The Parry Sound Muskoka Community Network (PMCN) served as a critical technology lifeline for businesses across Northern Ontario for over two decades. From 2000 to 2022, this non-profit organization distributed more than $10 million in government funding to help over 800 local businesses adopt digital technology and improve their operations.
PMCN focused on bridging the digital divide by supporting small and medium-sized enterprises with grants, technical assistance, and networking opportunities. Their programs helped local businesses establish online presences, implement digital tools, and compete in an increasingly connected marketplace.
As more businesses moved online, industries like online gambling also grew, raising the question of whether programs like PMCN’s could have supported this sector as well.
Grants for Digital Innovation: Could They Include Online Gambling?
PMCN’s grants helped businesses build websites, set up online stores, and use better digital tools. Many industries, like tourism and retail, benefited from this support. The online casino industry also relies on strong digital systems, secure payments, and easy-to-use platforms to keep up with demand. If PMCN had included online casinos and gaming companies, it could have helped improve website security, online payment options, and responsible gambling tools. With online gambling becoming more popular in Ontario, grants for digital improvements in this industry could have created more jobs and safer gaming experiences.
To better understand PMCN’s impact, let’s take a closer look at the organization itself.
About PMCN
Parry Sound Muskoka Community Network (PMCN) operated as a non-profit organization funded by FedNor, the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario. PMCN’s mission evolved over time, initially focusing on building broadband infrastructure before shifting to help businesses adopt technology and digital solutions.
As PMCN’s Chair Lance DeCaire explained in their farewell announcement, “In the early days we were involved with building new broadband capacity, including bringing internet to the Parry Sound Airport. We were able to fund free wifi projects in downtown Huntsville, Parry Sound, Gravenhurst and Bracebridge.”
The organization was governed by a board of directors representing various geographic areas and industries, ensuring regional representation across Parry Sound and Muskoka. Their work expanded beyond just internet access to include digital education, business grants, and technology adoption support.
PMCN’s Key Business Support Programs
Business Technology Improvement Fund (BTIF)
The BTIF grant became one of PMCN’s flagship programs, offering businesses up to 50% funding (maximum $25,000) to adopt digital technology and innovation. The program targeted four key areas:
- Enhanced business processes (automation, customized solutions)
- Service excellence (customer experience technology)
- Management services optimization (financial tools, operational processes)
- Specialized equipment and digital tools
The application process involved ten steps, from registration to payment, with a review committee selecting the most promising projects based on potential business impact.
BTIF grants helped businesses like Muskoka Bear Wear implement inventory management systems, allowed Parry Sound Tourism operators to develop digital marketing strategies, and enabled manufacturers to adopt automated production systems.
Broadband for E-Business & Marketing (BEAM)
The BEAM program focused specifically on helping businesses establish and improve their online presence. It covered 75% of costs (up to $4,000) for:
- Web development and design
- Content creation (web copy, digital media)
- Mobile applications
- Business operation applications
BEAM supported hundreds of businesses across four funding rounds. Recipients included diverse enterprises such as Milford Bay Trout Farm, several Parry Sound B&B establishments, Muskoka Fitness Club, and the Parry Sound Chamber of Commerce, showing the program’s wide-ranging impact.
Interestingly, BEAM offered higher funding percentages (75%) for businesses using Northern Ontario vendors compared to those using vendors from outside the region (65%), demonstrating PMCN’s commitment to building the local digital economy.
STAMP (Small Business Technology Assessment & Planning)
The STAMP program took a more comprehensive approach to digital transformation. It provided funding in two stages:
- 75% of costs (up to $3,750) for IT assessment by qualified consultants
- 50% of costs to acquire products and services recommended in the assessment
With a maximum grant of $6,250, STAMP helped businesses identify their technology needs and implement solutions to address information and communication technology obstacles.
