Grant Opportunity - International Plowing Match Bench Sponsorship
The International Plowing Match (IPM) is expected to bring over $25,000,000 and 80,000 visitors through our community on their way to, from, and during this event being held in Bowling Green, Amaranth on September 19-23rd, 2023. To help raise funds for this massive event, IPM organizers are looking for businesses to sponsor the event through the purchase of a locally made wooden bench that will be used temporarily at the IPM event and then by the businesses themselves after the event is over. We all know that public seating is a great way to create a more welcoming experience for our visitors, and these benches can do just that! For this reason, the OBIA is offering a 50% grant to help member businesses purchase an IPM bench to use in front of their business upon conclusion of the 2023 IPM.
The OBIA will contribute 50% ($250) towards the purchase price ($500) of an IPM sponsorship bench to assist members in sponsoring a wooden bench for their storefront. A $5000 program budget will support the purchase of up to a maximum of 20 benches that will be used in Downtown Orangeville for public seating.
Interested in buying a bench? Click the button below for details on the Bench Grant Program!
Upcoming Events
This year’s incredible Orangeville Blues & Jazz Festival kicked off our Downtown event season! I hope everyone had a chance to enjoy some fabulous music and festival atmosphere for themselves.
Orangeville Farmers’ Market
Every Saturday is Market Day in Downtown Orangeville! Visiting the market is such a happy, friendly experience that we know once you try it, you’ll keep coming back! Besides delicious food and hand- crafted goods, the market has live music, family-friendly activities, and lots of friendly pooches! Every Saturday from 8 am – 1 pm.
Celebrate Your Awesome!
Happy Pride Month! Get your pride flags waving, rainbow-fy your storefront, get in the swing of celebration because on Saturday, June 17th, this extraordinary event is coming to our Downtown! Celebrate Your Awesome is all about pride in embracing our uniqueness and celebrating that which makes each person authentically them! It celebrates community, freedom and love! There will be Drag Queens, performances, music, and vendors. This year’s Celebrate Your Awesome will be moving to Alexandra Park and Second Street and as always, it’s an all-ages event, so bring your kids, parents, friends, anyone and everyone! Don’t miss out on this joyous, colourful event! For more information, visit https://celebrateyourawesome.ca/
National Indigenous Peoples Day!
On Wednesday, June 21st, join the Dufferin County Cultural Resource Circle in Town Hall and Alexandra Park from 11a m-5pm for National Indigenous Day! This is a great opportunity see some fantastic Indigenous artwork and experience live performances. For more information, please go to DCCRC Events.
Live on Broadway Concert Series
Starting in mid-July through to the end of August, there will be live music on the street every Saturday! Locations and performers will be announced in the coming weeks so stay tuned!
In Good Spirits – A Taste of Orangeville Local Craft Beverage Event
This year Taste of Orangeville is expanding, as an addition to the Saturday, August 19th festivities, Friday, August 18th will feature local craft beverages – Craft Beer, locally made wines, ciders, spirits, cocktails and MORE! This new event is about celebrating craft spirits and finding your new favorite local drink all while enjoying some great music, food, and fun! This is a 19+ ticketed event! Stay tuned for more details coming soon!
Taste of Orangeville & Shop the Sidewalk Sale
On Saturday, August 19th, the most delicious event of the year is coming our way! Be prepared for the best food that Orangeville has to offer, and make sure you bring your appetite AND your stretchy pants. Of course, we will also be hosting our 3rd Annual Shop the Sidewalk Sale plus live music and other family fun on the same day. Details coming very soon!
To stay up to date with the latest from Downtown Orangeville follow us on….
Instagram: @downtownoville
@orangevillefarmersmarket
Facebook: Downtown Orangeville
Orangeville Farmers’ Market
Workplace Safety and Prevention Services Resources
Stay up to date with the latest from WSPS, tired of reading? You can listen to their podcast on Small Biz Safety, below are some articles on important and current topics to get you started, or you can go to their website https://www.wsps.ca/ and explore the resources they have available there!
Naloxone Kits in the Workplace: https://www.wsps.ca/resource-hub/articles/naloxone-kits-and-addictions-in-the-workplace-balancing-privacy-with-responsibility
Supporting Older Workers: https://www.wsps.ca/resource-hub/articles/does-your-health-and-safety-program-consider-older-workers-8-tips-to-support-them
How Safety Attracts Top-Talent: https://www.wsps.ca/resource-hub/articles/new-survey-shows-safety-is-critical-in-attracting-and-retaining-top-talent
Why Vacations Increase Productivity: https://www.wsps.ca/resource-hub/articles/why-encouraging-vacations-can-increase-productivity-and-job-satisfaction
Apply for Digital Main Street’s Small Business Grant Today!
In an effort to support small businesses keeping tech up to date and easy to use, Digital Main Street is launching their newest Digital Transformation Grant. This grant provides up to $2,500 to qualifying brick and mortar small businesses to determine their digital needs, offer online training, equip owners with digital skills, and assist businesses with the execution of their Digital Transformation Plans! Applications accepted until September 30th, 2023. Visit https://www.orangeville.ca/en/economic-development/digital-main-street-s-ontario-grants-program.aspx#Who-is-eligible to see all the details on who is eligible, what costs are eligible and how you can apply today!
Congratulations To Downtown Orangeville’s Accessibility Champions!
Continuously learning and making changes to successfully anticipate the needs of others takes time, a lot of thought, and care. It's so important to create environments everyone can feel welcome in, and when everyone feels welcome its good for business too! A few of our members have gone above and beyond to innovate and implement strategies to accommodate all people and truly exemplify Accessibility.
Thank you and congratulations to Branching Out Support Services for building an accessible community through events, education and consulting about neurodiversity, equity, inclusion and creating accessible spaces! The positive impact they have had on our community is truly outstanding and we appreciate you so much! BOSS is not only an Accessibility Champion, but they are also an Accessibility Advocate, we are so lucky to have you here in this community.
Thank you and congratulations to Bluebird Café and Grill! Who provided accessibility training (from BOSS) to better equip and educate their front of house staff. They have also included double handled mugs and weighted utensils in their restaurants to assist those with hand tremors or involuntary muscle movements. What an incredible and thoughtful efforts to make their restaurant more accessible! It is through changes like these that help to create a community where everyone feels welcome.
Thank you so much to these businesses for creating a more inclusive future for our community!
Eve Prestie
Ambassador | OBIA
ambassador@downtownorangeville.ca