The Perth County Podcast was delivered during the COVID-19 pandemic as a way to share information with affected businesses and the community in an easy to digest format. The podcast shared interviews with service providers and government representatives, as well as insights from local business leaders and best practice champions.
Whether that’s by accessing a new funding program, or considering creative and innovative ways to operate, these episodes were designed to be short, sweet and straight to the point.
Archived episodes of the podcast are available on all major podcast platforms including Podbean, Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio, Stitcher, Pocketcasts, Google Podcasts, TuneIn, Stitcher and more!
Trailer - Season 1
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.
Episode 1 - Regional Relief and Recovery Fund - Perth CFDC
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.
For more information, and to contact Perth CFDC:
- Website: www.perthcfdc.ca
- E-mail: info@perthcfdc.ca
- Phone: 519-814-7570
Episode 2 - Ontario Federation of Agriculture Resources
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
Episode 3 - Partners In Employment Resources and the Canada Ontario Jobs Grant
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: www.tcu.gov.on.ca/eng/eopg/cojg
Partners in Employment: partnersinemployment.on.ca or call 1-888-729-9675
Episode 4 - MPP Randy Pettapiece & OMAFRA Programs
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.
To connect to jobs in the agri-food sector: www.ontario.ca/page/agfoodjobs
To reach Randy: pettapiece.ca or 1-800-461-9701
Episode 5 - Support Programs from the United Way Perth-Huron
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: perthhuron.unitedway.ca
To connect with community resources, call 211 or visit www.211ontario.ca
Episode 6 - Feeding Your Future Initiative
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
Episode 7 - Grants, Training Resources & More from the Stratford Perth Centre for Business
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
Episode 8 - Grants and Programs from the Stratford Perth Community Foundation
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
Episode 9 - Financing & Programs Helping Agribusinesses from Farm Credit Canada
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
Episode 10 - Southwestern Ontario Development Fund
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
Episode 11 - MP John Nater and COVID-19 Federal Support Programs
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
Episode 12 - Connecting Employers with Newcomer Talent
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
Episode 13 - Measuring the Rural Impacts of COVID-19
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
Episode 14 – Finding Employees for Manufacturing and Hospitality with Connect2Skills
In this episode we talk with Gemma Mendez-Smith from the Four County Labour Market Planning Board about the Connect2Skills Program that is helping to train job seekers and place them to fit in-demand positions at local employers.
To reach the Four County Labour Market Planning Board:
- Website: www.planningboard.ca
- Phone: 1-888-774-1468
- Connect2Skills Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/connect2skillshuronperth
Episode 15 – Stop Violence Against Women Perth County
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: www.stopvawperth.ca
- Email: stopvaw@wightman.ca
- 24-hour crisis line: 519-271-5550
Episode 16 – Conestoga Career Centre and the Skilled Workers Sustainable Communities Initiative
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
Episode 17 – International Export and Trade Commission Services
In this episode we talk with Aaron Rosland Ontario’s representative at the High Commission of Canada in London, UK. We talk about opportunities for local business to expand internationally, resources available and why now more than ever is a great time to explore this opportunity.
For more information on how the Trade and Investment Office can assist your company, visit: https://www.ontario.ca/page/ministry-economic-development-job-creation-trade
To find an international trade office location, visit: https://www.investinontario.com/international-trade-and-investment-offices
Episode 18 - Employer & Workplace Toolkit from Huron Perth Public Health
In this episode we talk with Jessica VanGeffen from Huron Perth Public Heath about their new Toolkit and other resources available for local businesses and employers. Also, stay tuned at the end of the episode for a special Thanksgiving wrap up.
For more information visit www.hpph.ca/workplace or call 1-888-221-2133
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