NEW: National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
Each year, September 30th marks the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. The day honours the children who never returned home and survivors of residential schools, as well as their families and communities. Public commemoration of the tragic and painful history and ongoing impacts of residential schools is a vital component of the reconciliation process. To learn more about National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, click here. |
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Longtime International Village BIA Member and Volunteer Frank Lauinger Remembered
It is with the deepest sympathy that we announce the passing of Frank Lauinger. Frank was a part of the International Village BIA board of management for over 30 years and owned audio/visual businesses within our BIA.
“Anyone who knew Frank would say he was a very kind and loving man. Frank was a friend and a confidant for years and brought so much knowledge of the area to me in my early years as Executive Director. I miss our weekly visits, long chats and that joyful smile & laugh.” - E.D. Susie
Rest In Peace Frank. Thank you for all your years of volunteerism with International Village BIA.
See Frank Lauinger's Obituary. |
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SAVE THE DATE: A World of Welcome International Village BIA Mural Project Launch
The International Village BIA's 'A World of Welcome' mural project is set to be unveiled on October 12th 12:30PM at King St. East and Ferguson Ave. North!
The project features a new series of four murals that will celebrate women of colour. By recognizing and celebrating the unique cultural identities of women who frequent the BIA, this project will encourage social cohesion by cultivating an inviting public space.
Stay tuned for more information in subsequent newsletters.
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NEW: Black Forest Inn - Oktoberfest September 30th-October 9th
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Oktoberfest is back at the Black Forest Inn from September 30th to October 9th! For more information head over to the Black Forest Inn's Facebook Page Here.
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NEW: Digital Transformation Grant - Application Portal Closes October 31st
Digital Main Street is a program focused on assisting small businesses with their move to online marketing, sales, and back-office operations.
The program provides a one-time $2,500 grant to brick-and-mortar small businesses to support their digital transformation through the purchase and adoption of digital tools and technologies. The application portal closes on October 31st.
To qualify, each business must undertake a digital assessment, pass the pre-qualification quiz, complete online training, and submit a Digital Transformation Plan.
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NEW: Canada Digital Adoption Program - Apply Now
As part of the Canada Digital Adoption Program, the Government of Canada has partnered with the Ontario Chamber of Commerce to deliver the Grow Your Business Online grant supported by the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce.
Small business owners can receive a micro-grant worth up to $2,400 to help get their business online, give their e-commerce presence a boost, or digitalize business operations. Grant recipients must commit to maintaining their digital adoption strategy for at least six months.
To learn more about eligibility requirements or to apply now, click here. |
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NEW: AGH Festival - October 14th to 23rd
The AGH Festival will be a 10-day multi-arts Festival showcasing the Art Gallery of Hamilton’s core programs, key community partnerships, and emerging arts from the Southwestern Ontario region.
In 2022, the Art Gallery of Hamilton will be taking a big step in the evolution of its fall Festival, with the goal of intensifying the regional and multi-disciplinary connections which have made past Festivals so resonant. The Festival will expand its focus beyond film to include visual art, performance, craft, and other creative genres. In Hamilton’s culturally distinct presentation spaces and within the AGH, the Festival will stage concerts, films, parties, pop-ups and workshops which will build unforgettable connective experiences and echo the integral exhibitions and collection items on display in the Gallery. |
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SAVE THE DATE: Hamilton Day Is Back!
The Hamilton Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to announce that Hamilton Day will become an annual tradition! Building on the tremendous success of last year's event, they will celebrate Hamilton Day again on Saturday, November 5th!
Hamilton Day is a one-day celebration to support the small and local retailers, restaurants and services that you love. More information will be released in subsequent newsletters.
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NEW: Minimum Wage Rates Increase in Ontario
Minimum wage rates in Ontario will increase on October 1, 2022. This increase is tied to the Ontario Consumer Price Index for 2022. To view the new rates and more information, click here. |
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NEW: Four Seasons of Reconciliation Training, Free for Entrepreneurs
BDC has partnered with the First Nations University of Canada and Reconciliation Education to offer the 4 Seasons of Reconciliation training for free to entrepreneurs across Canada.
