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
B.C. tenants evicted for landlord's use after refusing large rent increase to take over neighbouring suite
Ashley Dickey and her mother rented part of the same Coquitlam duplex in three different decades under three different landlords.
Mountain guide dies after falling into a crevasse in Banff National Park
A man who fell into a crevasse while leading a backcountry ski group deep in the Canadian Rockies has died.
Expert warns of food consumption habits amid rising prices
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
MPP Sarah Jama asked to leave Ontario legislature for wearing keffiyeh
MPP Sarah Jama was asked to leave the Legislative Assembly of Ontario by House Speaker Ted Arnott on Thursday for wearing a keffiyeh, a garment which has been banned at Queen’s Park.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Ex-tabloid publisher testifies he scooped up possibly damaging tales to shield his old friend Trump
As Donald Trump was running for president in 2016, his old friend at the National Enquirer was scooping up potentially damaging stories about the candidate and paying out tens of thousands of dollars to keep them from the public eye.
Here's why provinces aren't following Saskatchewan's lead on the carbon tax home heating fight
After Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the federal government would still send Canada Carbon Rebate cheques to Saskatchewan residents, despite Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe's decision to stop collecting the carbon tax on natural gas or home heating, questions were raised about whether other provinces would follow suit. CTV News reached out across the country and here's what we found out.
Montreal actress calls Weinstein ruling 'discouraging' but not surprising
A Montreal actress, who has previously detailed incidents she had with disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, says a New York Court of Appeals decision overturning his 2020 rape conviction is 'discouraging' but not surprising.
Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels and Drake Maye make it four NFL drafts with quarterbacks going 1-3
Caleb Williams is heading to the Windy City, aiming to become the franchise quarterback Chicago has sought for decades.