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

More Job Postings & Higher Unemployment in August

The latest labour market data for Renfrew and Lanark counties shows an increase in job postings, while unemployment across Eastern Ontario continues to rise.

The Centre for Workforce Development says in August, 1,292 jobs were advertised across Renfrew and Lanark counties, an increase of 13.6% from July and 15.6% compared with August 2025. Renfrew County accounted for 850 of those postings.

At the same time, the unemployment rate across Eastern Ontario increased to 6.4%. This suggests that while employers continue to hire, job seekers may be taking longer to find work or facing increased competition for available positions.

Health care and retail had the highest number of postings with the median advertised wage across all postings at $22.10 per hour.

Ontario Minimum Wage Increases to $17.95/hour

The Ontario government has increased the general minimum wage from $17.60 to $17.95 an hour on October 1, 2026. This change benefits more than 700,000 workers across the province.

A worker earning the general minimum wage and working 40 hours per week will see an annual pay increase of approximately $728.

Ontario’s minimum wage increases every October 1 based on the Ontario Consumer Price Index.

Petawawa Ramble is Right Around the Corner

The 8th annual Petawawa Ramble presented by Mike's Hardware is just around the corner! The event takes over Petawawa from October 15th to 18th and includes a number of community and business led events and creative Pumpkin Folk displays set up around Town! We encourage you to Ramble around Petawawa and enjoy what the fall season has to offer.

Businesses participating are asked to have their Pumpkin Folk displays set up by the end of day on Friday, October 9th, 2026!

30 Years in Business for The Country Cupboard & Prestigious Lifetime Award for Owner Cheryl Jordan

Congratulations to Cheryl Jordan, owner of the Country Cupboard, who recently celebrated 30-years in businesses!

At the Upper Ottawa Valley Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards Gala, the Petawawa entrepreneur also received the prestigious lifetime award recognizing her decades of contributions to the local business community.

The Country Cupboard is located at 3221 Petawawa Boulevard in the Town of Petawawa.

Grants, Funding and Opportunities

NEW - GROW GRANT: Funding for charitable and non-profit organizations.

• Opens for funding October 7 to November 4, 2026

Canada Strong Diversification Fund: Intended for sectors affected by U.S. tariffs.

• Accepting applications

Western Financial Community Infrastructure Grants: $5,000 for charitable organizations.

• Accepting applications until November 15, 2026

Ontario Arts Council Exhibition Assistance: Grants from $500 to $2,000 for exhibitions.

• Accepting applications until January 15, 2027

Federal Funding for Not-for-Profits: $125,000 up to $10 million per project

• Accepting applications

Ontario Job Grant: Up to $10,000 per employee for training by an eligible third party.

• Accepting applications

Retail Modernization Project Grant: Up to $5,000 to update hardware and software.

• Accepting applications

SaveON Energy Efficiency Grants: Up to 50% of eligible costs for energy upgrades.

• Accepting applications

Ontario Together Trade Fund: Grants or loans up to 75% to a maximum of $5,000,000 

• Accepting applications

Petawawa Community Improvement Plan (CIP): up to $5,000 for various upgrades including:

• Accessibility
• Signage
• Exterior Building Upgrades
• Landscaping
• Parking Lot Improvements

Upcoming Business Webinars & Info Sessions

• Oct. 13 | 8:30AM-12PM: AI for Main Street Businesses (30$+HST - in Pembroke)
• Oct. 15 -18: Petawawa Ramble!
• Oct. 20 | 8:30AM-12PM: Cybercrime & Community Branding (30$+HST - in Horton)
• Oct. 20 | 8:30AM-12PM: Operational Edge & Partnerships (30$+HST - in Whitewater)
• Oct. 29 | 8:30AM-4PM: Business & Leadership Conference ($ - in Pembroke)

Algonquin College Business & Leadership Conference

Algonquin College’s annual Fall Business & Leadership Conference return October 29, offering Renfrew County business and organizational leaders an opportunity to connect, learn and build new skills locally. The full-day conference features keynote speaker Kevin Vallely, along with a choice of interactive workshops focused on leadership, building trust, navigating uncertainty, courageous conversations and strategic partnerships. The day will also include networking opportunities, lunch, the presentation of the Business Innovation Award, and an after-conference social.

Rotary Club Hosts Petawawa Candidates Night

The Petawawa Rotary Club hosted an all candidate meeting ahead of the municipal election. This was an opportunity for residents and business owners to hear priorities laid out by those running for Mayor, Council and local school boards. Advance voting for the municipal election opens on October 16th and election day is October 26th. While voting will be online this year, anyone needing assistance can stop by the Town Hall, 1111 Victoria Street in Petawawa.

Veteran Business Expo Returns November 1st

The Veteran Owned Business Vendor Expo returns to the Petawawa Civic Centre on November 1st from 10am to 3pm!

Registration for veteran owned vendors and business is now open.

Please share the registration information with any veteran owned business.

The event includes live music, hot food and 104.9 myFM will be live on location to help promote the individual businesses.

Town of Petawawa

Petawawa Business Advisory Network

1111 Victoria St. Petawawa, Ontario

Phone 1-613-687-5536