A word from Pam Lilley
“For last year's words belong to last year's language and next year's words await another voice.” — T.S. Eliot
With these words of wisdom, we welcome 2016 which is dedicated to new beginnings, fresh ideas and exciting possibilities. This is the year of economic progress, employee happiness and corporate wellness. We believe it is the perfect time to understand emerging technologies and business trends and contemplate on how to bring about a significant positive change in your business structure.
We also would like to hear from you on what kind of articles, reports and insights you expect to be a part of your quarterly business reads. Here’s wishing all our readers a great year ahead that promises prosperity, progress and success.
Pam Lilley
Partner | Deloitte Private
Spotlight
Funding your success
Both the Federal and Provincial governments offer grants and incentives that can help businesses and community organizations succeed. Ranging from small organizations wanting to hire and train new staff, to medium enterprises looking to access new markets, to established multi-nationals expanding their facilities to house innovative new production lines, opportunities to offset costs may be available. Each newsletter we hope to highlight a different funding program that may be of interest.
RURAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM (RED)
Ontario is providing rural communities, businesses and organizations, with funding to help attract investment, create jobs, and boost tourism, through a renewed Rural Economic Development (RED) program. The RED program provides grants to support projects that will strengthen rural Ontario.
The renewed program supports two streams of applicants:
- Business Development Stream – grant funding up to 20% to a maximum of $1 million per project.
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Community Development Stream – grant funding up to 50%.
What types of projects and activities will be supported by the RED Program?
Applicants can apply for funding toward projects in the following categories:
- Plans or strategies
- Applied research and analysis to support planning and priority setting
- Business or sector development and diversification
- Marketing, promotional or branding activities
- Workforce attraction, retention and development
Projects must demonstrate benefits that accrue to rural Ontario.
When and how to apply?
The Rural Economic Development Program is accepting complete applications during specific intake periods listed below. Applications are available online and may be submitted via email or mail.
- October 2, 2015 to January 15, 2016
- January 16, 2016 to April 15, 2016
- April 16, 2016 to July 15, 2016
- July 16, 2016 to October 15, 2016
- October 16, 2016 to January 15, 2017
Industry alerts
Find out survey results
Is your organization secure enough? – Deloitte’s 2015 Cybersecurity survey reveals startling facts
Did you know that in 2013, cybercrime cost Canadian businesses $3.2 billion and 36% of Canadian companies reported to be victims of a cyberattack? It has become imperative to identify your organization’s attackers, understand the areas of concern and safeguard information to ensure client confidentiality, protected payment data and account information.
Deloitte’s 2015 Cybersecurity Survey brings to you an account of how major organizations in Canada perceive cyber threat, their strategy for combating cyber security risks and challenges & solutions for maturing your cybersecurity position.
Stories from the regional team
It is our pleasure to announce that Sheri Penner, our long time Niagara tax partner and colleague, has recently been appointed to a significant new Tax Leadership role in our Atlantic practice and will be moving with her family to New Brunswick. Sheri has been a partner in the Niagara office for over five years and a member’s of Deloitte’s Ontario tax practice for over sixteen. Sheri has demonstrated commitment and leadership in the development of the Ontario Tax practice and outstanding client service.
Although Sheri will miss her team in Niagara, she is very excited to take on this new challenge and experience life on the East Coast. Sheri officially joins the Atlantic team in January 2016. Please join us in offering Sheri our congratulations and success in her new role!
Insights at your fingertips
Deloitte research: Hidden benefits of tourism on the national economy
Deloitte’s latest report showcases that $100-million increase in tourism revenues would generate $69 million in indirect economic output through Canadian businesses in other sectors. Did you know this is more than the indirect output than would be generated from an equivalent increase in revenues for sectors like Oil and Gas and Mining?
Find out how retailers can increase sales through digital content and gamification
With the rise in e-commerce websites and popularity of online shopping, it has become imperative for retailers to reinvent themselves for increasing sales and expanding clientele base. Join a discussion with us on finding out how the retail industry can benefit from embracing digital revolution and gamification to increase foot traffic at stores and retail locations.
Is your organization prepared for the arrival of the Social Impact Bond in Canada?
Find out how the arrival of Social impact bond will help the government in tackling social issues through reduced financial risk and collaborating with private investors & social organizations.
Deloitte news & updates
Deloitte Canada declared one of Canada’s Best Workplaces for the fifth year in a row
We take great pride and happiness in announcing that Deloitte Canada has been chosen as the best workplace for the fifth year in a row. Based on employee’s feedback and a variety of parameters, we have earned this title and owe a big thank you to our people, clients and communities.
We constantly strive to build a culture which believes in the growth of firm along with our people’s careers and life goals. Through corporate wellness, emphasis on inclusion, people-oriented programs and appreciation policies, we aim to keep working hard and make our firm an exceptional place to work.
Anita Scholman
