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
![](https://www.ctvnews.ca/polopoly_fs/1.5346613.1719853464!/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/landscape_800/image.jpg)
If you qualify for this tax credit, you can expect a payment in your bank account this week
The next quarterly GST/HST tax credit payment is expected to go out this week, according to the Canada Revenue Agency.
U.S. Supreme Court rules Trump has immunity for official, not private acts
The U.S. Supreme Court found on Monday that Donald Trump cannot be prosecuted for any actions that were within his constitutional powers as president, but can for private acts, in a landmark ruling recognizing for the first time any form of presidential immunity from prosecution.
This 12-year-old memorized the periodic table at age two. He's heading to NYU after finishing high school in just two years
Recent high school graduate Suborno Isaac Bari, 12, plans to start studying math and physics at New York University in the fall, but he’s already got his ambitious sights set on beginning a doctoral program.
On July 1, 1916, a generation of Newfoundlanders died in one brief battle
Millions are celebrating Canada’s 157th birthday this year -- as they do every year -- with fireworks, food and family. In Newfoundland, it is a day of mourning for one of the bloodiest battles of the First World War.
These ultraprocessed foods may shorten your life, study says
Eating higher levels of ultraprocessed food may shorten lifespans by more than 10 per cent, according to a new, unpublished study of over 500,000 people whom researchers followed for nearly three decades.
Judge calls Jeffrey Epstein 'most infamous pedophile in American history' as he releases transcripts
A Florida judge released Monday afternoon the transcripts of a 2006 grand jury investigation that looked into sex trafficking and rape allegations made against the late millionaire and financier Jeffrey Epstein.
Eddie Murphy is still stung by that David Spade joke on 'Saturday Night Live'
Eddie Murphy is reflecting on some of the “cheap shots” he feels he’s taken over the years.
Possible indecent gesture at Euro 2024 game under investigation
England star Jude Bellingham is being investigated by UEFA over a potentially offensive gesture made during a European Championship win against Slovakia.
This smiling robot has a face covered in 'living' skin
The soft, pink blob stares at the camera with glassy eyes — before pulling its face into a dimpled smile.