Perfecting the Pitch: PMCN’s Business Competition
PMCN’s “Perfecting the Pitch” competition gave local entrepreneurs the opportunity to showcase their businesses and win marketing support. The competition involved:
- Submitting a 5-minute video about the business
- Working with experts to improve marketing presentations
- Competing for cash prizes at public viewing events
The 2022 winner, Rock Paper Scissors Co. from Gravenhurst, received $5,000 to help launch their storefront. Co-owner Kelly Warne noted that beyond the financial support, the program helped them build valuable connections: “We’re networking with people who genuinely care about us and our family and our products.”
Impact Gala: Recognizing Business Innovation
PMCN’s annual Impact Gala became a prestigious event in the region, bringing together entrepreneurs, investors, and community leaders. The 2022 gala featured:
- Total prize money of $30,000
- Awards from both Muskoka Founders Circle and Parry Sound Founders Circle
- Recognition of innovative businesses in multiple categories
The gala served as a networking hub where established businesses connected with startups, creating valuable mentorship opportunities. Past events drew up to 200 attendees and awarded up to $45,000 in prize money, making it a significant gathering for the region’s business community.
Tools & Resources Provided by PMCN
Beyond direct funding, PMCN connected businesses with various resources to support their growth:
- Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) small business loans
- Connected North services for Northern Ontario connectivity
- IION (Innovation Initiatives Ontario North) funding programs
- MaRS business development resources
- Muskoka Futures loans for technology purposes
These partnerships created a more comprehensive support system for local businesses, helping them find the right mix of funding and expertise for their specific needs.
PMCN’s Broadband Advocacy & Digital Expansion
PMCN played a significant role in advocating for better rural broadband access. They partnered with organizations like Blue Sky Net to respond to CRTC consultations on broadband funding and mapping.
In one notable submission to the CRTC’s Telecom Notice of Consultation, PMCN and partner organizations advocated for:
- More granular mapping of underserved areas using property-level data
- Regional administration of broadband funding
- Better consideration of rural and remote areas in funding formulas
This advocacy work helped shape broadband policy while highlighting the unique needs of the Parry Sound-Muskoka region.
Why PMCN Shut Down After 22 Years
After 22 years of operation, PMCN ceased operations on December 31, 2022, when FedNor rejected their application for continued operational funding. Several factors contributed to this decision. FedNor’s mandate changed after becoming its own department, while PMCN’s role had evolved from infrastructure development to advocacy.
There was also significant overlap between PMCN’s programs and other federal initiatives, such as similar programs offered by the Business Development Bank of Canada. As DeCaire explained, “We get it. It’s a different world than the one we started in and I think we’ve done a lot of good stuff.”
What Businesses Gained
Over two decades, PMCN’s impact on the region was substantial. More than 800 businesses received direct support for digital transformation, including hospitality businesses like Knights Inn Bracebridge that modernized their booking systems and online presence: Let’s look closer:
- 800+ businesses received direct support for digital transformation
- $10+ million in government funding was distributed to local enterprises
- Muskoka Bear Wear, Parry Sound Tourism operators, and countless small businesses established online presences
- Companies like Enjoy Muskoka Realty and Sound Boat Works leveraged digital tools to expand their reach
- Businesses adapted to e-commerce and digital service delivery during COVID-19
Local enterprises gained not just funding but also connections, knowledge, and confidence to embrace digital transformation.
What’s Next for Businesses in Muskoka?
With Parry Sound Muskoka Community Network (PMCN) no longer available, businesses in the region now need to look to alternative resources. According to recent Muskoka News reports, the Business Development Bank of Canada offers technology loans, while the Muskoka Founders Circle provides mentorship and potential investment opportunities. The sound social network established by PMCN continues to operate informally, allowing businesses to maintain valuable connections built over the years.
Businesses can also turn to regional innovation centers for technical support, provincial programs for digital transformation funding, and industry-specific grants and private funding opportunities. The Muskoka Founders Circle and Parry Sound Area Founders Circle continue to operate independently, providing some continuity for businesses seeking support and recognition. Despite PMCN’s closure, the organization’s legacy lives on through the hundreds of digitally-enabled businesses that continue to serve the Parry Sound-Muskoka region with enhanced capabilities and technological confidence.