Ontario’s Business Retention and Expansion (BR+E) program is an impactful collaboration between government, community leaders and local businesses – working together to spark growth, keep jobs and strengthen the local economy. Recent BR+E projects in Southgate, Pembroke and Scugog have uncovered valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities facing rural businesses. These initiatives reflect a growing commitment to listen, learn and respond with meaningful support.

Southgate BR+E Project Report

Key Highlights from the Report include:

• 95 per cent of surveyed businesses are locally owned, with 60 per cent employing fewer than five people.
• Over one-third of businesses reported plans to expand in the next 18 months
• 74 per cent of businesses rated Southgate as a “good” or “excellent” place to operate

Businesses indicated a desire for better marketing support, more access to skilled labour and making municipal processes easier to navigate. Space limitations and workforce gaps were also popular themes. The municipality is taking action to reduce growth barriers and increase community collaboration.

Municipal Action Priorities:

• Streamline planning approvals and building permit processes
• Launch regular business networking events
• Create a quarterly business newsletter
• Support local marketing campaigns and “shop local” initiatives
• Recognize and celebrate local business successes

Pembroke BR+E Project

Key Highlights from the Report include:

• Over 87 per cent of business owners plan to maintain or expand operations
• Over 62 per cent of respondents were women business owners
• 97 per cent of business owners live locally and are invested in their community

Some key challenges came up too – such as finding skilled workers, the need for more affordable housing, aging infrastructure and limited access to high-speed internet and cell service.

Municipal Responses and Plans include:

• Relaunching the “Win This Space / Expand Your Space” initiative to support entrepreneurs
• Host quarterly networking and mentorship events
• Map community assets and developing a unified marketing strategy
• Increase business outreach and in-person visits by economic development staff
• Update local incentive programs and policies to reflect evolving business needs

Scugog Business Program (SBP)

Key Takeaways from the Program include:

• A need for improved local infrastructure including internet and roadways
• Frustrations with municipal permit processes and development charges
• A desire for more consistent place branding and business identity
• Interest in collaborative programs such as networking, training and joint marketing

Scugog responded with six strategic focus areas and over 30 actions items of which many are already in progress.

Actions underway in Scugog:

• Utilizing the Community Improvement Plan (CIP) to offer improvement grants and fee relief
• Promoting business development in employment lands and and the downtown core
• Incorporating BR+E priorities into Scugog’s broader strategic and tourism plans
• Continuing to engage with businesses through regular communications and updates

In Summary

These three BR+E initiatives across the different rural regions tell a similar story. Despite their unique local aspects, many businesses share similar goals and face similar barriers. Some of which are:

• Access to digital marketing, training and online tools
• Streamlined municipal processes for permits and development
• Better infrastructure (especially broadband and transportation)
• Stronger local workforce and skills development
• Recognition of small business contributions through events and promotion
• More collaboration and connection between business, government and the community

Local BR+E projects are pointing the way – helping municipalities and communities focus their efforts to support rural businesses.