NEW: Digital Main Street: Digital Transformation Grant Program Now Open
Digital Main Street (DMS) is a program focused on assisting small businesses with their move to online marketing, sales, and back-office operations. The program is built around an online learning platform, structured video training series, grant opportunities, and a Digital Service Squad, a team of trained individuals who help main street businesses with their adoption of digital tools and technology.
The application portal for the Digital Main Street Digital Transformation Grant Program re-opened on January 16th, 2023, and will remain open until September 30th, 2023 (or until grant funds are fully exhausted).
The Digital Transformation Grant (DTG) program is focused on assisting small businesses with their adoption of technologies. The program provides training, advisory support, and grants to brick-and-mortar small businesses looking to increase their capacity through digital transformation.
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NEW: Progress Pride Flag Door Decal Now Available for Businesses in the International Village BIA
Businesses in the International Village BIA can now pick up a Progress Pride Flag door decal for FREE at Atomica Tattoo & Art Studio (203 King St. East). Please display this on the door or window of your business.
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NEW: XELF Fitness - New Membership Options
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NEW: 2023 Shirley Elford Emerging Artist Commission Prize – NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS
Hamilton artists practicing professionally for less than 5 years can submit for a $2,000 commission to create work that speaks to Hamilton's evolving identity, to be presented at the 2024 Arts Awards event. This call is open to artists in any discipline who are 18 years or older and have lived in Hamilton for the past 2 years or more. Prize recipients selected by a jury, will receive:
- $2,000 in artist fees
- Presentation of their work at the Arts Awards Event or Online Presentation
- Civic and media recognition
For details and the application click here or contact artsawards@hamilton.ca or 905.546.2424 ext 7612. Applications are due on or before Friday, March 10th, 202
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NEW: Hamilton Winterfest - February 2nd to 20th
From February 2nd to 20th, Hamilton Winterfest celebrates over 50 events across the city from exhibits and concerts to workshops and outdoor fun for the whole family. This year the Winterfest HUB will take over the rooftop of Jackson Square with more than 20 art installations, free concerts, and a Family Day Celebration like no other. To learn more about Winterfest, click here.
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NEW: Marketing Plans by McMaster University Students
In the existing competitive environment, the fight for the consumer dollar can be fierce and can often dictate your future. Marketing plans are a key to business success but often get ignored because of time and resources needed. The DeGroote School of Business at McMaster University has the solution. As part of a long-running marketing course at McMaster University, many local businesses have an opportunity to work with our students on three-month projects at no cost. View the information flyer below to learn more.
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NEW: Community in Motion Awards - Nomination Submissions Now Open
There are 4 award categories this year that can be given to individuals, businesses or organizations that foster a culture of sustainable transportation within the City:
- Organization of the Year
- Advocate of the Year
- School of the Year
- Smart Commute Employer of the Year
The Community in Motion Award recognizes members of the community who have made an effort to actively support and promote the use of sustainable forms of transportation such as walking, cycling, and public transit. Click here to learn more.
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NEW: Take the Annual EmployerOne Survey
In partnership with Workforce Planning Hamilton, the City of Hamilton's Economic Development Division has organized this survey to create an updated and more fulsome picture of our community's business and employer needs.
The survey allows employers to speak on anticipated hiring challenges relating to hard-to-fill positions, experiences hiring newcomers and immigrants, the impact of minimum wage increases and anticipated needs for the 2023 business year.
Completing this survey will provide Workforce Planning Hamilton and the City of Hamilton with critical and timely data on business and workforce needs. In addition, every organization completing this survey demonstrates their commitment to charting an evidence-based course for our future.
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LAST CHANCE: Clean & Green Neighbourhood Grant Program
The Keep Hamilton Clean & Green Committee is offering a Clean & Green Neighbourhood Grant of up to $1000, which provides one-time funding for community green projects and initiatives.
The maximum an organizer/group is eligible to receive is up to $1,000 per calendar year.
- The grant will assist groups in achieving measurable and sustainable results for projects in their neighbourhoods that support the overall goals and objectives of the Clean & Green Hamilton Strategy.
- The Clean & Green Strategy encourages activities and behaviours that address litter, illegal dumping, graffiti, beautification and environmental stewardship. A clean and green neighbourhood leads to improved health, prosperity, safety and well-being of all residents.
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NEW: Community Services Recovery Fund Application Process Now Open
The application process for the Community Services Recovery Fund is now open.
The Community Services Recovery Fund is a historic one-time investment of $400 million that will help community service organizations to adapt, to modernize and to be better equipped to improve the efficacy, accessibility and sustainability of the community services that they provide, so they can continue to support communities across Canada through the pandemic recovery and beyond.
Applications for funding can be submitted from now until February 21st, 2023. Additional information and resources, including an applicant guide, can be found on the Community Services Recovery Fund website.
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New: Waste Collection Service Information Update
The City of Hamilton has provided updated information for waste collection service information for the International Village BIA:
Recycling (Paper/Containers Blue Boxes) Collection: TUESDAYS only: Curbside of King St. E., directly in front of your address, no alleyway collection.
Green Cart (Organics) Collection: TUESDAYS only: Curbside of King St. E., directly in front of your address, no alleyway collection.
Garbage Collection: Weekly max. 1 bag per residential unit and 6 bags per commercial unit
- TUESDAYS only: Curbside of King St. E., directly in front of your address.
- Alleyway Option (Northside of King St. E., Only): Monday/Wednesday/Friday in alleyway directly behind your address, must be properly contained and set out no earlier than 7 pm night before collection to avoid disturbance, no storage of waste in alley permitted otherwise. Only GARBAGE bags/bins are collected in alleyways.
