Perth County Podcast

In this episode we talk with Aaron Rosland Ontario’s representative at the High Commission of Canada in London, UK about opportunities for local business to expand internationally and why now more than ever is a great time to explore this opportunity. For more info on how the Trade and Investment Office can assist your company: https://www.ontario.ca/page/ministry-economic-development-job-creation-trade

In this episode we talk to Tine Buechler from the Conestoga Career Centre about their new Skilled Workers sustainable Communities Initiative as well as other Job Matching and Apprenticeship programs for Perth County employers. To reach the Career Centre, contact Christy Bertrand: Phone: 519-271-5700 Email: cbertrand@conestogac.on.ca

In this episode we talk with Thea Symonds from Stop Violence Against Woman Perth County about their programs and initiatives, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. To reach Stop VAW Perth County: Website: stopvawperth.ca Email: stopvaw@wightman.ca 24-hour crisis line: 519-271-5550

In this episode we talk with Gemma Mendez-Smith from the Four County Labour Market Planning Board about the Connect2Skills Program helping to train job seekers and place them at in-demand positions locally. To reach them: Website: www.planningboard.ca Phone: 1-888-774-1468 Connect2Skills Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/connect2skillshuronperth

In this episode we talk to Leith Deacon from the University of Guelph about an exciting new study that is underway examining the impacts of COVID-19 on individuals in rural Perth County and Huron County. To reach Leith, email: leith.deacon@uoguelph.ca To view the survey, visit: https://linktr.ee/RURAL_RESPONSE

In this week's episode we chat with Antwayne Stewart from Immploy about the Job Matching Program and Mentorship Program. Find out more about how they can help your business find talent to fill open positions. For more program information: www.immploy.ca or info@immploy.ca

In this episode we talk to John Nater, MP for Perth-Wellington about several support programs available for local businesses from the Federal Government. For program information, visit: www.canada.ca/covid19 To reach John: 519-273-1400 or John.Nater@parl.gc.ca

In this episode we talk to Steve Smith, Senior Business Advisor with the Ministry of Economic Development Job Creation and Trade about the Southwestern Ontario Development Fund (SWODF). For more information about SWODF: www.ontario.ca/page/southwestern-ontario-development-fund

In this episode we talk to Clinton Buttar and Dale Snider from Farm Credit Canada about how they work to help local agribusiness and agrifood companies across the food and beverage supply chain. We also discuss the initiatives and resources available during the COVID-19 pandemic. For more information, visit: www.fcc.ca

In this episode we talk to Heidi Culliton, Executive Director with the Stratford Perth Community Foundation to talk about their annual Community Grants Program and the new Emergency Community Support Fund available during the COVID-19 Pandemic to local charitable and not for profit organizations. For more information, visit: www.spccf.ca

In this episode we talk to Holly Mortimer from the Stratford Perth Centre for business about a variety of resources available for local businesses including Starter Company Plus grants, online training opportunities through the Entrepreneurship Academy and mental health resources for business owners. For more information, visit www.stratfordperthbusiness.ca

We welcome back Danielle Collins from the OFA to talk about the Feeding Your Future Initiative. This is an OFA project to promote agriculture and food jobs and training opportunities. #feedyourfuture www.facebook.com/FeedYourFuture www.twitter.com/FeedYourFuture www.ofa.on.ca/feedingyourfuture

In this episode, we talk to Ryan Erb, the Executive Director for the United Way Perth-Huron about the challenges faced in our communities during the COVID-19 Pandemic and some of the new and ongoing support initiatives available. For more info about the United Way Perth-Huron, visit: https://perthhuron.unitedway.ca/ To connect with community resources, call 211 or visit www.211ontario.ca

In this episode, we talk to Randy Pettapiece, MPP for Perth-Wellington and Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. We discuss the initiatives he has been involved in, particularly focused on the agricultural sector. For more info about connecting to jobs in the agri-food sector: https://www.ontario.ca/page/agfoodjobs To reach Randy, visit: http://pettapiece.ca/ or call 1-800-461-9701

In this episode, we talk to Kara Jones from Partners In Employment, a local Employment Ontario resource in Perth County. Kara talks about available programs such as the Canada Ontario Jobs Grant and others. For more info on the Canada Ontario Jobs Grant: http://www.tcu.gov.on.ca/eng/eopg/cojg/ Partners in Employment: http://partnersinemployment.on.ca/ or call 1-888-729-9675

In this episode, we speak with Danielle Collins, the Economic Development Policy Analyst with the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) about the resources and tools to assist farm businesses during COVID-19. For more information, visit the OFA's website: www.ofa.on.ca  Local rep for Perth County is Margaret Vincent: 519-482-9642 or margaret.vincent@ofa.on.ca

In this episode we talk to Meghan Marshall, General Manager of Perth Community Futures Development Corporation (Perth CFDC) about the new Regional Relief and Recovery Fund (RRRF) available to help businesses impacted by the COVID-19 Pandemic.

The COVID-19 pandemic has seen businesses pivot and creatively adapt. Season 1 is focused on sharing interviews with service providers and government reps to insights from local business leaders and best practice champions. Click the subscribe button to make sure you don’t miss an episode and stay tuned to find out more about what it means to prosper in Perth County!