MPP JOURNAL for the week of January 21, 2021

Economic Development and Trade meetings in Dufferin-Peel-Wellington-Grey

This past week I was pleased to organize a series of meetings with a representative from Minister Bob Runciman's Office, Minister of Economic Development and Trade, around the riding with the Chambers of Commerce, Economic Development Officers, Municipal Officials, and Business Improvement Associations.

It was a great opportunity to host such meetings because it allowed the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade (EDT) to become familiar with the concerns impeding the development and growth of business in Dufferin-Peel-Wellington-Grey. As well, the meetings allowed the attendees to gain knowledge on the available resources and expertise provided by the Ministry.

We met with the Erin Business Improvement Association (BIA), Headwaters Tourism, Arthur and District Chamber of Commerce, Mount Forest and District Chamber of Commerce, the Township of Southgate Economic Development Committee (EDC), Shelburne EDC, Greater Dufferin Area Chamber of Commerce, and the Caledon Chamber of Commerce.

One of the issues addressed at the meetings was the need for more Business self-help offices. This suggestion was also expressed in a benchmark study commissioned by the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade. The study also made numerous other
recommendations that called for expanding services as well as improving existing services so that the Ministry meets the growing need of small businesses across Ontario.

As a result of the study, the Ministry has launched a strategy that was designed to meet the needs of Ontario's small business community. It contains numerous initiatives that would aid in the development of small business and ensure success for their first five years.

The measures outlined in the strategy included converting the Small Business Self-Help Offices to Small Business Enterprise Centres to provide entrepreneurs with common services through start-up and the crucial five years to follow; to expand the business support network up to 42 centres to fill geographic gaps across Ontario; provide services to aid entrepreneurs incorporate e-business in daily operations; and to launch a Small Business Advisory Council to co-ordinate research, eliminate duplication and enhance customer service standards across the network.

I believe that these meetings were a great success in that they enabled the Ministry and myself to become aware of issues that hinder our constituency's economic development and growth. I am proud to be part of a government that takes the initiative to discover ways to meet small business and entrepreneurial needs.

Entrepreneurs and small business play a crucial role in creating and maintaining a dynamic and innovative economy. Through the assistance of the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade, both companies and individuals can improve their chances of success.

For more information on small business and entrepreneurial assistance contact our community office at 1-800-265-1603 or the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade online at www.2ontario.com

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