Haldimand County’s Economic Development and Tourism division is launching a virtual marketplace to support local businesses. The Real Haldimand Marketplace will allow members of the public to discover new businesses/products and shop local from the comfort of home.

The new virtual marketplace aims to help local businesses expand their customer base and boost the local economy. “We want to encourage customers to show their love for local! Through the fully-virtual marketplace, our goal is to improve visibility of local businesses and drive customers to purchase,” said Lidy Romanuk, the County’s Manager of Economic Development & Tourism.

COVID-19 restrictions have compelled small businesses to make the shift to offer online sales. With the Real Haldimand Marketplace, businesses are now able to reach new audiences and stay connected with their customers through a convenient and accessible platform.

Local small business owner Krista Jefferson, who opened her Caledonia store November 2019, loves the idea of being part of a virtual marketplace for Haldimand businesses. “The support of the community has meant so much during this pandemic. As people seek to support small businesses and shopping locally – I love the idea of giving them an easy way to do it all in one place!”, she said.

To explore local shops and products in the Real Haldimand Marketplace, visit TourismHaldimand.ca/Marketplace. Browse the ever-growing list of vendors on the marketplace and purchase products through businesses’ online shopping portals.

All Haldimand County businesses with eCommerce platforms are encouraged to sign up as a vendor on the Real Haldimand Marketplace. Free support is available through the Digital Main Street program until the end of February to businesses that don’t have an online store set up already.

For more information on supports available to local business owners, such as educational webinars, access to expert business advisors and more small business resources, visit: BusinessHaldimand.ca.

The County is grateful for the support of Caledonia BIA, Caledonia Chamber of Commerce, Cayuga Chamber of Commerce, Dunnville BIA, Dunnville Chamber of Commerce, Hagersville BIA, Hagersville Chamber of Commerce and Jarvis Board of Trade who helped make the Real Haldimand Marketplace possible.