Resources and Programs

Business Plans and Marketing

The Stratford Perth Centre for Business provides services and support to new and expanding small businesses in Perth County. They supply template packages for the development of business plans, customized market research, FREE start-up education and much more.

Perth Community Futures Development Corporation provides business support through customized loan programs. Perth CFDC also provides business advice, consulting, business plan assistance, and entrepreneurial training. Perth CFDC staff are in North Perth once a week – contact them to make an appointment.

Downtown Revitalization and Beautification Strategy

Our Downtown Revitalization and Beautification Strategy includes two parts:

1. The Community Improvement Plan sets out a long-term plan for the revitalization and beautification of public and private property;
2. The Downtown Streetscape Master Plans and Streetscape Designs establishes a vision and conceptual designs for the public landscapes and streetscapes of Listowel, Atwood and Monkton.

As part of the Community Improvement Plan, businesses operating in the downtowns of Listowel, Atwood and Monkton can apply for the Façade Improvement Program. This grant covers 50% of eligible costs to a maximum of $7,500 for projects that improve downtown façades.  

Commemorative Bench and Tree Program

You can contribute to beautifying our downtown areas through the Commemorative Bench and Tree Program.

Employment Tools

Visit our Employment Resources page for more information on services and programs that are available for job seekers and employers in North Perth.

Four County Labour Market Planning Board

The Four County Labour Market Planning Board works with business, workforce and community organizations to plan and initiate projects and programs that address workforce development needs in Bruce, Grey, Huron and Perth counties. They provide reliable research, identify employment trends, target workforce opportunities, promote skills development, and raise public awareness of workforce issues.

myPerthHuron

myPerthHuron is an online resource to help track the well-being of our communities, where we are doing well, where community challenges may be emerging and discovering what makes our community unique. 

Perth County Economic Development Office

The Perth County Economic Development Office works in partnership with local municipalities, businesses, industries and other levels of government to seek out strategic opportunities that will enhance our economy. They have a Digital Service Squad that provides businesses with FREE one-on-one assistance to build and expand their digital presence. 

ServiceOntario

ServiceOntario – Business Services offers fast and easy access to Ontario government information and services for business.

There is a ServiceOntario Office at 975 Wallace Ave. N. in Listowel.

Stratford Perth Centre for Business

The Stratford Perth Centre for Business offers business advisory services, training, workshops, networking opportunities and assistance with funding applications for new and expanding small businesses.

Transportation

North Perth is made up of well-maintained urban and rural roads. We are also surrounded by well-connected highways and other transportation networks. Visit our Transportation page for more information. 

Additionally, we have a public transit service that provides affordable and accessible transportation throughout Perth County, Stratford, St. Marys, Kitchener/Waterloo and London. Visit the PC Connect webpage or download the app to view schedules, maps, rates and more.  

Workshops and Training Opportunities

North Perth's Set7 Skills and Technology Centre provides world class training to employees, employers and job seekers throughout the region. For a full list of local training services, visit our Education and Schools page.

We also work with industry experts and community organizations to provide business development workshops. You can view the Business and Development calendar to see a listing of upcoming workshops. Additionally, the Stratford Perth Centre for Business and the Conestoga College Career Centre offer a number of valuable workshops. 

Perth County offers free access to Welcoming Communities Training for all North Perth employers as well as other free training resources. Visit their Business Training page for more information.