DMZ Innisfil Alumnus launches Simcoe County-based delivery service

Written and published by InnisfilToday on October 25, 2024.

Supporting local businesses is easy to do with JustSimcoe.ca.

“Just Simcoe will aim to offer a wide range of products from thousands of local businesses across Simcoe County,” said the founder and chief executive officer of Just Simcoe, Andrew de Jong. “These products cover various categories including, but not limited to, gourmet food and drinks, home goods and decor, health and wellness, beauty and fashion, sporting goods and pet supplies.”

He had the idea for his company in 2022 when friends shared their frustration of wanting to support local businesses, though they found online shopping much easier.

“As I looked around the dinner table, I realized that many of us had e-commerce brands and were also small local businesses. That misconception, that people had to choose between convenience and supporting local, was what sparked the concept for Just Simcoe,” de Jong said. “The goal is to create a solution that allows people to do both — shop online with the convenience of platforms like Amazon while ensuring their purchases support local economies.”

He noted that it is the company’s mission to “create a more equitable, community-focused alternative to large-scale delivery platforms.”

“What sets Just Simcoe apart from other delivery services is its focus on keeping revenue within the local economy by partnering exclusively with local businesses in Simcoe County.”

Complete with a website and apps for iPhone and Android devices, customers can purchase and explore thousands of products from local businesses at their leisure.

“The platform is designed to allow users to shop from multiple vendors in a single transaction,” de Jong said.

Just Simcoe offers same-day delivery on orders placed by 3 p.m., Monday to Friday. De Jong plans to expand the same-day service to weekends by the end of the year.

“Customers can shop as often as they like without any recurring fees or commitments,” he said.

After four to five months of gaining intel from potential customers, Just Simcoe launched its new website on Oct. 18. 

“We have been using Just Simcoe to complete our local deliveries ... for a while now and could not be happier with the service provided; Andrew and his team are friendly, efficient and have brought a great service to the local area,” said Shannon Cunningham, who co-owns Sober Sips with Jeff Cunningham.

Their company offers non-alcoholic drinks including beer, wine, mocktails and spirits. They plan to offer a selection of glassware and gifting items soon.

“Although we already have our own online website, this is a way that people can easily determine what products are available right here in Simcoe County," Shannon said. "They can support local by purchasing online and have their order delivered by another wonderful local business."

A resident of Barrie, de Jong told InnisfilToday that Just Simcoe has a large consumer base in Innisfil, and the company is an alumnus of DMZ Innisfil.

“We began the cohort back in January this year, and the experience has been amazing. The DMZ team in both Innisfil and Toronto have been imperative to getting us to this point,” he explained.

Fellow DMZ alum and founder of Granolala, Marion Knaus, said, “We met Andrew through DMZ Innisfil in early 2024.”

“Andrew has developed a clear vision and is driven to make Just Simcoe into something special with tremendous potential for so many businesses across the region," she said. "Not only but especially for the smaller businesses that were not being well served.”

Just Simcoe offers all three varieties of Granolala — which is a gently toasted blend of oats, nuts and seeds, in original, cranberry and blueberry flavours — on its platform.

Knaus explained that she has offered her products online since she founded her business, but the overhead costs for shipping were “significant.”

“Just Simcoe offers a much-needed alternative to the costs and constraints of traditional shipping services.”

“It is fantastic that DMZ Innisfil has been able to help Andrew expand and refine the vision and make it happen,” Knaus said.

When asked why he named his company Just Simcoe, de Jong explained that the double meaning of just — meaning both only and fair — weighed heavy on his decision.

“The name ‘Just Simcoe’ was chosen to reflect the company's focus on serving the ... area and supporting local businesses exclusively within this region,” he said.

“The word ‘Just’ carries a dual meaning: The geographical focus as well as ethical values. Fairness, morality, and doing what is right is embedded in our core values. This contrasts with large competitors that may not prioritize the well-being of local businesses or communities.”

“By choosing Just Simcoe, you’re not only getting access to thousands of products with free same-day delivery, but you’re also helping keep money in the local economy, supporting jobs, and strengthening the fabric of our community ... Instead of turning to massive global platforms, you can now shop locally and still enjoy the same ease and efficiency. Together, we can build a stronger, more sustainable local economy,” de Jong said.

Founder of The Good Wax Candle Co., Kim Andrews, said, “I am excited to offer some of our products on JustSimcoe.ca as they are an incredible local company who supports other small local businesses within our community.”

Her company offers crackling wooden wick coconut-soy candles and fragrances for home and body, and supports good mental health by donating three per cent of every purchase to applicable charities in the region.

"The online marketplace is a wonderful idea, and I hope more local businesses consider partnering," she said. 

Local business owners who want their products featured on the platform can contact Just Simcoe via phone/text or email.