Dufferin Board of Trade

Sharing Recipient Stories

2021 Dufferin County Community Grant Recipient
$5,000 | Economic Development

The Think Local Market 

On September 21, the Dufferin Board of Trade held its first annual Think Local Market.  The idea behind the market was to support local makers, bakers, and creators in Dufferin County.  We also welcomed local charities that wanted to raise awareness of their services to the community.   

Covid prevented many small vendors from attending markets and trade shows as non-essential business restrictions and limits on gatherings did not allow for it.  We saw a need and offered an opportunity to allow these small businesses to sell their goods and share their stories.   

With over 60 vendors originally registered to attend the event we had cheese makers, wreath makers, marcame creators, and dog cookie bakers.  The weather in September was working against us.  We were forced to postpone our first date due to a tornado warning, our rescheduled date was windy but the rain held off.  We had over 40 vendors attend the rescheduled date.  We were lucky to have local high school students volunteer to direct traffic and ensure one way flows enforcing covid safety regulations.  

The feedback was overwhelmingly positive with many vendors wishing to attend any future vendor markets we have.  We have had one vendor reach out and hope that we have a spring event focusing on youth entrepreneurs.  We hope to make this an annual event after we received positive feedback from vendors and shoppers.  

We thank Dufferin County for their generous grant as we would never have been able to do this without their help.  It was a successful day for all that were involved.