SBEC Extension Agreement:
In January 2024, the Economic Development department received confirmation of our continued partnership with the Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade (MEDJCT) with a one-year extension of our current contract from April 1, 2024 to March 31, 2025 at the current budgeted Provincial allocation of $136,900 per year. The County contribution will not change.
This one-year contract extension must be signed and submitted back to the Province by April 19, 2024.
Additional Funding Allocation:
During the 2024 Provincial Budget process, the government approved an increase to the Starter Company and Summer Company budgets for both grant allocations and program delivery funding, which will directly support additional entrepreneurs in Huron County. At the time of this report, we have not yet been informed what the funding allocation for Huron County will be.
As a result of the additional funding announcement, there will be amendment to the new TPA (mentioned above) to build in the additional funding coming after discussion with the individual centres. This amended report will come back to Council when received.
About the Huron Business Centre:
The Huron Business Centre provides the following services:
- One-on-one business coaching and mentorship throughout the business lifecycle;
- Delivering business programs and projects such as Starter Company Plus and the Summer Company program; and
- Hosting business workshops, training, and events to educate and provide networking opportunities for entrepreneurs.
The County of Huron has held the SBEC contract for over 10 years providing programs and services to support local entrepreneurs and a thriving entrepreneurial culture in Huron County.