Business Associations and Supports

• A Business Improvement Area (BIA) is a defined geographic area where local businesses work together to improve and promote their district.
• A BIA is created by municipal by-law, typically at the request of the business community.
• Perth’s BIA includes the downtown core, with approximately 150 member businesses.

• The BIA is funded through a special levy collected by the Town of Perth.
• All commercial properties within the BIA boundaries contribute to the budget.
• The levy is based on property assessment and paid by property owners (who may pass on the cost to tenants depending on lease agreements).
• The Town transfers the collected funds to the BIA, which uses the money to deliver programs and services.
• Additional funding comes from an annual municipal grant and sponsorships for events and promotions.
• The budget is presented annually at the BIA's Annual General Meeting.

• Beautification projects such as landscaping, tree planting, hanging baskets, flower barrels, Christmas lights, and downtown signage.
• Marketing and Promotion of downtown Perth as a unique shopping, dining, and cultural destination.
• Event Support, including initiatives like:
  • Kick Off to Summer VIP Shopping
  • Stewart Park Festival
  • Light Up the Night Dance
  • Festival of Good Cheer
• Tourism Promotion, with a focus on Perth’s historic architecture, artistic community, and natural beauty.

• Questions about the Downtown Heritage Perth BIA? Email Nancy Wing, BIA Coordinator.
• Visit DowntownPerthBIA.ca for more information and updates.

• The Perth & District Chamber of Commerce is a non-profit organization.
• Core funding comes from annual membership dues. Fee details are available on the membership application page.
• Additional funding is generated through event registration fees, sponsorships, and occasional public grants for specific projects or initiatives.

• Provides networking opportunities for local business owners and professionals.
• Hosts workshops and learning sessions on timely business topics and challenges.
• Promotes member businesses through marketing, events, and the Chamber website.
• Collaborates with the Town of Perth, surrounding municipalities, and senior levels of government to advocate for the needs of the business community.

Questions about the Perth & District Chamber of Commerce? Contact them at:

40 Sunset Blvd., Unit 30
Perth, ON
Phone: 613-267-3200
welcome@perthchamber.com

Visit PerthChamber.com for more information, become a member, and view and updates.

Community Employment Services supports local employers by helping them connect with qualified job seekers and access valuable hiring resources.

Services include:

• Help finding the right candidates for your business
• Support with training costs for new hires
• Coaching and mentorship for both employers and employees
• Job matching and placement incentives
• Information about government programs, including the Apprenticeship Tax Credit
• Resume referrals and job postings (in-centre and online)
• Access to HR tools, including sample interview questions and hiring guides

To access CES services, book an appointment with a training consultant. Your official registration will be confirmed during your first meeting.

• 613-267-1381 ext. 0
• esperth@algonquincollege.com

Thinking about starting a business? Need guidance to grow your existing one? The Small Business Advisory Centre is here to help entrepreneurs in Perth and across the region.

The Centre offers free, confidential business support services for new and existing small businesses in Lanark County, Smiths Falls, Carleton Place, Mississippi Mills, and surrounding areas. Services include:

• One-on-one consultations (by appointment)
• Seminars, webinars, and events on business topics
• Outreach visits to communities across the region
• Youth and adult business programs, including Summer Company and Starter Company Plus
• Referrals to additional resources and government programs

The Small Business Advisory Centre is a local service provider supported by the Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade, the Town of Smiths Falls, the County of Lanark, and the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville.

Book a phone, virtual, or in-person consultation by appointment;

• 613-283-0062
• cjames@smallbizcentre.ca
• SmallBizCentre.ca

Valley Heartland supports local entrepreneurs by offering flexible financing, expert advice, and tailored business development services. Whether you're starting a new venture, growing your existing business, or navigating a challenge, Valley Heartland can help.

Supports available include:

• Business loans of up to $300,000
• Express loans of up to $15,000 to cover small, immediate needs
• Business advisory services, including one-on-one counselling and mentorship
• Regular workshops and training sessions focused on practical business topics
• Referrals to relevant government programs and funding opportunities

To learn more or start your application, visit ValleyHeartland.ca.