This electronic communication is a resource providing businesses and interested parties with relevant information about funding sources, events, resources, and other local municipal information.

2024 Provincial Economic and Fiscal Update: Building a Better Ontario

Rebuilding Ontario's Economy, Building Infrastructure, Highways and Transit in Your Communities, Working for Workers, Keeping Costs Down and Better Services for You were the highlight themes within the 2024 Provincial Economic and Fiscal Update.

Review the summary provided by the Municipal Finance Officers' Association: 2024 Provincial Economic and Fiscal Update - FINAL.pdf (informz.ca)

Ottawa Valley Tourist Association AGM

& Tourism Conference

The OVTA AGM and Tourism Conference will be held on April 16th at the Ma-te-way Activity Centre.

A few highlights of this year's Tourism Conference include:

• Welcome to unceded Algonquin territory and a flash history lesson by Christine Luckasavitch of Waaseyaa Consulting.
• Keynote speaker Sara Norton, Owner of REPLY-ALL Sara offers marketing automation and tech advisory for small businesses.
• Three moderated panel discussions with local tourism champions:

-Community Partnerships: Powering Local Tourism

-Exploring the Present and Future of Travel Trade

-Passing the Torch: Succession Planning Strategies

• Updates from federal, provincial and regional partners (MTCS, DO and OHTO) 
• Presentation of the 2024 Ottawa Valley Tourism Awards. 
• A special guided tour of the new myFM Centre facility

Tickets are available until April 9th and are $86.70 + HST 2024 AGM & Tourism Conference - Presented by Renfrew County Community Futures Development Corporation (guestlist.co)

Vendor Market Forum

The County of Renfrew in partnership with Taste of the Valley, Enterprise Renfrew County, Renfrew County District Health Unit and Government of Ontario are hosting a vendor market forum.

This in-person workshop will be held Tuesday, April 23rd at 9 International Drive from 8:30 am - 4:30 pm. Lunch is provided. The fee is $30+HST. Register today Vendors Market Forum - County of Renfrew

• Selling Food Regulations: Presented by Renfrew County District Health Unit
• 2024 Food Trends and Opportunities: Presented by OMAFRA
• Networking Lunch served by Mackies Golden Meals
• Farmer's Market Strategies: Learn how to market your market effectively.
• Vendor Booth Marketing Tips: Elevate your booth presence
• Taste of the Valley Q & A Session: Get info on the 2024 Taste of the Valley
• Plus, admission to the Costing and Pricing presentation hosted virtually on April 29th from 10 am to 11:30 am

Federal and Provincial Grants and Resources

 Apprentice Funding

Help build your future workforce. The Canadian Apprenticeship Service is offering up to $20,000 in help right now. CAS (apprenticesearch.com)

Tourism Workforce Sustainability Program

Expand and diversify your tourism workforce by offering the Ontario Living Wage and get a wage top-up for up to six months. For more information, visit: Tourism Workforce Sustainability Program (tiaontario.ca)

Community Improvement Plan (CIP)

Commercial land and business owners in Petawawa are eligible to receive CIP grants for planned upgrades and improvements to their properties. This is a matching fund program that has been replenished for 2024. Reach out to your EDO to learn about the application and approval process. More information can be found on the municipal website: Community Improvement Plan (CIP) - The Town of Petawawa

The RCCFDC has a CIP fund from which successful municipal applicants can apply. Their fund allocation is a loan and serves as a cash injection to pay for upfront project expenses. Learn more at Financing / Funding - RCCFDC — Renfrew Country Community Futures Development Corp

Workshops, Events and Engagements

• April 2 & 4: Enterprise Renfrew County Starter Company Plus - Spring intake virtual information sessions will happen Home | Enterprise Renfrew County
• April 20 & 21: Ottawa Valley Sports Show and Conference hosted by Evernew Recovery and Rehabilitation and Ottawa Valley Sports (OVS) The event is hosted at the Best Western Pembroke Inn and Conference Centre. Ottawa Valley Sports Show & Conference - Ottawa Valley Sports
• April 26-28: Petawawa Showcase hosted by Gallant Media Home - SHOWCASE in Petawawa

Tee Up For Education

Bursary Fundraiser and Networking Opportunity

Join the Upper Ottawa Valley Chamber of Commerce as they raise funds for their bursary program. The bursary program rewards eligible graduation students with up to $250 in funds for their secondary school needs. They want to set the business leaders of tomorrow on a path to success.

To raise the funds that support these student bursaries, the UOVCC hosts a golf tournament. A 9-hole best ball tournament and dinner will be hosted at a member business - The Oaks of Cobden.

Friday, May 31st

• 1 pm registration and networking
• 2 pm tee off
• 6 pm dinner starts

As a member-based organization activities like this not only serve as networking opportunities but they showcase our members. How can you or your business participate in this opportunity and bursary program?

Tee Sponsors $150: A sign with your company logo will be placed on a tee on the course. You are also free to send representatives to your tee where you can engage directly with the golfers. Make it fun - play a game, host a raffle, or simply give out some branded swag. This is your opportunity to market your business!

Dinner Sponsor $750: Your business logo will be displayed in the dining room and you will have your business logo on Chamber marketing materials including their website, e-news posts, event posters, and other associated media. Heck, they are looking for celebrity BBQers. You can send your team if you sponsor!

Play a Round of golf for $90 single, and $340 Four-some: Come on out and tee up! As a best ball 9 hole, it is a fun social, and engaging event. Gather your co-workers, fellow business owners, and your best ladies, or make it a couples night. Not only do you get to play - you play some fun games along the course - maybe win some prizes and get a scrumptious steak BBQ meal!

All in support of students! Register today: Tee Up for Education! Class of '24 Bursary Golf Tournament (upperottawavalleychamber.com)