As tough economic times catapult many Highlands businesses and non-profits into uncertainty ahead of the busy festive period, the County’s Angelica Ingram said the upper-tier government is helping to connect would-be funders with those struggling most.
A first-ever County of Haliburton Funders Forum is taking place at Sir Sam’s Ski/Ride next week (Nov. 5), providing opportunities for people to connect directly with potential benefactors and learn more about funding avenues available through municipal, provincial and federal programs.
“We’re really hoping to support our businesses and non-profits as much as possible. It goes without saying that it’s a very uncertain economic time right now – everybody is very strapped for resources and not sure about their future,” Ingram said. “This is a really great opportunity to provide more support.”
She attended similar events in Lindsay and Peterborough earlier this year and felt it was a good opportunity to bring something new, and needed, to the County.
There will be 25 presenters speaking at the event, including representatives from the Ontario Trillium Foundation, FedDev Ontario, the Ontario Centre of Innovation, Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association, United Way, Community Futures Eastern Ontario, and several branches of the provincial government.
Locally, Ingram said there will be speakers from Haliburton County Development Corporation, the Haliburton Highlands Chamber of Commerce and Fleming Crew to help educate attendees about business loans and how to get them.
“There will also be lots of different funding agencies that might be new to people up here… ones that are maybe a little under the radar,” Ingram said. “I believe there’s going to be information for non-profits, community groups, small businesses, Indigenous groups – it’s going to be a good forum.”
Minden-based entrepreneur Cam Green is the keynote speaker, discussing the success of his family business Fort Treehouse Co. The niche resort offers year-round accommodations to people wanting a unique stay immersed in nature, with Ingram saying they utilized several loan programs to get the business off the ground.
“They’re going to speak about how accessing funds has helped them with their plans and vision – and just how to search and get started,” Ingram said. There will also be a “fun, almost speed dating for funding” type segment, where presenters will provide a five-minute outline of the types of funding and support they have and how people can access it.
There will be information about deadlines, wait lists, and help navigating the application process.
With local municipalities strapped for cash, and no shortage of worthy causes requiring support, Ingram feels the forum is a good opportunity for people to learn about other supports available.
She also feels it’ll be a great chance for networking, believing magic can happen when bringing like-minded people together in one space. She said more than 100 people have already registered for the event, which runs 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and includes lunch.
“The best connections, partnerships and collaborations happen over meals, chance encounters and random interactions… so, we wanted to give people the chance to share their stories, what they’re doing right and where they’re struggling. Often, there are others who have walked in those shoes, so we’re excited about the possibilities,” Ingram said.
To register, visit www.haliburtoncounty.ca/ news/posts/connect-with-funders-at-countyof-haliburton-funders-forum.