The training is a 3-hour online course with short modules that can be completed at the learner’s pace and provides a mix of learning tools such as slideshows, videos, films and quizzes.
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NEW: She Means Business - A Success Pod for Entrepreneurial Women
She Means Business - A Success Pod for Entrepreneurial Women is now accepting applications for the Winter 2023 cohort.
What would it feel like to see real momentum build in your business? You know, the kind of momentum that makes you set aside your doubts and self-imposed limitations. The kind of momentum that produces results and elevates you as an entrepreneur to make even bigger strides toward your vision.
If that sounds like something you’d like to achieve, the Hamilton Business Centre invites you to join She Means Business. This small group for women entrepreneurs is a space where your vision is met with excitement, challenges are faced head-on, action is consistent and, accountability is real.
Applications for the Winter 2023 cohort will be accepted until December 16th, 2022. Apply today as there are a limited number of spots available.
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NEW: Taking Your Business from Surviving to Thriving
Date/Time: October 20th | 12-1:30 PM
Join special guest Jenn Hudder for an insightful and interactive discussion on shifting your business from surviving to thriving! Together, you'll be exploring:
- Areas that we subtly sabotage our own efforts and why we do it
- What keeps us from breaking through to the next level in our business
- How to identify when your mind is saying 'yes' but your heart is saying 'no'
- A simple process that participants can implement immediately in their business to stay in alignment with their vision
Register for this Hamilton Business Centre Training Session Here.
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NEW: Google Ads for Small Business
Date/Time: October 4th | 10-11:30 AM
This workshop is a free online webinar for small businesses in Ontario. Search Engine Marketing can be a great way to ensure your business comes up in Google when your ideal customer is searching for you. Setting up Google Ads properly can be challenging though. This beginner-level workshop will walk you through the things you need to know so you can succeed with pay-per-click Google Ads, even on a small budget. Register for this Digital Main Street Training Session Here.
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NEW: TikTok for Small Business
Date/Time: October 18th | 7-8:30 PM
This workshop is a free online webinar for small businesses in Ontario. TikTok has taken the social media world by storm. Sure, the video-sharing platform is full of funny pet videos and the latest dance trends, but it can also be a great place to engage with your customers or clients. This beginner-level workshop will cover the fundamentals of TikTok and how you can use it to build a following for your small business. Register for this Digital Main Street Training Session Here.
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NEW: Grow Your Small Business on Instagram
Date/Time: October 26th | 10-11:30 AM
This workshop is a free online webinar for small businesses in Ontario. This intermediate-level workshop is for those that have already dipped their toes into the world of Instagram and are looking to grow on the platform. We’ll explore different ways small businesses are strategically building a following on Instagram and generating sales from their efforts. You’ll walk away from this workshop with a long list of ideas you can use right away. Register for this Digital Main Street Training Session Here.
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NEW: City of Hamilton Municipal Election - October 24th
The City of Hamilton's upcoming municipal election will be held on Monday, October 24, 2022. To learn more about the municipal election or register to vote, click here.
Cable 14 Ward and Mayoral Debate Recordings
Cable 14 hosted the "Our Hamilton, Our Vote" moderated by Mike Fortune. The debates featured a panel of media representatives from The Hamilton Spectator, CBC Hamilton, CHML Radio, and CHCH News, who posed questions to the candidates. To view specific Ward and the Mayoral debate, click here. |
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NEW: City of Hamilton Bus Operator Recruitment
As a bus operator, you will champion our customer service goals to help set a positive tone for our commuters’ customer experience. You may be required to work a variety of shifts, including early mornings, late evenings and split shifts. If you love people, love to drive, and have a valid class G licence with a point-free driving record, we invite you to further measure your job fit using their checklist.
