The City of Owen Sound and Grey County support local businesses with many programs and incentives. As a member of the River District Board of Management, River District businesses can take advantage of these support systems and have the added value of City Staff organizing events, animation, maintenance, and streetscape beautification.
The following links will give you insight into what being a River District business has to offer.
Community Improvement Plan (CIP)
A Community Improvement Plan (CIP) is a tool that has been prepared to serve as a long-term strategy to revitalize the community.
The entirety of the City is designated as a Community Improvement Project Area. In addition, Council has identified the City's River District as a Community Improvement Project Sub-area.
The CIP has five financial incentive programs that provide capital grant funding to eligible property owners and authorized tenants of land and buildings each year:
- Façade & Structural Improvement Grant Program
- Accessibility Improvement Grant Program
- Start-up Space Leasehold Improvement Grant Program
- Landscaping & Property Improvement Grant Program
- Vacant Building Conversion & Expansion Grant Program
All CIP programs are subject to City budget allocation.
Read the General Application Guidelines for more information.
The Grant Program Application Form is used to apply for any of the programs listed above.
Applications will be accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis until all funding has been distributed. For more information or to apply, visit owensound.ca/planning or contact the Planning & Heritage Division at 519-376-4440 ext. 1250 or email planning@owensound.ca
Business Enterprise Centre
The Business Enterprise Centre provides entrepreneurs throughout Grey County with the information, tools, and guidance needed to successfully start, expand, and grow their small businesses.
Some of the services they offer include:
- Free business consultations
- Guidance on government rules and regulations
- Seminars and workshops
- Networking and learning events
- Resource material
- Youth incentives and programs
Courtney Miller, Business Enterprise Manager
bec@grey.ca
519-371-3232
Bruce Community Futures Development Corporation
The Bruce Community Futures Development Corporation offers services and resources to businesses in Bruce and Grey Counties. Some services include counselling, loan assistance, CED, and resources such as business planning and website development.
Bruce Community Futures Development Corporation
(Bruce CFDC)
233 Broadway Street
Kincardine, ON
N2Z 2X9
Phone: 519-396-8141
Toll-Free: 888-832-2232
Fax: 519-396-8346
Satellite Office
978 1st Ave. W
Owen Sound, ON
N4K 4K5
Phone: 888-832-2232
Business Development Bank of Canada
The Business Development Bank of Canada is a financial institution devoted to Canadian entrepreneurs.
They help create and develop strong Canadian businesses through financing, advisory services, and capital, with a focus on small and medium-sized enterprises.
They support entrepreneurs in all industries and at all stages of development from business centres across Canada and online at bdc.ca.
Find your business centre here https://www.bdc.ca/en/business-centres/ontario or 1-888-463-6232, weekdays from 8:00 a.m. to 6 p.m