opportunity, please contact Wenbo Pan, Area Director: Japan, Korea, Australia and New Zealand, International Trade Branch, Ministry of Economic Development and Innovation. Wenbo can be reached at wenbo.pan@ontario.ca or by phone at 416-325-6782.

MISSION ITINERARY


Program in South Korea* (optional) Feb 28-29 Seoul
Program in Japan March 1-9 Osaka, Sapporo, Tokyo
(Please find itinerary detail attached)

REGISTRATION DEADLINE AND PARTICIPATION FEE

December 16, 2011 (Friday) $1,200 per company
Limited show space available. Higher participation fee apply for registrations later than December 16th.

LOCAL BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY - FEDERAL DEFENCE CONTRACTS

FedNor will be hosting Industrial and Regional Benefits (IRB) Policy information/networking sessions in January. This policy requires the successful proponents are large contracts to source Canadian goods/products.  The group is creating a list of businesses in Northern Ontario that could potentially fit into the supply chain of these defence companies. Contact Cheryl at the Town Office for more information 705-645-5264.

Muskoka's First Storefront Business Incubator Open

Youth INC.ubator is a brand new entrepreneurship development program aimed at young people throughout Muskoka between the ages of 15 to 29. It is funded by the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade through their Youth Entrepreneurship Partnerships program, and delivered by Muskoka Small Business Centre (MSBC) with the support of a number of community partners, notably the Town of Bracebridge.

The Aim of Youth INC.ubator is to raise awareness of entrepreneurship as a career option for young people and to create opportunities for youth to contribute to the economic growth of Muskoka. The program will support young entrepreneurs in their efforts to start and run their own year round business by providing:

• A subsidized business location that will house several businesses under one roof
• Marketing and promotional support to participating businesses
• Business training for participating businesses
• Access to mentorship through a community mentoring group
• A staff member on-site to oversee operations of the business location
• Ongoing support and guidance provided by MSBC staff
• Access to a micro-financing program
• A flexible schedule allowing young entrepreneurs to work outside their business if necessary

Business Owner, Alissa of the Wooly Owl, gets interviewed by Amy for TV Cogeco



Business Owners, Joey from Brunner Photography,
Alissa from Wooly Owl, Anna from Frankie's Baby Boutique talking with Mayor Graydon Smith



The food for the event was provided by Nicole from PICNICS

The Grand Opening of the Youth Inc.ubator Marketplace took place on Friday, September 30th.  Current the Marketplace is home to 6 businesses. 

If you know of any young entrepreneurs who could benefit from this program contact Dave at the Muskoka Small Business Centre 705-646-9021.

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES - RTO 12 ISSUES RFP'S

Regional Tourism Organization 12 issued a number of RFPs for project this week.  For each project, click on the link to get to the documentation.   Digital Signage Program, Marketing Services, Photography Services, Google Adword Campaign and Video Vignette Production.

In addition RTO 12 has issued an expression of interest for Bookkeeping Services.

BRACEBRIDGE INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITY - KELSEY'S

Cara Foods is looking to re-open the local Kelsey’s location but first, they need to find a new owner/operator. They are looking for the “right” person(s) that include residency in Bracebridge. Here is the information below, please contact Audra Wosik directly (email address is below).

Kelsey’s has an exciting opportunity for a motivated Owner/Operator (or Owner with an Operating Partner) to take over an existing restaurant in Bracebridge, Ontario at a minimal investment.

Interested Candidates will need approximately $75,000 to $100,000 in unencumbered cash. Preference will be given to local applicants who will operate the restaurant or partner with an experienced manager (Operating Partner) who will also have a percentage of the business.

Kelsey’s is your neighborhood bar and grill. At Kelsey’s we have been serving Canadians great food since 1978. Known for our wings, burgers, sandwiches and great starters, we continually strive to serve the classic favorites that you crave, in a comfortable, inviting setting. Whether you are joining us for lunch, dinner or the big game – Kelsey’s prides itself on being the best place in your neighborhood to unwind. At Kelsey’s good times are always close to home. Cheers!

To learn more about this opportunity, please contact Audra Wosik by email awosk@cara.com.

Please feel free to forward this information to anyone who may be interested in this opportunity.

CALLING ALL ARTISTS...

Are you a jeweler, woodworker, seamstress, or weaver?

Have you ever thought about selling your art to the general public? Art in the Heart is a juried outdoor art market that takes place in downtown Bracebridge weekends from July 9 to August 7. Call  705-645-5264 and get more information about this innovative art market and how you can participate. Art in the Heart is open to all visual art forms and the deadline to apply is May 14, 2011.

Participants must be Muskoka residents or Muskoka seasonal residents.

Here is the link to the application form and more information (Call for Entry)

2011 Dutch Environmental Trade Mission to Toronto - March 25, 2011

The focus of this trade mission is on waste management and processing, soil and groundwater remediation, water/wastewater treatment and recycling and recovery.

ATM Moerdijk
http://www.atmmoerdijk.nl

Looking to meet with Canadian companies in the waste processing market and to meet with large firms looking to expand their waste treatment options.

GICOM Composting Systems B.V.
http://www.gicom.nl

Looking to learn about the Canadian market for organic composting and biological drying. GICOM is also looking for potential end users for its technology. Also looking for a potential agent- contact person in the field of organic waste.

Bakker Magnetics B.V.
http://www.bakkermagnetics.com

Looking for potential local agents and distributors for their technology, as well as any firm that can provide information on Canada’s recycling industry.

Christiaens Controls
http://www.christiaensgroup.com

Looking to establish contact with design building companies that have experience with organic waste or wastewater treatment.

International Bulk Handling Technology B.V.
http://www.ibtbulk.nl

Looking to meet with Canadian environmental firms, in particular large environmental consultants and contractors, engineering firms, and soil remediation and waste processing companies.

Providentia Environment Solutions B.V.
http://www.providentia-environment-solutions.nl/

Looking for new partnerships with firms interested in minimizing their end waste, and expanding their technological options for wastewater treatment.

For more information or to set up a meeting with any of these companies please contact Jennifer Chapman jennifer@bconnections.ca. (905) 901-3409

Jennifer Chapman
Director, Business Connections Canada
(905) 901-3409
www.bconnections.ca

RTO 12 - REGIONAL TOURISM ORGANIZATION - RFP

RTO 12 has issued an RFP for a Destination Development Plan for the newly formed Tourism Region that includes Muskoka, Parry Sound, Algonquin Park and South Algonquin Township.

Here is a link to the RFP.

Here is the link to RTO 12.