Struggling Muskoka businesses lean on local organization to survive
Business owners in cottage country credit a local organization with stepping in and saving them from the brink of closure as many struggled to keep the doors open during the pandemic.
David Brushey, executive director of Muskoka Futures, knew they had to do something to help hyper-local businesses that didn't qualify for government grants.
"Their criteria weren't going to actually make those programs available to a lot of the very small local businesses or Main Street retail/service-based businesses that are very prominent in our communities," he said.
Muskoka Futures secured a $750,000 loan from the District of Muskoka on top of federal funding.
"Ultimately, we had a $5.4 million relief loan program and supported 148 businesses in Muskoka," Brushey said.
"We realized there was a gap in the funding, and we knew that it was dire at that time to try to get it as quick as possible into the pockets of the businesses," said Bracebridge Chamber of Commerce executive director Brenda Rhodes.
Creative Cook owner Beth Kelly said organizers like the Chamber of Commerce and BIA assisted in directing businesses towards financial resources, like Muskoka Futures.
"Having local programs like that, I think, it gives you a sense of security in many ways. It was just very helpful," Kelly noted.
Many businesses secured up to $60,000 - 25 per cent of which is forgivable if 75 per cent is paid back by the end of 2023.
Rhodes mentioned most were just trying to make ends meet during a challenging time.
"Make sure their business, their dream didn't fall through the cracks. And so any of those supports where they didn't have to pay back were greatly appreciated," she added.
Also appreciated, according to Kelly, was the community support.
"People were even messaging and saying, 'how are you doing?' And sometimes I'd be here, and people would knock on the door and wave, and I'd go over, and we'd have a conversation."
While not all in the industry survived the hardships of the pandemic, some downtown shops reshaped their business and say they are doing better than ever.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Trudeau promises $1B in loans for child-care providers to expand care centres
The federal government is launching a new loan program to help child-care providers in Canada expand their spaces, and will be extending further student loan forgiveness and training options for early childhood educators, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced Thursday.
Where is the worst place for allergy sufferers in Canada?
The spring allergy season has started early in many parts of Canada, with high levels of pollen in some cities already. Experts weigh in on which areas have it worse so far this season.
Sunshine list: These were the Ontario public sector's highest earners in 2023
Ontario released its annual sunshine list Thursday afternoon, noting that the largest year-over-year increases were in hospitals, municipalities, and post-secondary sectors.
Multiple bridges in Calgary shut down for police incident
Calgary police have shut down a number of bridges into and out of the downtown core as officers deal with a distraught individual.
N.B. man wins $64 million from Lotto 6/49
A New Brunswicker will go to bed Thursday night much richer than he was Wednesday after collecting on a winning lottery ticket he let sit on his bedroom dresser for nearly a year.
'Nonsense:' Doug Ford slams lawsuits filed by Ontario school boards against social media platforms
Premier Doug Ford says that lawsuits launched by four Ontario school boards against a trio of social media platforms are “nonsense” and risk becoming a distraction to the work that really matters.
Why some Christians are angry about Trump's 'God Bless the USA' Bible
Former U.S. President Donald Trump is officially selling a copy of the Bible themed to Lee Greenwood’s famous song, 'God Bless the USA.' But the concept of a Bible covered in the American flag has raised concern among religious circles.
Do these exercises for core strength if you can't stomach doing planks
Planks are one of the most effective exercises for strengthening your midsection, as they target all of your major core muscles: the transverse abdominis, rectus abdominis, external obliques and internal obliques. Yet despite the popularity of various 10-minute plank challenges, planking is actually one of the most dreaded core exercises, according to many fitness experts.
Several flight attendants from Pakistan have gone missing after landing in Canada
Multiple flight attendants from Pakistan International Airlines have abandoned their jobs and are believed to have sought asylum in Canada in the past year and a half, a spokesperson for the government-owned airline says.