What We’ve Been Working on the Last Month

• Hired Digital Service Squad Member for Digital Main Street – The program is now up and running
• Hosted a virtual launch event for Digital Main Street in Downtown Midland mid September (pdf was emailed out to all members/press that couldn’t attend)
• Updates on our full list of operations – can be found on the homepage of our website HERE (Includes: business name, website, address, back accessible entrance, photo of back accessible entrance * also an album on our FB page *, hours, delivery, takeout, patio/outdoor dining, curbside pick up, online store and e-gift card)
• Processed receipts for businesses to receive $500 Digital Improvement/Marketing Grant (NOW FULL)
• Approval/processing of businesses for Front & Back Facade Improvement Programs
• Management of part-time Digital Service Squad Member
• 360 photos taken of all the intersections downtown – uploaded to Google Maps, Facebook and HERE
• Hosted Midland Movie Nights on August 19^th & September 2^nd
• Shared businesses posts on Instagram/Facebook story and Twitter
• Daily sweeping, weeding, and graffiti removal
• Take 360 photos for businesses downtown
• Update Google business pages of BIA members and BIA directory
• Put out weekly construction updates via social media and newsletter
• Update the wayfinding signs on the construction fencing
• Updated ad bin design with Curbex to promote the following messages: (1) BIA Map – October 2020
• Updated Downtown Midland map for October 2020
• Scheduled social media posts weekly to advertise: full list of operations, downtown midland is open, Sunday hours, etc.
• Created an Account on EDCNS - Ilovemylocal.ca
• Donated $25 in Downtown Dollars to EDCNS for Ilovemylocal.ca giveaway
• Updated/advertised Parking Lot Map with 90-second walking distance radius
• Welcomed/set everything up for new businesses that joined the BIA recently
• Set up and welcomed new associate member (Webb & Associates Financial Solutions)
• Planning Christmas decor/promotions
• Updated small business assistance information package on website
• Added more tips/grants to ‘For BIA Members’ page
• And more!

Upcoming BIA Events

• Southern Georgian Bay Farmers Market Every Sunday until October 11^th from 9am to 1pm at 526 Bay Street

Tips for BIA Members

• * NEW * North Simcoe Community Futures Development Corporation – Regional Relief and Recovery Fund
  Businesses in Beausoleil First Nation, Midland, Penetanguishene, Springwater, Tay and Tiny unable to access other federal support are invited to apply for the Regional Relief and Recovery Fund. North Simcoe Community Futures Development Corporation (NSCFDC) has earmarked nearly $1 million, with direct financial support from FedDev Ontario and the Government of Canada, to support retail shops, restaurants, corner stores, and businesses of strategic importance to our communities. NSCFDC is providing interest-free loans up to $40,000.00, including a possible 25% forgivable contribution, to help support fixed operating costs of local businesses, where revenues have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic: CLICK HERE
• * NEW * Heart of Georgian Bay – Taste, Shop & Experience the Heart of Georgian Bay
  Restaurants, retail stores and attractions are invited to participate in the 1st ever: Taste, Shop & Experience the Heart of Georgian Bay. Similar to Barrielicious and Flavours of Lake Country, this program will entice diners, shoppers and visitors to enjoy all that makes the Heart of Georgian Bay great. Participating businesses are asked to create a UNIQUE $15, $20 or $25 offer that will encourage visitors to try their offering. Using a boosted digital campaign visitors will be driven to Taste.Gbay.ca to view all available offers and will be required to download a digital voucher which is then presented to their choice of participating business: CLICK HERE
• * NEW * Economic Development Corporation of North Simcoe – ILoveMyLocal.ca
  EDCNS has created a free online directory for local businesses at ilovemylocal.ca
  Submit your business now and learn more: CLICK HERE
• * NEW *  Digital Main Street
  Programs for Ontario Businesses as part of a partnership between the Government of Canada and the Province of Ontario, Digital Main Street is proud to announce three (3) new programs to support businesses across Ontario: CLICK HERE

• Find more tips and resources for BIA members HERE