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

Local Pet Store Receives National Recognition

Congratulations to the team at End of the Leash Pet Boutique in Petawawa.

The local pet store was recently named Eastern Canada Independent Retailer of the Year.

The award was presented at the Pets Canada Conference held in Toronto on October 7 and 8, 2026.

LAST CALL: Sign Up for Veteran Business Expo

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. This event is FREE for the public to attend.

Canada Summer Jobs Funding Opens Oct. 27th

The Canada Summer Jobs program provides wage subsidies to help employers hire youth aged 15 to 30 for summer positions. Eligible employers include not-for-profits, public sector organizations, and private businesses with 50 or fewer full-time employees.

Funding covers up to 100% of minimum wage for not-for-profits and up to 50% for public and private sector employers.

Applications open October 27, 2026.

Grants, Funding and Opportunities

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

• Open until November 4, 2026

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

Rural Ontario Development Program:

• Opens for applications: January 18, 2026 - February 25, 2026

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

• Accepting applications

Innovative Solutions Canada: Funding to innovate, create and get to market

• Accepting applications for various funding opportunities

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

• Accepting applications

Regional Tariff Response Initiative: Financial assistance for businesses affected by tariffs

• Accepting applications

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. 27 | 8:30AM: Bridges to Better Business ($ - Whitewater Region)
• Oct. 29 | 8:30AM-4PM: Business & Leadership Conference ($ - in Pembroke)
• Oct. 29 | 10AM-11:30AM: AI for Small Business (FREE - Virtual)
• Nov. 1 | 10AM-3PM: Veteran Owned Business Expo (FREE - Petawawa Civic Centre)
• Nov. 10 | 10AM-11AM: Futurpreneur Program Orientation (FREE - Virtual)
• Nov. 12 | 9AM-10AM: OPP Presentation (FREE - Quality Inn & Suites Petawawa)
• Nov. 17 | 10AM-11AM: BDC Services for Business Growth (FREE - Virtual)
• Nov. 24 | 10AM-11AM: Having Issues with WSIB? (FREE - Virtual)

OPP Presenting to Businesses in Petawawa

The Petawawa Business Advisory Network is pleased to welcome the Upper Ottawa Valley OPP detachment to present on some police programs. The presentation will be hosted by Staff Sergeant Christopher Miller who will discuss CAM SAFE and online reporting tools. The presentation is open to all local businesses in Petawawa and the surrounding areas.

• TIME: 9:00am - 10:00am
• DATE: Thursday November 12, 2026
• LOCATION: Quality Inn & Suites Petawawa

Please register by emailing rkadlec@petawawa.ca

Bank of Canada Business Outlook: Q3 2026

Business confidence improved in the third quarter of 2026, with businesses reporting stronger sales and export outlooks according to the Bank of Canada. However, hiring intentions remain low, and businesses continue to face rising costs, particularly due to high oil prices and trade tensions. The Bank of Canada says many businesses plan to pass these higher costs on to customers through price increases. Across sectors, firms reported plans to invest in digital technologies, including AI tools embedded in software, machinery and automation systems aimed at improving efficiency. 

Pumpkin Folk Take Over Petawawa Businesses

The 8th annual Petawawa Ramble presented by Mike's Hardware was another success! The event was hosted from October 15-18, 2026 and featured 65 Pumpkin Folk displays at local businesses and by community groups. This year over two dozen events were hosted by Petawawa businesses with hundreds of residents and visitors exploring the community over the course of the event. Thank you to everyone who participated in this years event and congratulations to all the winning displays!

Town of Petawawa

Petawawa Business Advisory Network

1111 Victoria St. Petawawa, Ontario

Phone 1-613-687-5536