Town of Collingwood Economic Development Team

As partners in Collingwood’s economic and tourism growth, the Town’s Economic Development team helps drive community vibrancy and prosperity. The team offers concierge services to help businesses navigate Town Hall processes and provide guidance to support your business growth. Our team includes experts in the area of Business Development, Business Retention & Expansion/Industrial Development, and Tourism & Marketing.

“We’re committed to supporting businesses by providing valuable data and insights, connecting them with government programs and services, and advancing key economic development initiatives. We also work to strengthen Collingwood’s tourism and visitor economy, helping create a vibrant community for residents and visitors alike”, says Prerna Sharma, Manager, Economic Development

South Georgian Bay Small Business Enterprise Centre

The South Georgian Bay Small Business Enterprise Centre (SBEC) provides entrepreneurs with the tools and guidance they need to successfully start and grow their businesses. Through personalized business consulting, along with a range of programs, events, and workshops, the SBEC offers accessible resources to help businesses build, expand, and succeed.

“This area has been swelling with entrepreneurs eager to either start or relocate their existing business to Southern Georgian Bay and they tend to gravitate towards our centre for advice.” says Tim Newton, Manager.

The South Georgian Bay Small Business Enterprise Centre is operated by the Town of Collingwood, and services residents in Collingwood, Town of the Blue Mountains, and Clearview Township.

Collingwood Downtown BIA

Collingwood Downtown BIA (Business Improvement Area) is a Municipal Local Board established for the main purpose of revitalizing the central business district of the Town of Collingwood. The organization comprises of more than 600 businesses and property owners, and is funded by a levy placed on the property taxes of each owner within the designated boundaries. The budget is presented to the general membership each year for discussion, with final approval by Council to assist in the beautification, maintenance, promotion, and economic development of Collingwood’s downtown area.

The BIA is responsible for annual events like the Santa Claus Parade, Christmas Market and Collingwood Fashion week and works collaboratively with the Town of Collingwood to present the annual Art & Music Crawl and works with community partners on other community events and promotions. One of the most beloved annual events in our community presented by the Collingwood Downtown BIA is the Farmers’ Market which runs every Saturday morning from the May long weekend until Thanksgiving at the corner of Second Street and Pine Street.

“Collingwood Downtown is one of more than 330 BIAs across the province of Ontario who work together to make our downtown cores vibrant and welcoming as community gathering places.  A BIA is an area marketer, event facilitator, public realm investor and policy and partner influencer,’ said Susan Nicholson, General Manager.

Collingwood Chamber of Commerce

The Collingwood Chamber of Commerce is a nonprofit organization, with members encompassing all segments of the local economy, from start-up entrepreneurs, family business, national to multi-national corporations. The membership is comprised of businesses that represent all areas of industry, enterprise and numerous associations.

They are dedicated to the promotion and advocacy of Collingwood and area businesses and provide several outstanding benefits, discounts, and networking opportunities that each member including their staff can take advantage of.  They represent and support the needs and views of their members plus enhance and further advance the economic health and vitality of the local business community.

Community Futures South Georgian Bay

Community Futures South Georgian Bay (CFSGB) is a local, not‑for‑profit organization that provides business loans, guidance, and support to entrepreneurs and small businesses across the region. For 40 years, the organization has helped entrepreneurs start and grow businesses and bring new ideas across the region.

Supported by the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario and guided by a volunteer Board of Directors, Community Futures South Georgian Bay is part of a province‑wide network focused on building strong and resilient local economies.

They offer:

• Business loans up to $300,000
• Coaching/mentoring program
• Business counselling
• Support for community economic development

Book your free consultation with them today.

Georgian Bay Accelerator

The GB Accelerator is passionate about advancing high-growth companies in the Georgian Bay area. They know that building a successful business takes more than just capital – it takes ideas, momentum, and a supportive community. Since 2021 they’ve been here to provide all three. Their network of mentors are executives, founders, and seasoned entrepreneurs who are dedicated to seeing businesses thrive.

The GB Accelerator offers programs that are fully customized to the needs of each business. In their Ideation, Launch and Growth programs, businesses work with expert mentors to develop a highly targeted strategic plan to get them to the next stage of growth and to enable future success. The GB Accelerator also offers advanced educational opportunities to help entrepreneurs leverage best in class technologies and business practices to enable growth.

County of Simcoe Economic Development Office

The County of Simcoe’s Economic Development team is responsible for the attraction, retention, and expansion of businesses and business opportunities within Simcoe County. The Economic Development Office works with Simcoe County’s sixteen municipalities, including Collingwood, and with regional service providers to help businesses thrive and grow.

Georgian College

Georgian College campuses such as the South Georgian Bay, Owen Sound and Barrie campuses are local to Collingwood and offer state-of-the-art facilities and a close-knit culture that allows students a chance to receive one-on-one time with faculty and staff. Located in a picturesque setting in Collingwood, the South Georgian Bay Campus is easily accessed by local transit.

The Town’s Economic Development division works closely with Georgian College’s teams at the Henry Bernick Entrepreneurship Center and Research and Innovation to provide support to the community

Lakehead University

Lakehead University offers over 17 undergraduate and graduate degree programs and other research and innovation capabilities to workforce and employers in Simcoe County, through their campuses in Thunder Bay and Orillia and plans to offer programs in STEM at their two new upcoming campuses in Barrie.

As a comprehensive and research-intensive university, Lakehead strives to nurture discovery, support innovation, and advance achievement. Through close collaboration with local and global communities, ideas put forth Lakehead’s talented researchers and students have created meaningful impacts and led to the emergence of new companies and industries in Simcoe County.

Learn more about Lakehead University