Surveys and consultations will guide the Perth BR&E program
PERTH — The Town of Perth has secured a $24,000 grant through the Rural Ontario Development Program Community Development Stream to support a Business Retention and Expansion (BR&E) program. The grant, provided by the Ministry of Rural Affairs, covers 50 per cent of eligible project costs, with the town responsible for the remaining share.
The funding allows the town to move forward with implementing the BR&E program, an initiative aimed at strengthening Perth’s local business environment while supporting workforce development.
“We’re going to use it to hire someone to help run a group of volunteers to do business retention and expansion,” said Cathy McNally, director of community services.
The BR&E program is a structured process used by municipalities to better understand the needs, challenges and opportunities facing local businesses. Through surveys, interviews and focus groups, the town will gather direct feedback from business owners and employers across the community.
Information gathered during the consultation process will be used to prepare a Business Retention and Expansion action report outlining strategies to help local businesses grow, remove barriers to development and support economic diversification.
The initiative also includes a workforce development component focused on improving connections between employers and job seekers. Planned activities include diversity, equity and inclusion workshops for employers, partnerships with regional immigrant-support agencies and efforts to help businesses attract and retain workers.
As part of the project, the town also plans to develop an online resource hub designed to connect job seekers with local employment opportunities while providing information about training programs and workforce support services available in the region.
The funding agreement took effect Jan. 1, 2026, and the project must be completed by Nov. 27, 2026. The overall agreement expires Nov. 27, 2027, to allow time for final reporting and financial reconciliation with the province.
Under the terms of the agreement, the province will reimburse the town for eligible expenses, while the town will cover the remaining share of project costs through carry-forward funds allocated for economic development initiatives.
“This is a great initiative because I know there are those questions out in the community, especially from the business community,” said Coun. Isabel Anne McRae.
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