Township of Scugog Launches Stage 2 of Scugog Business Program

Scugog – The Township of Scugog is pleased to announce the launch of Stage II of the Scugog Business Program (SBP), a Business Retention and Expansion (BR&E) project that aims to support the local business community in Scugog. In partnership with the Region of Durham and funded in part by the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA), the SBP is a structured, action-oriented, and community-based approach to economic development.

During the previously completed Preparation stage, key project teams were identified, and the standard BR&E framework was modified to better reflect local businesses and their needs. Now, with the launch of Stage 2, Collect & Analyze, local business owners and managers will be interviewed by trained staff and volunteers. The data collected will be analyzed to determine if immediate action can be taken to address issues, or if further, longer-term planning is required.

"The data collected during this stage will be crucial to identifying the specific needs of our local businesses," said Mayor Wilma Wotten. "It will allow us to make informed decisions and develop strategies to support and strengthen the local economy."

Using the data collected in Stage 2, the third stage, Develop Goals & Action Plans, will involve developing long-term goals and an action plan, with a summary of results and recommendations for future actions being communicated to the public. The data obtained from individual businesses will be kept strictly confidential – no individual business will be identified.

Finally, in Stage 4, Implement & Monitor, the action plan will be implemented, with progress being monitored and tracked to ensure the identified issues are addressed.

"It is so important that businesses within the community feel heard and supported," said Glen Macfarlane, Rural Economic Development Specialist with the Region of Durham. "Our hope is that the SBP will do this by opening direct lines of communication between business owners, the Township, and the Region."

The Township of Scugog is committed to supporting local businesses and looks forward to the positive impact the SBP will have on the community.

For more information or to book an interview through the self-serve scheduling form, please visit the SBP webpage. Questions can be emailed to the SBP Team at SBP@Scugog.ca.