August 2026 Edition

Greetings!

This month, we're spotlighting our 2026 award recipients, recognizing our event sponsors, and highlighting financing opportunities available to local businesses. Discover this month's featured business too!

Economic Development Department Updates

> Celebrating business investment, growth and success in South Glengarry

We are pleased to announce the recipients of the 2026 Business and Community Awards:

Citizen of the Year: Malcolm "Mackie" Robertson

Business of the Year: Red Maple Building Corp.

Excellence in Agriculture Award: Francis Chretien

Community Service Award: Matthew's Toy Mountain

Entrepreneur of the Year: Shawn Fowler

Youth Merit Award: Caedmon Van Putten

These awards celebrate the individuals, businesses, and organizations whose contributions help make South Glengarry a vibrant and thriving community.

Celebrate South Glengarry's outstanding business community on Saturday, September 12, 2026, at Heritage Golf Club.

Date: Saturday, September 12, 2026

Time: 6:30 p.m. start

Location: Heritage Golf Club

Cost: $50 per person

Purchase Tickets Starting August 10th

Our Awards Gala would not be possible without the generous support of these community-minded sponsors. Thank you.

Small Business Spotlight

Blue Clover Candle Co.

Located in Williamstown, Blue Clover Candle Co. creates handcrafted soy candles and home fragrance products inspired by comfort, community, and inclusion.

The family-owned business began after their son Samuel, who has Down Syndrome, graduated from high school. Looking for a meaningful opportunity to build together, the family purchased a candle company that would support Samuel's employment goals while allowing them to create products they love.

Named after Samuel's blue eyes and the good fortune symbolized by a clover, Blue Clover Candle Co. pours purpose into every candle they make. Popular scents include Blue Clover, Grapefruit + Mint, and Brazilian Sun.

Learn more: Website | Email | Instagram

Grants and Funding

> Financial support to help businesses adapt, grow, and thrive

ACC Futures Flexible Financing for Small Businesses

Whether you're launching a new venture, purchasing equipment, expanding operations, or planning for succession, ACC Futures offers flexible financing solutions designed to help small businesses succeed.

Available financing includes:

Start-up financing
Business expansion projects
Equipment purchases
Working capital
Business acquisitions
Succession planning
Building renovations and improvements

Loan Options:

Micro-loans: $2,500 to $20,000
Term loans: $20,000 to $300,000

ACC Futures works directly with entrepreneurs and business owners to provide financing tailored to their circumstances and growth goals.

Download the ACC Futures Handout

Ontario Trillium Foundation Seed Grants

Why it matters: Seed Grants support projects focused on:

Eligible projects include:

Organizational planning
Piloting new programs
Building organizational capacity

Application Deadline Coming Soon: August 19, 2026

Seed Grant Details

Futurpreneur Canada Supports Young Entrepreneurs

Why it matters: Young entrepreneurs can access financing, mentorship, and business resources to help launch or grow their business.

The Ontario government has announced a $6 million investment in Futurpreneur Canada's Core Startup Program, offering:

Collateral-free loans up to $75,000
Two years of mentorship
Business planning resources and support

Eligibility: Entrepreneurs aged 18–39.

Core Startup Program Details

Rural Ontario Development (ROD) Program – Intake 3 Opens August 17th

Why it matters: Rural businesses planning strategic improvements may be eligible for cost-share funding (up to $10,000) to strengthen operations and support future growth.

Eligible projects include:

Market development
Cybersecurity improvements
Succession planning
Accessibility improvements

Application Period Open: August 17 – October 1, 2026

ROD Business Development Steam Details

Networking and Events

> Build relati10onships, share ideas, and grow

Business Sisters 5 à 7 in

Why attend: Expand your professional network and connect with fellow women entrepreneurs at Riverest L'Orignal, a unique venue overlooking the Ottawa River and the Laurentians.

Date: August 18, 2026

Time: 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.

Location: Riverest L'Orignal, 52 Wharf Street, L'Orignal, ON

Cost: $45 - includes light refreshments

Business Sisters Registration

Doors Open Ontario Returns This August

Why attend: Discover the people, places, and stories that make this area unique—free of charge.

As part of Doors Open Ontario, visitors can enjoy free access to more than 30 historic and cultural sites across Cornwall and SDG Counties, including several South Glengarry landmarks.

Dates: August 15-16, 2026
Time: 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Plan Your Doors Open Tour

Learning Opportunities

> Practical ways to make informed business decisions

Applications Open for Starter Company Plus – Fall 2026

Thinking about starting a business or growing an existing venture? The Cornwall SDG Business Enterprise Centre is now accepting applications for the Fall 2026 Starter Company Plus Program.

Participants gain access to business training, networking opportunities, mentorship, and support to help strengthen their business foundations and growth strategies.

Application Deadline: August 26, 2026, at 4:30 p.m.

Orientation Session: September 8, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

The program is ideal for entrepreneurs looking to build skills, refine business plans, and connect with experienced business advisors and fellow entrepreneurs. Most sessions are offered online.

Learn More

Apply for Fall Intake

Interested in Starting a Food or Beverage Business?

What you'll learn: Gain practical knowledge to help launch or grow a successful food or beverage business. Includes sales, marketing, safety, and regulatory information.

Weekly 1-hour sessions start on August 20th at 10:00 a.m.

Planning to start or grow your business? Reach out to Jennifer today to discuss resources to support your plans:

Jennifer Treverton, Economic Development Officer

T: 613-347-1166 ext. 2106 | E: jtreverton@southglengarry.com

August 2026 Edition

Ontario Trillium Foundation Seed Grants﻿﻿

Futurpreneur Canada Supports Young Entrepreneurs﻿﻿

Rural Ontario Development (ROD) Program – Intake 3 Opens August 17th﻿﻿

Ontario Trillium Foundation Seed Grants

Futurpreneur Canada Supports Young Entrepreneurs

Rural Ontario Development (ROD) Program – Intake 3 Opens August 17th