Municipalities in Midwestern Ontario are initiating a program to maintain businesses in the area and contribute to economic development.
The Saugeen Economic Development Corporation has partnered with five municipalities- Brockton, Hanover, Minto, Wellington North and West Grey to create Saugeen Connects. It's launching a partnership with "Succession Matching."
Hanover Economic Development Manager April Marshall says the goal is to match businesses whose owners may be close to retirement with younger people or those new to the area so the business won't simply cease to exist.
"Then we're not faced with that business closing because they just don't have the ability to go on. Hopefully, then that business has opportunities to have an extended life and have new ownership come on board," says Marshall. "If we have anyone that is young and is say a dairy farmer and looking for those opportunities this would essentially bring them directly to the listings that are available in our area so that they can consider that as an option. Another example may be a restaurant."
An information session on how the whole process works is planned for Tuesday morning so people who are about to close their business can learn details. As well Marshall hopes people will attend who are interested in taking over a business. The session is at the Neustadt Community Centre from 8:30am to 10:30am. Breakfast is included.