Business Resources

The Bracebridge Business Improvement Area (BIA) is an area within the municipality of Bracebridge that has been established to undertake beautification and promotion of the Central Business District. Anchored by the red brick buildings of the historic downtown, the BIA is home to many one-of-a-kind boutiques, eateries and service based businesses.

The community is very proud of its BIA and hopes that you will take some time to stroll the streets and meet the many merchants that form the heart and soul of this community.

The Bracebridge Chamber of Commerce supports local businesses by providing resources, networking opportunities, and advocacy to help entrepreneurs start and grow their ventures. Membership offers access to workshops, events, and connections with other business owners and community leaders, fostering collaboration and knowledge-sharing. The Chamber also represents the interests of businesses in local decision-making, helping members navigate regulations, access programs, and stay informed about opportunities to strengthen and expand their operations in Bracebridge.

The Chamber of Commerce operates the Visitor Information Centre for the Town of Bracebridge. It is located at 3 Ecclestone Drive.

Whether you're hosting a grand opening, marking a business anniversary, celebrating a new location, or recognizing a major milestone, the Town of Bracebridge wants to help acknowledge your success.

Please fill out the following form to let us know about your upcoming event. Our team will follow up to discuss how we may be able to support you - such as through attendance by Town representatives or coordinating details related to your celebration.

Note that submitting this form does not guarantee attendance, but we welcome the opportunity to help celebrate your business milestone and will do our best to accommodate requests.

Business Celebration Request Form

Questions?  Email us or call 705-645-5264 ext.3511.

In Bracebridge, the Town licenses the following types of businesses:

• Refreshment vehicles
• Temporary Vendor

Refreshment Vehicle Licence

Also referred to as chip wagon, mobile barbecue, refrigerated bicycle cart, etc., and that serve food such as hot dogs, french fries, ice cream, and the like.

Please read our By-law on Refreshment Vehicle Licences and Regulations to ensure you meet all the necessary requirements.

Also, please read the public information brochure on refreshment vehicles. 

Review, fill out and submit the Refreshment Vehicle Licence Application Form to apply for your Refreshment Vehicle Licence.  For additional information contact the By-law Enforcement Branch or call 705-645-5264 ext. 3250.

Temporary Vendor Licence

Temporary Vendors are also known as temporary sales, hawkers, pedlars, etc., and may be operated from a fixed location or at various locations within Bracebridge.

Please read our Temporary Vendor Business Licence By-Law (By-Law 2018-031) to ensure you meet all the necessary requirements.

Review, fill out and submit the Business Licence Application Form to apply for your Temporary Vendor Licence.

Contact our By-Law Enforcement Staff at 705-645-6319 ext. 3250 for more information.

Sign Permits

To maintain an attractive appearance in the community and to ensure a safe environment, the Town regulates the use of signs in an effort to avoid visual clutter and for traffic and pedestrian safety. The following signs require a sign permit:

Follow the links below for more information on Sign Permits:

• Sign By-law
• Sign permit application
• Sign permit fees (Appendix "G")
• Sign by-law variance application
• Questions about signs? Contact the Building Services Branch at (705) 645-6319 ext. 3543.

Bracebridge Financial Incentives

The Town of Bracebridge offers a range of financial incentives designed to support local businesses, property owners, and community organizations. Through its Community Improvement Plan (CIP), the Town provides flexible grants and interest-free loans that help leverage private investment for projects such as building and property improvements, façade and signage upgrades, energy efficiency retrofits, housing rehabilitation, and other eligible improvements. These incentives can cover a significant portion of eligible project costs and are intended to stimulate investment, enhance the visual appeal and functionality of commercial areas, and support economic growth and revitalization throughout the community.

In addition to the CIP, Bracebridge administers Community Grants and Event Tourism Grants that provide one-time funding to not-for-profit groups and event organizers whose activities benefit the local economy and community vibrancy. The Town also highlights additional business funding opportunities available through provincial and federal grant and loan programs. For details on eligibility, application processes, and specific incentive programs, visit the Financial Incentives page.

Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario (FedNor)

The Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario (FedNor) is the Government of Canada’s regional development agency for Northern Ontario.

FedNor supports economic growth and job creation by providing funding and resources to businesses, communities, and organizations. They work with local partners, including Community Futures Development Corporations, to offer business counselling, loans, and planning support. FedNor’s programs help entrepreneurs launch new ventures, expand operations, invest in technology, and improve productivity, contributing to a stronger and more resilient northern economy.v

Innovation Initiatives Ontario North (IION)

Innovation Initiatives Ontario North (IION) is a regional innovation centre that helps technology-oriented entrepreneurs and businesses in Nipissing, Timiskaming, Parry Sound, and Muskoka grow, scale, and commercialize.

IION provides a variety of services, including business advisory support, guidance on public and private funding, in-house grant programs, access to industry experts and resources, market intelligence, and business-to-business networking. They also assist companies in exploring and adopting artificial intelligence through programs that cover advisory costs and help develop AI adoption plans.

Muskoka Futures

Muskoka's Community Futures Development Corporation is a not-for-profit community futures development corporation (CFDC) based in Bracebridge that supports entrepreneurs at every stage, whether you are just starting out, growing your business, or preparing to transition out. They provide tailored advice, coaching, and strategic guidance to help you make informed decisions, access opportunities, and build a sustainable business.

As a CFDC, they also offer flexible, mission-driven loans to suit a variety of needs, including purchasing equipment, renovating your workspace, training staff, or covering operating costs. If you are ever uncertain about your next step, the team at Muskoka Futures is ready to help you develop your ideas, connect with partners, and reach your business goals.

National Research Council’s Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC IRAP)

The National Research Council’s Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC IRAP) supports Canadian small- and medium-sized businesses that are developing technology-driven innovations. IRAP provides financial assistance, advisory services, and connections with R&D experts to help companies build their innovation capacity and bring ideas to market.

IRAP offers specialized support for projects such as clean technology development and the adoption of new technologies like artificial intelligence. Through its national network of industrial technology advisors, IRAP works locally to connect businesses with the right technical and business expertise to develop and commercialize their innovations.

Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC)

The Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) is a provincial agency dedicated to supporting economic growth and job creation in Northern Ontario. They provide financial assistance to businesses, Indigenous communities, and municipalities to help start, expand, or modernize operations.

NOHFC funding can cover eligible costs such as equipment, construction, technology upgrades, and workforce training. Their goal is to partner with entrepreneurs and communities to strengthen the local economy, support innovation, and build a more diverse and resilient northern business landscape.

Provincial and Federal Programs

The Province of Ontario has an extensive list of grant and loan programs available for a variety of business sectors. For more information on these programs, visit the Ontario Business Grants.

The Federal Government of Canada has a number of financial incentive programs for business.  For more information on these programs, click here.

The Muskoka Small Business Centre (MSBC), a division of the Town of Bracebridge’s Economic Development Branch and funded by the Province of Ontario, provides free, confidential support to small and mid-sized businesses at every stage of their journey. MSBC works one-on-one with entrepreneurs and business owners to understand their vision, goals, and needs, and offers practical advice and resources to support start-up, ongoing operations, and business growth.

Services include one-on-one consultations with experienced business consultants, assistance with business registration, and support in developing or strengthening business plans. Entrepreneurs can also access workshops and training sessions, connect with local business networks through regional events, and apply for programs such as Summer Company (grants up to $3,000 for students) and Starter Company Plus (grants up to $5,000 for entrepreneurs starting or growing a business). MSBC can assist if you are thinking about opening a business, developing a business plan, or navigating change in an established business.

The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit offers a wide range of programs and public health services focused on promoting and protecting health, and preventing disease, disability and injury. These programs and services are funded by municipal and provincial tax dollars.