Elgin Business Resource Centre

09/03/2026

Thank you for taking the time to sit down with Tara and learn more about our work. We truly appreciate your support for small businesses across St. Thomas and Elgin County!

Small businesses in St. Thomas and Elgin don't walk alone thanks to the Elgin Business Resource Centre. From helping find grants to offering mentorship and guidance to entrepreneurs, the Elgin Business Resource Centre has been supporting the local business community for 40 years.

It was great sitting down with the EBRC's new executive director, Tara McCaulley, to discuss this important work.

09/03/2026

The application window for Starter Company Plus program opens Sept 14th!

The eligibility form is the first step of the Starter Company Plus program!

This 6-month cohort program offers one-on-one and group learning opportunities as well as a $5000 grant to help you launch or grow a business in St. Thomas and Elgin County.

Check your eligibility now and start the process!

https://www.sbecinnovation.ca/starter-company-plus.html

08/31/2026

Tara McCaulley sat down with Ian McCallum of Hustle & Heart 94.1 myFM to discuss What’s good in St. Thomas and Elgin, Removing Barriers, Building Success and Elgin Business Resource Centre’s Commitment to Local Entrepreneurs.

Whether you have a great idea for a start-up business or you own or operate an existing business and are looking for advice, the Elgin Business Resource Centre has the resources that can help your business reach its full potential.

The EBRC is all about promoting economic development in St. Thomas and Elgin County.

New Executive Director Tara McCaulley has worked in the entrepreneurial ecosystem since 2012, starting as a front desk volunteer at the EBRC and working her way through the ranks.

She previously worked for St. Thomas Economic Development Corporation overseeing the Elgin/St. Thomas Small Business Enterprise Centre and the Horton Farmers Market.

All of this in addition to sitting for two years as a councillor on St. Thomas city council.

McCaulley notes, “If there’s a way that we can remove barriers or help with funding or make connections, that’s really what, as I said, is my big passion.”

The EBRC offers one-on-one business coaching, specialized workshops and a self-employment training program.

But it’s a sure bet that many are unaware of the scope of free resources available to the business community.

The EBRC promotes all levels of sustainable business with business loans, from new start-ups to large established businesses. Since inception, the EBRC has granted hundreds of loans to local businesses totaling over $37 million.

“When you look at the growth of St. Thomas and area, we’re growing exponentially. So we’re also seeing lots of new people into our community. How do we reach out to them? How do we make sure they know the services that are available.

“So we really have to not necessarily change our approach completely, but we can’t always do what we’ve always done.”

“We’re not there to make decisions about your business, but we’re there to help you guide the process so that It’s not as overwhelming because as I said, when you’re in your business and you’re working day to day, it’s sometimes really hard to take that step back and look at the big picture.”

It’s a straightforward premise at the EBRC, stresses McCaulley.

08/31/2026

Tara McCaulley sat down with Ian McCallum of Hustle & Heart 94.1 myFM to discuss What’s good in St. Thomas and Elgin, Removing Barriers, Building Success and Elgin Business Resource Centre’s Commitment to Local Entrepreneurs.

Whether you have a great idea for a start-up business or you own or operate an existing business and are looking for advice, the Elgin Business Resource Centre has the resources that can help your business reach its full potential.

The EBRC is all about promoting economic development in St. Thomas and Elgin County.

New Executive Director Tara McCaulley has worked in the entrepreneurial ecosystem since 2012, starting as a front desk volunteer at the EBRC and working her way through the ranks.
She previously worked for St. Thomas Economic Development Corporation overseeing the Elgin/St. Thomas Small Business Enterprise Centre and the Horton Farmers Market.

All of this in addition to sitting for two years as a councillor on St. Thomas city council.

McCaulley notes, “If there’s a way that we can remove barriers or help with funding or make connections, that’s really what, as I said, is my big passion.”

The EBRC offers one-on-one business coaching, specialized workshops and a self-employment training program.

But it’s a sure bet that many are unaware of the scope of free resources available to the business community.

The EBRC promotes all levels of sustainable business with business loans, from new start-ups to large established businesses. Since inception, the EBRC has granted hundreds of loans to local businesses totaling over $37 million.

“When you look at the growth of St. Thomas and area, we’re growing exponentially. So we’re also seeing lots of new people into our community. How do we reach out to them? How do we make sure they know the services that are available.

“So we really have to not necessarily change our approach completely, but we can’t always do what we’ve always done.”

“We’re not there to make decisions about your business, but we’re there to help you guide the process so that It’s not as overwhelming because as I said, when you’re in your business and you’re working day to day, it’s sometimes really hard to take that step back and look at the big picture.”

It’s a straightforward premise at the EBRC, stresses McCaulley.

Visit https://www.stthomastoday.ca/2026/08/31/removing-barriers-building-success-elgin-business-resource-centres-commitment-to-local-entrepreneurs for the full interview.

08/26/2026

Have a business idea but don’t know the first step to take?

Most entrepreneurs get stuck before they even start because the legal and strategic steps feel overwhelming. This 2-hour in-person workshop isn’t a long, boring lecture, it’s a practical session designed for people ready to turn their “someday” idea into a real business.

Register your spot: https://www.elgincfdc.ca/workshop/ready-to-launch-your-business

08/24/2026

Is your business plan still working?

Your business has evolved. Your business plan should too.

Learn why successful entrepreneurs revisit their plans regularly and how a simple review can help you stay focused, measure progress, and adapt to change.

Read the full article: https://www.elgincfdc.ca/a-plan-is-only-as-good-as-you-use-it

08/18/2026

Five months. Still blooming. 🌸

Now that’s a gift that keeps on giving!

Our beautiful International Women’s Day flowers from Petals of Love are still bringing a little colour and joy to our office five months later.

Thank you for the beautiful gift and for the reminder that some good things just keep growing.

08/11/2026

Are you ready to launch your business, nail down a smart marketing strategy, build solid financial projections, or explore funding options?

Our upcoming workshops are designed to help you do just that. Join us and register today—let’s help grow your business together!

Learn more --> https://www.elgincfdc.ca/service/workshops

08/07/2026

Join Our Team

Tell stories. Build connections. Support local business.

Join Elgin Business Resource Centre and help strengthen entrepreneurship, support local business growth, and contribute to the economic vitality of St. Thomas and Elgin County.

Location: St. Thomas, Ontario
Position Type: Full-Time
Reports To: Executive Director

The Elgin Business Resource Centre (EBRC) is seeking a creative, energetic, and community-minded Marketing & Communications Officer to help promote entrepreneurship, support local businesses, and strengthen awareness of our programs and services throughout St. Thomas and Elgin County.

As a key member of our team, you will lead marketing and communications initiatives, coordinate workshops and events, manage digital content, deliver the BizLink business outreach program, and help connect entrepreneurs and businesses with the resources they need to succeed. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys storytelling, relationship-building, event planning, community engagement, and supporting small business growth.

How to Apply:

Interested candidates are invited to submit a cover letter and resume outlining their qualifications and experience.

Applications will be accepted until Friday, August 28, 2026, at 4:00 p.m.

Please submit applications to:
Tara McCaulley, Executive Director
Email: [email protected]

See the full job description: on our website.

EBRC is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an inclusive and welcoming workplace. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.