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NEW: Hamilton Chamber of Commerce & Sustainability Leadership Present: Reducing Business Emissions and Boosting Your Bottom Line with the Net-Zero Challeng
On Thursday, October 6th from 9:00 -10:30 AM the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce (HCC) will be hosting an in-person information session in partnership with Sustainability Leadership (formerly Sustainable Hamilton Burlington) Executive Director, Rafiq Dhanji, to discuss the federal government’s recently announced Net-Zero Challenge.
Businesses that join the Net-Zero Challenge commit to developing and implementing credible and effective plans to transition their facilities and operations to net-zero emissions by 2050. Action on climate change must be taken seriously and that is why credibility and accountability are built into the design of the Net-Zero Challenge.
During this information session, you will learn more about the Net-Zero Challenge, and how Sustainability Leadership and the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce are working together with local businesses to advance their climate-action goals.
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NEW: Black Entrepreneurship Loan Fund
The Black Entrepreneurship Loan Fund is a partnership between the federal government, Black-led business organizations, the Business Development Bank of Canada and other financial institutions. It provides loans up to $250,000 to Black business owners and entrepreneurs across the country.
Applications began to be accepted in 2021 and the program is still open, click here to learn more. |
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NEW: Salt Baby Now On Stage at Theatre Aquarius
Written by Falen Johnson
September 14th – October 1st
A modern comedy about looking for who you really are. Salt Baby is a Six Nations woman, whose light skin sets her apart from her relatives, both on the rez and in the city. This play brings heart to the experience of being mixed blood and feeling ‘invisibly ethnic’ while lampooning expectations of what it means to look Indigenous.
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NEW: Theatre Aquarius Theatre School - Fall Term Registration Now Open
A leader in arts education for over 30 years, Theatre Aquarius Theatre School has supported thousands of youth and championed the creativity and personal success of each participant.
At Theatre Aquarius Theatre School, participants learn and advance skills in music, dance, acting, and theatre making. Participants develop deep bonds and friendships, learn about the power of ensemble, and explore ideas about their world, their community and about the thoughts and feelings of others.
Taught by a faculty of working professional artists and industry leaders, young artists discover the joy of theatre, personal expression and self-confidence while fostering their own unique creativity!
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WSIB Doubles Rebates for Small Businesses Enrolled in Safety Program
The WSIB's Health and Safety Excellence program is a voluntary incentive program that rewards businesses for investing in health and safety. It provides businesses of all sizes and health and safety maturity with the building blocks to improve workplace health and safety.
The program allows you to focus on the health and safety issues that matter most to you. There are 36 health and safety topics available to choose from, and for every topic you complete, you'll earn a rebate on your WSIB premiums.
Through the program, you'll receive financial rebates on your WSIB premiums in recognition of your efforts to complete health and safety topics. The size of the rebates WSIB will send out will vary from business to business. The minimum rebate for each topic is $1,000, and the maximum is $50,000 (or up to 100 percent of the amount a business paid for the prior year's WSIB premiums).
But, for a limited time only, smaller businesses (1-99 employees) will receive double the rebate for every program topic they complete up until December 31, 2022. Plus, WSIB will give smaller businesses enrolling in the program before December 31, 2022, an immediate $1000 just for signing up. That's on top of the rebates you'll get for completing topics! In some cases, you can get back more from the WSIB than you paid in premiums.
Businesses can learn more about the program and sign up today here. The deadline is December 31, 2022. |
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Free Training Programs Offered By Goodwill Amity
- Successful Women In Advanced Manufacturing (SWIM) - The SWIM program offered by Goodwill Amity is a brand-new program for passionate individuals who identify as a woman looking to pursue a career in the manufacturing industry. The 4-week training program provides participants with the technical skills and business acumen that will help them make their way up in the manufacturing world. At the end of the training period, participants will have direct access to interview for some of Ontario’s top manufacturing employers. View the program flyer for more information.
