NEWS RELEASE
BUSINESS CENTRE GUELPH-WELLINGTON
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Business Centre Guelph-Wellington (BCGW) will relocate its downtown Guelph offices at 8 Macdonnell St. to the Economic Development offices on the second floor of Guelph City Hall on Oct. 1, 2021.
The move stems from the organization’s pivot to a virtual service delivery model throughout the pandemic, which has allowed BCGW to connect more efficiently and impactfully with business owners and entrepreneurs, not just across Guelph, but across the province.
“Unsurprisingly, we’ve experienced a surge in demand for our business support and advisory services during the past 18 months,” said Kristel Manes, Executive Director of the Business Centre Guelph-Wellington. “This increased demand, combined with the challenges of operating effectively during the pandemic, provided an opportunity to carefully consider the Business Centre’s future growth and how it can best provide value to businesses, entrepreneurs, partners and stakeholders without compromising the depth and breadth of our programming and resources.”
The BCGW and the City of Guelph have a strong history of partnership and collaboration related to small business and economic development, particularly through Invest in Guelph. “Embedding the BCGW within the economic development department at Guelph City Hall will bring more vision and alignment to solving the challenges faced by business owners in Guelph and the region,” said Manes.
“The Business Centre Guelph-Wellington is an essential, long-time partner in our regional business support network, and we’re pleased to welcome them to City Hall,” said Christine Chapman, Manager, Economic Development with the City of Guelph. “Housing the Business Centre and the City’s economic development office in the same space provides one-stop convenient access and support for small businesses with more connection among the services entrepreneurs need.”
ServiceGuelph, located on the ground floor of Guelph City Hall, will now offer in-person access to information about the BCGW’s programs and services for entrepreneurs, business owners and those considering business ownership. The service counter will also provide improved access to information for those with limited access to digital programs and services. BCGW business advisory services, workshops, and programming will continue to be offered virtually to meet increased demand.
A grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony is planned for October 1, 2021, with BCGW staff and board members, City officials, and other stakeholders expected to be in attendance. Updates on the relocation process will be shared through the BCGW’s website and social media profiles.
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