Business Development Centre
The Town of Collingwood works closely with various organizations to provide exceptional business support to business owners and entrepreneurs. The Business Development Centre (BDC) has long been established as the go-to place for business support and is pleased to announce that there are now six great business resources all under one roof to help you!
The Economic Development team has created an online resource that maps out many of the key collaborators and resources depending on your business needs and stage, from idea, to startup, to maturity.
Learn more about the service offerings of the various providers below:
Small Business Enterprise Centre
The Small Business Enterprise Centre (SBEC) offers entrepreneurs all the tools needed to start and grow their business, starting with free consultations with a qualified business consultant. “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 focus of the Small Business Enterprise Centre is to provide support to start-up and existing small business enterprises during their development, retention, and operation. They provide entrepreneurs with easy access to business consulting services and information covering management, marketing, technology, strategy, planning, and financing.
The Small Business Enterprise Centre is operated by the Town of Collingwood, and services South Georgian Bay municipalities.
Book A Consult
Town of Collingwood Economic Development Team
Acting as business curators, the Town’s Economic Development team can assist business owners in finding land and space, provide updates on proposed developments, offers concierge services to assist businesses with navigating town hall, and provides access to information to support informed decisions. “We are here to offer support to local businesses by providing data and information, connecting them with local and regional programs and services and helping with site selection,” says Johanna Griggs, Manager, Economic Development. Book A Consult
Community Futures South Georgian Bay
Community Futures South Georgian Bay (CFSGB), previously known as the Centre for Business and Economic Development, is a not-for-profit Community Futures Development Corporation (CFDC) sponsored by Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario. They are governed by a volunteer Board of Directors and are one of 61 CFDCs in Ontario. CFSGB has been supporting the small business community for 37 years. Book A Consult
“The Community Futures program is ideal for entrepreneurs looking to start a business or grow an existing business. We can help with advice and mentorship, workshops and training and loans and financing. We love working with the entrepreneurial community, it is vibrant, dynamic, and creative.” says Gillian Fairly, General Manager.
They are a resource for new and expanding businesses offering:
- Business loans up to $300,000
- Coaching/mentoring program
- Business counselling
- Support for community economic development
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. Contact Us
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. Contact Us
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. Contact Us
Other resources
Georgian College
The John Di Poce South Georgian Bay Campus offers 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.
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.