Bulk Garbage Collection: By call in ONLY to 905-546-CITY (2489), pick-ups will be scheduled for Tuesdays CURBSIDE ONLY, no bulk garbage permitted to be set out in alleyways.
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Sidewalk Snow Clearing in the City of Hamilton
The City of Hamilton’s Snow and Ice By-law No. 03-296 requires property owners and/or occupants to clear snow and ice within 24 hours after the end of a snow event from:
- sidewalks adjacent to their property
- roofs that overhang the City sidewalk
Snow clearing will be activated when accumulation is 5 cm or greater and cleared to a snow packed end condition with de-icing material as needed.
Help a neighbour, friend or family and assist those who are not able to clear the snow.
**Beginning in November 2022, the City will implement a level of service enhancement for sidewalk snow clearing along Priority 1 roadways as well as Priority 2A roadways where transit operates and all transit stops. This level of service enhancement will further aid residents in accessing transit options City-wide during the winter months.**
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New: THE GIG at Theatre Aquarius - March 8th-25th, 2023
Written by Mark Crawford
Directed by Morris Panych
Three drag queens have been hired to perform at a private function. The catch? Tonight’s event is a campaign fundraiser for a Conservative politician. As the queens struggle to agree on how to proceed, the campaign manager and rookie candidate attempt to send a message of inclusivity and hope to their voters. Throw in an unimpressed venue technician and a long-standing MP who’s been forced into retirement and, honey, this gig will have you “gagging!” Politics! Sibling rivalry! Wigs!
The Gig is a contemporary comedy that asks: what do we do when we don’t see eye-to-eye?
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New: Soupfest is returning for 2023!
Soupfest returns on Tuesday, February 28th from 11:30AM to 7PM at the Hamilton Convention Centre (1 Summers Lane, by Carmen's on the main floor). Soupfest is the major fundraiser for the Hamilton non-profit Living Rock Youth Centre, which has been supporting vulnerable youth since 1985. The funds raised from Soupfest will be directed to the programs and resources that are offered to support youth in need. Living Rock Youth Centre acts as a place of belonging and safety and is a bridge to the community while the youth develop a vision for their lives. There is little better than a delicious warm bowl of soup during these cold and dreary winter months, and you will feel even better knowing that you are supporting a great organization that does valuable work to support vulnerable individuals in Hamilton.
Each ticket is $20 and will provide you with 4 4oz bowls of soup from the participating restaurants of your choice. You can find more information about SOUFEST and purchase tickets here.
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New: The Spring Tide Show - March 10th-19th, 2023
The Spring Tide Bulb Show is a journey to an oasis with beautiful flower displays and the smell of spring. Running from March 10th-19th, 2023 at the Gage Park Greenhouse (9AM to 5PM) hundreds of spring bulbs will be on display. There will also be a vendor marketplace, café and flower shop. To learn more, click here.
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New: DRAGONS’ DEN is hosting open auditions in Toronto on April 1st
DRAGONS’ DEN is hosting open auditions in Toronto, looking for the next big ‘thing’ in Canadian business! DRAGONS’ DEN gives aspiring entrepreneurs the opportunity to pitch their businesses to a panel of wealthy Canadian business moguls. Successful pitchers will have a chance to earn real investment - from the Dragons’ own pockets! To learn more, click here.
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NEW: Facebook and Instagram Advertising on a Small Budget
Date/Time: February 23rd | 7PM
This workshop is a free online webinar for small businesses in Ontario. Whether you have $5, $50, or $100 a month to spend on Facebook and Instagram advertising, you can still reach your target customers and clients. Discover some creative ways to do so in this fast-paced, intermediate-level webinar. Register for this Digital Main Street Training Session Here.
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NEW: Google Ads for Small Business
Date/Time: Febraury 21st | 10AM
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: Hamilton Business Centre & Digital Main Street Programs for Small Businesses
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NEW: Complimentary Google 360 Photo Tours for Businesses
360 images and tours drive results! 360 images can not only improve your user experience, and make it easier for customers to find you but also let customers peek inside before they arrive while boosting your business’s visibility online. Request your business’s complimentary 360 photo session today through the Hamilton Business Centre and the Digital Main Street Service Squad. |
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NEW: 25-Point Google Business Profile Audit
Your business’s Google Business Profile can transform how you acquire customers online. Here’s what some of the data says: 93% of local searches now feature Google Business Profiles, 68% of people contact a business directly from search results, 88% of people trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations. There are a lot of people using Google every day for local purposes. And now we know that virtually all of those searches feature Google Business Profiles. Request your business’s complimentary audit today to be sure your profile is optimized and being used to its fullest potential. |
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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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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.To learn more about the program and schedule a pick-up time, click here.
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Federal Government's Business Benefits Finder
The Government of Canada's online Business Benefits Finder helps businesses find the right programs and services that they need. The site generates a tailored list of resources based on a business's identified goals and the type of support needed. To learn more, click here. |
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Ward 2 Councillor's Office - Contact Information and Staff
Members requiring assistance from the City of Hamilton are now able to report issues to the Ward 2 Councillor's office. When reaching out to the Ward 2 Councillor's office please use the following information and a ticket will be created to make sure any requests are answered.
- Cameron Kroetsch, Ward 2 Councillor ward2@hamilton.ca | 905-546-2197
- Hasnain Khan, Ward 2 Constituency Coordinator hasnain.khan@hamilton.ca | 905-546-2197
- Liesl Thomas, Ward 2 Constituency Coordinator liesl.thomas@hamilton.ca | 905-546-2197
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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 9-1-1 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.ca
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