Renew Northern Wellington is a collaborative initiative of the Town of Minto, Mapleton Township and the Township of Wellington North.
It helps “put talented people into downtown storefronts to gain exposure, build their business, and become a sustainable enterprise,” organizers state.
The program offers empty downtown stores for a very small participation fee to assist those involved in getting their business built and becoming successful.
The program involves minimal risk and investment “but is unlimited in its opportunities for success,” organizers state.
Since the program’s launch in May, 2015, three properties in Mount Forest have committed their participation to the program in an effort to help entrepreneurs get exposure and grow their business by providing low cost access to a storefront location.
The municipalities anticipate that filling these empty spaces will aid in drawing new visitors to local downtowns, stimulate employment, generate economic activity and invigorate downtowns, making them a more desirable destination to visit, shop, dine in, stay, and invest.
Somer Gerber and Sochan Holdings Inc. offered space to be occupied by qualified, motivated entrepreneurs:
– 236 Main St. North in Mount Forest offers 2,500 square feet that has been recently renovated and has ample parking; and
– 392 Main St. North in Mount Forest has two units available. Located in a busy plaza, Unit #9 is 2,500 square feet and offers four office spaces and a large garage with two bays. Unit #1B is 850 square feet of open space that is easily adaptable to the vision of the business that will occupy it.
As an added benefit to the entrepreneurs that are accepted into the program, municipal officials note, the Renew Northern Wellington Arts and Business Association board of directors approved at its Sept. 21 meeting a partnership with LaunchIt Minto, a hub for growth and innovation, to expand and offer the Business Flight Program to participants.
Every participant will have access to LaunchIt resources, be paired with a mentor and receive owner and employee access to the LaunchIt Business Skills Development Program. Included are two training sessions a month, monthly “lunch and learn” events, and meetings with mentors.
“Incorporating this opportunity is another step that Renew Northern Wellington Arts and Business Association is taking to ensure participants are given the tools they need to succeed,” officials state.
Existing building owners looking for activity in their empty storefront or anyone wondering if their talent, idea, creative endeavour, or business could become successful and profitable is encouraged to contact program coordinators:
– Wellington North, April Marshall and Dale Small 519-848-3620, amarshall@wellington-north.com; or dsmall@wellington-north.com;
– Town of Minto, Belinda Wick-Graham, 519-338-2511, belinda@town.minto.on.ca; or
– Mapleton Township, Crystal Ellis, 519-638-3313, cellis@mapleton.ca.
