Business Supports

Business to Bruce

We collaborate with the team from Business to Bruce all the time, and encourage you to do the same! With granting programs, one -on-one consultations and a great offering of learning opportunities, you can work with them to take your business to the next level.

• Start your agri-focused, tourism, retail, culture, technology, or energy business today

• Expanding your business can be complex and supports to simplify the process are essential

• Use the innovative Matching Tool to match your business and lifestyle vision with the perfect Bruce County community

• Our quality of life in Huron-Kinloss is the cornerstone to choosing to do business here, and the communities we share Bruce County with make it an even richer experience

Design and Signage Guidelines

Community Toolkits were developed in partnership with Spruce the Bruce to create a “look and feel” for the downtown areas of Lucknow and Ripley. The Township also developed Lucknow and Ripley Perpendicular Signage Guidelines to promote a unified look in our downtowns. We encourage new businesses and businesses updating their façade and storefront signs to consultant the Toolkits and Signage Guidelines.

Downtown Improvement Program

There are many provincial and federal incentive programs for businesses, but in Huron-Kinloss we recognize that entrepreneurs and small business owners need support from right in their own backyard.

Our Downtown Improvement Programs offers a number of opportunities not found in other communities, encouraging healthy roots for your business in success.

Family-Grown in Huron-Kinloss

Our Family-Grown in Huron-Kinloss program is a natural fit since our soil, climate, expertise and freshly grown-food are all part of a proud growing tradition that goes back for generations.

Join a network of like-minded business owners who focus on innovation, hospitality and the production of our local harvests into world-class farm-to-table products and experiences.

Join Family-Grown in Huron-Kinloss

Some of the advantages associated with the Family-Grown in Huron-Kinloss program include:

Collaborative marketing

• your business is listed in our Online Business Directory

• lists you in our next Secrets of the Back 40 publication

• enrolls you in co-promotional programs such as billboards, mail-outs, banner stands, tradeshows, community events, and more

• gives you the potential to be featured in upcoming promotional materials

• awards you exclusive use of the Family-Grown in Huron-Kinloss brand image

• gives you access to free branded support materials like our reusable bags

Learning opportunities & resources

• industry specific training

• access to a larger network of peers and industry leaders

• resources specific to agri-food business needs

  • Canada's standards, guidelines and regulations for food safety

  • guide to food and beverage manufacturing in Ontario

  • label requirements for produce in Ontario

  • food safety and traceability

Funding and grants

While there's always programs and funding available to business owners, those more specific to your agri-sector needs are often more effective:

• The Greenbelt Fund invests in Ontario's primary producers and local food entrepreneurs

• Connecting local food and farm enterprises with loans and mentorship services is how the Fair Finance Fund helps to improve strong local food systems, economies and a healthy planet

• The Canadian Agricultural Partnership helps your business find cost-sharing opportunities for your operation

• Get support to expand or attract business to your community in southwestern Ontario with the Southwestern Ontario Development Fund

• Working to create opportunities for economic growth, FedDev Ontario can help your business become more competitive, innovative and productive

• Develop new export opportunities and markets through the CanExport SME Program

Job and Volunteer Fair

Our annual Job and Volunteer Fair is held in August at the Lucknow & District Sports Complex. We invite your business to participate by setting up a display featuring all the benefits of working for or with your company.

We provide the tables, the venue, and all the advertising to bring in applicants of all ages to explore the opportunities offered by local businesses in multiple sectors.

Include my company in the next Job and Volunteer Fair!

Lucknow and District Chamber of Commerce

Always welcoming of new members, the Lucknow and District Chamber of Commerce focuses their efforts on collective promotion, community beautification and learning opportunities that your business can benefit from.

Contact their current president, Connie Jefferson, at 519-812-4327 or by email at son.and.pop.auto.shop@gmail.com to find out how your business will be stronger with a membership in the Lucknow and District Chamber of Commerce.

2020 Executive

President – Connie Jefferson

Vice President – Rod McDonagh

Secretary – Dionne Smith

Treasurer – Elaine Steer

Directors – Morten Jakobsen, Shauna Van Osch, Maryellen Pollard, Marlee Alton, and Keith Raymond

Ripley Business Community

A small (but mighty!) group, the Ripley Business Community lays its foundation firmly in community spirit. Cooperative marketing programs, downtown beautification, and community events are just some of the initiatives undertaken by this group.

Your business can be a part of this enthusiastic group working together to establish an attractive and thriving business community. Contact current chairperson Amy Fry at 519-395-2812 or connect with any of the members to find out why you should be one, too!

2020 Executive

Chairperson – Amy Fry
Vice Chairperson – Karen Stanley

Co-Treasurers – Veronika and Dave Cook

Secretary – Janelle Bondi

Spruce the Bruce

Helping our businesses and municipalities to become more vibrant and healthy, Bruce County's Spruce the Bruce program has opportunities for your business.

Transform your storefront with the help of one of their grants or help your communities' business development through a collaborative marketing grant.

Summer Company

The entrepreneurial spirit can take hold at any age, which is why the Province of Ontario and Business to Bruce offer their Summer Company program.

Applications close mid-spring each year and are available to you if you are between the ages of 15 and 29 years old and returning to school in the fall.

You can be your own boss while learning what it takes to manage a business. As a Summer Company participant, you:

• Can earn start-up money to kick off your new summer business
• Get hands-on business training, advice and mentorship from local business leaders
• An award of up to $300

Space for this program is limited and a competitive process, so apply early!