Learn how to make your business more inclusive!

Apply for Vaughan’s Better Your Business program by Sept. 10

Do you want to make your tourism business more inclusive and accessible but aren’t sure where to start? Applications for the Better Your Business Tourism Diversity program are open at vaughanbusiness.ca/BetterYourBusiness until Wednesday, Sept. 10. Only seven spots are available – and applications fill up fast – so apply today! 

Led by Bannikin and KLB Consulting, this program offers one-on-one consultations with established industry leaders to promote tourism to the 2SLGBTQ+ community; Black, Indigenous and racialized communities; and individuals with accessibility requirements. Selected businesses will have the opportunity to work with the project team and develop a strategic diversity, equity and inclusion plan to guide their tourism operations. 

Whether you are a festival or event organizer that is working to make your website and experience more accessible or a business that attracts visitors to the city and wants to appeal to broader audiences, submit an application to diversify your offerings while making a positive social impact on the community. 

Eligible program applicants must be based in Vaughan or have an annual event/activation in Vaughan that will be the beneficiary of this program. Applicants must also: 

1. be a tourism business or organization that falls under at least one eligible tourism category;
2. have a demonstrated history of promoting to and attracting tourists. A tourist is defined by the Ontario Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Gaming as an individual who travels 40 km or more (one-way) to attend an event and/or stays overnight in a local accommodation; and,
3. be either an incorporated business, primarily a small or medium enterprise; a not-for-profit incorporated organization; a co-operative (for-profit and not-for-profit); or a post-secondary institution.

For more details on the program, visit vaughanbusiness.ca/BetterYourBusiness.

Looking for additional support and resources to start or grow your business? The Vaughan Business and Entrepreneurship Centre offers a robust list of services to entrepreneurs, including:

• free business advisory consultations (virtual or in person).
• business planning support, including marketing strategies, financial forecast and cash flow, and general business development.
• information on the development process, regulations, zoning, licensing, permits, business registration and legal structure.
• end-to-end site selection support.
• connections to funding sources, financing and grants.
• connections to business professionals, organizations and resources from various levels of government.
• research and business intelligence support.
• business development and marketing support for tourism organizations.
• business workshops, seminars, events and networking opportunities.

To learn more about starting or growing your business, visit vaughanbusiness.ca.

To stay informed on the City’s latest tourism, business resources and initiatives, sign up for the Economic Development department’s eNewsletters at vaughanbusiness.ca/enewsletters and follow the official channels on LinkedIn and Instagram.

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