Innovation Guelph and the City of Guelph announced the launch of the Connect Guelph Portal at the 2014 Economic Summit held in January. The new online tool acts as a concierge for Guelph’s business community, a one-stop access point to local, regional and national business support services and programs.
Users can expect to find links to more than 100 programs, services and agencies that provide information on funding, available commercial and industrial real estate, business educational programs and workshops, business networking events, and government and professional services. The site includes an ASK US feature where users can submit questions or comments regarding the Portal. Feedback generated through this feature will help to continuously improve the site making it more user friendly and a useful tool for business.
“The portal concept was borne from local entrepreneurs, businesses and new investment prospects who told us that they aren’t always aware what’s out there or where to start when it comes to support resources for business,” said Jamie Doran, COO Innovation Guelph.
“Through surveys conducted by the University of Guelph and Guelph Economic Development, local business leaders told us they had limited time and resources to search through the vast amount of program and support information that is available to them,” said Barbara Maly, Business Development Consultant, Economic Development. “They told us it needs to be in a form that is readily available, current and quick to access.”
The Connect Guelph Portal is an initiative that showcases Guelph’s strong and supportive business climate. Collaboration with multiple stakeholders helps to keep Guelph economically viable, resilient, diverse and attractive for business.
The Connect Guelph Portal can be found at:
www.connectguelph.ca
, or look for the Connect Guelph widget found on most Guelph business service organization websites. Users can download the widget to be used on their own websites right from the Connect Guelph homepage.
This project was funded in part by the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada’s, Invest Canada Community Initiatives fund.