Business Resources

Commencing in 2025, the Paisley Community Working Group is a committee of council that connects business and community stakeholders and local staff to share information, develop ideas, raise issues and concerns, and recommend solutions that will support economic development and revitalization in downtown Chesley. 

Applications are being accepted until April 14 2025 for inaugural volunteers for the PCWG.

Applications to be a member of the Paisley Community Working Group may be considered by council throughout the year.

Paisley Community Working Group Terms of Reference

Paisley Community Working Group Member Application

Commencing in 2024, the Chesley Community Working Group is a committee of council that connects business and community stakeholders and local staff to share information, develop ideas, raise issues and concerns, and recommend solutions that will support economic development and revitalization in downtown Chesley. 

Applications to be a member of the Chesley Community Working Group may be considered by council throughout the year.

Chesley Community Working Group Terms of Reference

Chesley Community Working Group Member Application

Commencing in 2024, the Tara Community Working Group is a committee of council that connects business and community stakeholders and local staff to share information, develop ideas, raise issues and concerns, and recommend solutions that will support economic development and revitalization in downtown Tara. 

Applications to be a member of the Tara Community Working Group may be considered by council throughout the year.

Tara Community Working Group Terms of Reference

Tara Community Working Group Member Application

Community Toolkits & Facade Guidelines

Allenford Community Toolkit with Facade Guidelines

Chesley Community Toolkit, Chesley Facade Guidelines

Paisley Community Toolkit with Facade Guidelines

Tara Community Toolkit, Tara Facade Guidelines

CIP Areas

Allenford

Chesley, Paisley and Tara

The Arran-Elderslie Community & Business Association a non-profit, independant, membership-based organization that helps businesses network, learn and grow. Their goal is to strengthen, promote and celebrate businesses in Arran-Elderslie and to enhance the vibrancy of the community.

Membership Package and Application

President: Jennifer Tedford

Email: aecommunitybusiness@gmail.com

Bruce County's community development programs aims to build vibrant communities by supporting local businesses, municipalities, community partners, commercial areas and public experiences. Spruce the Bruce brings partners together to create a vision for future growth and development by providing tools and grants to achieve that vision.

Bruce County's Spruce the Bruce program provides grant opportunities to business owners and organizations. Spruce the Bruce downtown revitilization grants are available to businesses within the Allenford, Chesley, Paisley and Tara Community Improvement Plan(s), and some grants streams are available to any eligible business in Arran-Elderslie.

Spruce the Bruce applications usually open in February. Businesses and organizations are encouraged to schedule an intro meeting anytime so that they are prepared when applications are open as funds are often quickly exhausted.

CIP Areas

Allenford

Chesley, Paisley and Tara

Bruce County's Business to Bruce program offers assistance with starting a business, training, seminars, workshops and grant opportunities.

Visit their website to enroll in free business webinars and opportunities.

BizPaL helps you find the permits and licences you may require when starting and/or operating your business. Filter permits based on your location, industry, and business activities and save the ones that apply to your situation.

Business Benefit Finder is a useful tool for finding programs and services to help your business grow. 
Canada Digital Adoption Program (CDAP) assists small and medium sized businesses by offering grants and access to expert advice to increase online sales, reduce costs, better manage inventory and more.
Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP) is a new $3.5-billion, 5-year agreement (April 1, 2023 to March 31, 2028), between the federal, provincial and territorial governments to strengthen the competitiveness, innovation, and resiliency of the agriculture, agri‐food and agri‐based products sector.

Small Business Centres Ontario offers support services needed to start and successfully grow small business. They have offices all over Ontario. Our local office is Business to Bruce (Bruce County) in Port Elgin. The Small Business Centres Ontario website includes free webinars and other e-learning opportunities for everything from learning how to incorporate your business, to discussing mental health supports for small business. 

Futurpreneur is a national, non-profit organization that provides financing, mentoring and support tools to aspiring business owners aged 18-39.

Saugeen Economic Development Corporation is a Community Futures Development Corporation that offers a variety of services for business in their catchment area, including Arran-Elderslie. They offer small business loans, the Hawks' Nest Business Competition, training opportunities, business advisory services and publish the Saugeen Economy Newsletter.

The Paisley Chamber of Commerce is an organization of local business owners and community volunteers who provide a voice for business owners in the community. 

President: Sandra Blodgett

Email: paisleyvillage@gmail.com

VPI Working Solutions offers a variety of services for those searching for jobs and businesses looking for employees. They offer a variety of employment programs and grants, career events, training and information sessions. Their office is in Walkerton and they visit locations in Arran-Elderslie monthly. To make an appointment, visit their website.

Regional Tourism Organization 7 works to build, sustain and grow tourism in Bryce, Grey and Simcoe. They offer resources and grants to tourism focused businesses and organizations..