Low-interest (2.5%) working capital loans of up to $20,000 for Bruce County businesses are available to help local businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic. With no principal or interest payments for six months and flexible repayment terms over five years, loans are available, first-come-first-serve. 

To apply to the Business Sustainability Loan, you'll need a financial statement, a list of business assets, and a personal guarantee.

A total of $750,000—funded by Bruce County—is administered by the Bruce Community Futures Development Corporation (BCFDC) and the Saugeen Economic Development Corporation (SEDC) apply with the group that covers your area (see map for reference). 

Apply with the Bruce Community Futures Development Corporation and the Saugeen Economic Development Corporation.

Media Release: Bruce County provides $750,000 in Emergency Business Loans

Spruce the Bruce Grants for Business

To support Bruce County businesses in making COVID-19 related modifications, the 2021 Spruce the Bruce grants were amended. Matching funding requirements were removed the total available funding for the program was increased to $250,000. Applications for Spruce the Bruce grants are open.

Ontario Property Tax and Energy Cost Rebate Grants

For businesses that were required to shut down or significantly restrict services due to provincial public health measures. This provincial application-based grant provides a rebate to eligible businesses in respect of property taxes and energy bills. More information.

Learn more about provincial recovery resources for small businesses: covid-19.ontario.ca/small-business-recovery-resources

ALLOCATED FUNDING AND APPLICATIONS NOW CLOSED

COVID-19 Tourism Response Fund

The COVID-19 Tourism Response Fund — generously provided by FedDev — provided $245,000 to Bruce County tourism-related businesses.  

Up to $10,000 in grants were available for tourism-related businesses through the COVID-19 Tourism Response Fund. Eligible expenses/projects included: 

• Modified health and safety protocols 
• Expanded social distancing practices 
• Upgraded PPE, sanitizing equipment, or cleaning supplies 
• Enhanced digital tools and operating transformations 

Funding for the COVID-19 Tourism Response Fund has been allocated. Applications are now closed. 

Business Safety Supplies Grant

Ontario Tourism Innovation Lab: Spark Program 

Small tourism businesses in Bruce County were encouraged to submit an application with ideas on how they could "re-imagine" or "re-tool" their tourism operations, offerings and/or products to respond, pivot, and adapt to the short- and medium-term tourism landscape and opportunities. 

Winners of the 2020 Spark Program were announced winners in December 2020. 

Business Pivot and Adaptation Grant

Bruce County entrepreneurs can access a grant of up to $5,000 to expand, enhance or adapt their existing business due to the effects of COVID-19. Applications are now closed.

Economic Impact of COVID-19 in Bruce County Business Surveys

The COVID-19 pandemic has created a challenge and an unpredictable path forward among businesses across the County. To gain a better understanding of how the pandemic has impacted local business and the economy, in March, the Economic Development team launched the “Economic Impact of COVID-19 in Bruce County Survey”. The results of that survey served as a basis for actions spearheaded by the Bruce County Economic Task Force and endorsed by Bruce County Council that supported the stabilization of the economy ahead of working to rebuild post-pandemic.

The Economic Development team remains vigilant in supporting businesses by understanding the challenges they are facing and helping them maintain their operations through the continuation of Business to Bruce programs and supports. Staff are working with various stakeholders to help determine what is needed specifically to work alongside our municipal partners to help build confidence and work to recover the economy.