- The Food and Beverage Accelerated Skills Training Program (FAST) - Formerly the Skills Advance Ontario (SAO) Food Manufacturing Program, offers free online training and resources to help you get employed in the food manufacturing industry. View the program flyer for more information.
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Talent Opportunities Program: Applications Now Open
The application portal is open for the Fall 2022 term (September–December 2022). New eligibility rules are now in effect and can be found below and in the TOP Program Guidelines & FAQs. Please ensure you meet the eligibility criteria prior to submitting an application. Please note that funding is limited and applications are not guaranteed to fund.
Are you an employer hiring post-secondary students on work-integrated learning (WIL) placements, such as cooperative education and internships? If so, you may be eligible for a wage subsidy of up to $7,000 per student! Learn more about the Talent Opportunities Program and if your business is eligible, click here.
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RAISE Service and Grant Program
Racialized and Indigenous Supports for Entrepreneurs (RAISE) is a service and grant program developed and administered by the Ontario Business Improvement Area Association (OBIAA), the Toronto Association of Business Improvement Areas (TABIA), and in partnership with the Parkdale Centre for Innovation (PCI), to support Indigenous, Black and other racialized entrepreneurs in Ontario to start and scale their business. For more information and to start the application process, click here.
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Hamilton Rapid Testing Program for Businesses
The Hamilton Chamber of Commerce is still providing Hamilton businesses and organizations with Free COVID-19 Antigen Rapid Testing Kits for their workplace. If you are interested in ordering kits for your workplace, please click the button below to learn more about the program and schedule a pick-up time.
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Federal Government's Business Benefits Finder Helps Businesses Seeking Specific Supports
The Government of Canada's online Business Benefits Finder helps businesses find the right programs and services that they need, whether they are starting out or scaling up. The site generates a tailored list of resources based on a business's identified goals and the type of support needed.
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International Village BIA Nominations
In accordance with the International Village BIA’s procedural bylaw, the BIA will be holding an annual general meeting of the members on November 1st at 10AM via zoom and an election for board members this year. However, we do have a full list of candidates currently to fill all positions.
According to Article 14, Section 5 of the International Village BIA's procedural bylaw we are required to send out information about our nomination process.
All nominations are to be received by October 10th at 11:59PM. The International Village BIA procedural bylaw and a list of all candidates can be found here.
Updated information regarding how to register for the annual general meeting will be posted on our website soon. |
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Reporting Crime in the BIA
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Call 9-1-1
If you see a crime in progress including, aggressive panhandling, assault, theft, and graffiti.
Call Non-Emergencies Line
To report a crime that has already happened such as mischief, damage to vehicle or property, shoplifting that has already occurred, counterfeit money or you see a suspicious person in the area call the Hamilton Police at 905-546-4925.
Report Graffiti
Call 911 if you witness graffiti in progress. If your building has been tagged or see graffiti in the area report it to the City of Hamilton at 905-546-2489. For hate or political tag, report it to the Hamilton Police at 905-546-4925.
Report Online
Report a non-urgent crime, such as damage or mischief under $5,000, theft under $5,000 or physical assault if it happened in Hamilton and you don’t know who it is. Report online here.
Crime Prevention Resources
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International Village BIA Crime Manager
Crime Managers play a crucial role within the Hamilton Police Service. They are the primary liaison between our communities, political leaders, and front-line patrol officers. The International Village BIA’s Crime Manager is able to assist members with non-emergency-related community complaints.
Members in the International Village BIA should direct any non-emergency-related complaints to our Crime Manager.
These complaints can include business theft, vehicle and property damage, suspicious person, aggressive behaviour, counterfeit money, and noise complaints. Members are also able to reach out to our Crime Manager to provide feedback or seek guidance pertaining to a specific issue.
Sgt. Cory Gurman
Central Crime Managers
(905) 540-6074 | cgurman@hamiltonpolice.on.ca
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