Economic Development eNews | April 6, 2021 |
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New Business Video series is launched |
The launch of a bright new video series spotlighting Leeds Grenville small businesses is helping to welcome in spring this year.
In a series of 13 welcoming, smile-inducing, one-minute videos recently filmed across the region, you will meet some of our many dedicated small business owners.
From Kemptville's Aphroditi Escape Spa & Salon to Newboro's Poplars Resort, it's time to celebrate the unique and exceptional small businesses serving their communities through thick and thin.
"I am thrilled to participate in this promotional series and look forward to watching all of the videos showcasing wonderful businesses and our beautiful communities," says Sherry-Lynn Stark, owner of Aphroditi Escape Spa & Salon in North Grenville.
See the full playlist on our YouTube channel and let us know by "liking" your favourites. The business receiving the most likes will be featured in upcoming Leeds Grenville promotions.
Becky Thompson, Newboro's Poplars Resort co-owner, had fun jumping in front of the camera with husband Dave. He adds some humour by snapping his fingers to bring on the warmer weather.
"These video shorts are an excellent opportunity to promote our businesses and the area we love," says Becky, adding their family fishing resort is gearing up for the season. "Our business is located along the Rideau Canal, one of the most beautiful and historic areas of Ontario and Canada."
The new video series was coordinated by the Leeds Grenville Economic Development Office with filming and production completed by Gananoque video company LTRcorp.
Businesses captured on video representing all 13 municipalities are:
- Access in Motion - Riverview Heights
- Alan Browns Clothing - Brockville
- Aphroditi Escape Spa & Salon - Kemptville
- Bridgeview Dockside Restaurant & Patio - Johnstown
- JJ's Country Diner - Athens
- Kitley Grocery & Service Centre - Toledo
- Mallorytown Pharmacy & Health Centre - Mallorytown
- Olde Magick - Prescott
- Poplars Resort - Newboro
- Rapunzel Studio of Hair Design - Gananoque
- Ridgway Confections - Seeley's Bay
- The Village Bean - Merrickville
- Westport Brewing Company - Westport
These videos will be further used by the businesses to promote themselves on social media. The Counties Economic Development Office will continue to promote the importance and strength of small businesses in the region.
Funding for these videos is a direct result of the Counties Small Business Support and Transformation Task Team that prioritized setting up five Digital Main Street - Digital Service Squads. This positioned the region to receive further funding from FedDev Ontario, through Invest Ottawa, to support development of the video series.
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Top feature photo: Westport Brewing Company owners Tamara Phillips and Kevin Quinlan give the thumbs up in a new Leeds Grenville video series to promote local business. |
Above photos: Video clips of Sherry-Lynn Stark of Aphroditi Escape Spa & Salon and the Edgley family team at JJ's Country Diner. |
Above photos: Clips of the Access in Motion partners Dave and Mark Dulmage and Marcus Crane; Dave and Becky Thompson of Poplars Resort and Derek Ouellet and Cindy Healy of Ridgway Confections. |
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On Saturday, April 3, 2021, a provincewide emergency brake came into effect due to rising COVID-19 cases. This four-week emergency brake will see business closures in fitness activities and personal care service establishments with take-out only at restaurants. For other sectors and capacity reductions visit the provincial website.
Special Note: An Inspection Blitz for Leeds Grenville is being organized for April 14 and 15. The Ontario government is continuing its education and enforcement campaigns to ensure businesses across the province are taking necessary steps to keep employees, consumers and the public safe.
These include:
- Active screening for employees and patrons
- Appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) that protects their eyes, nose and mouth as described in their safety plan
- Physical distancing
- Capacity limits must be posted
- Cleaning and disinfection
- Safety plans
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Funding and Financial Support |
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Community Building Fund – Operating Stream – Now Open
Funding is now open to support non-profits and Indigenous communities in the community with a significant presence in the arts and culture, heritage, tourism, sport and recreation sectors that operate facilities and/or deliver experience or programs in Ontario that are open to the public
Eligible expenses include salaries, innovation and web / virtual costs, equipment, rent / lease and fixed operating costs to a maximum of $250,000. Deadline for submission is April 28, 2021 at 5pm EDT.
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Reconnect Festival and Event Program – Now Open
This program supports Festivals and Events that are developing innovative programming and marketing that will help create great Ontario staycation experiences for visitors and to stimulate local community economic development and recovery. Eligible events would that take place between April 1, 2021 and March 31, 2022.
The application period is now open through the provincial ONe-key account process. Account set-up may take up to five days, so begin the process early. Deadline for application is April 20, 2021 by 5 p.m. EDT.
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RTO 9 Tourism Adaptation Fund - Second Round Opens April 1st.
The Tourism Adaptation fund is a non-repayable grant up to a maximum of $20,000. It is designed to assist tourism businesses that have incurred additional costs to protect the health and safety of their staff and customers due to COVID-19.
Tourism businesses include hotels, motels, resorts, campgrounds, B&Bs, restaurants (pubs, fast food, fine dining, night clubs), recreation and entertainment facilities (zoos, museums, theatres, sports facilities - golf courses, amusement parks, heritage sites, hunting, fishing or outdoor adventure outfitters, casinos), travel services, transportation companies that provide transport by air, land or water), and retail stores that are heavily dependent on tourism.
Businesses must be located within the Leeds Grenville geographic boundaries (Gananoque is excluded as this program was previously funded in partnership with Kingston).
- $250,000 was received for a second round with applications opening April 1, 2021.
- Applications can include eligible costs with receipts dated from June 1, 2020 to March 1, 2022.
- The available grant is up to 80% of eligible costs.
Eligible items include:
- Implementation of health and safety protocols: additional hand washing/sanitizing stations
- Alterations to accommodate social distancing including expansion of patio space for restaurants (including tables, chairs, umbrellas) and/or acquisition of equipment like outdoor heaters to extend seasons
- The purchase of large and small scale PPE or sanitizing equipment (fog machines etc.)
- Cleaning supplies for workers / customers
- The acquisition and implementation of digital tools and operating transformations like virtual queue, timed entry ticketing or contactless check-ins, contactless payment upgrades
The online application will remain up until all of the money is dispersed. Businesses are encouraged to apply early! Applications will be reviewed on a weekly basis.
There is no minimum amount to apply for, the maximum amount is $20,000 (net reimbursement amount). A business who applied in first round and received funds, can apply again in the second round, however, the maximum they can receive is $20,000 per business and not $20,000 per application.
For more information on RTO9 Adaptation Fund guidelines and applications visit Tourismtalk.
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Need Help with Grants and Funding Programs?
Business Support Agencies are available to assist in accessing funding programs available for businesses impacted by COVID-19.
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Workshops, Seminars and Webinar Library |
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Facebook and Instagram - Creating Effective Ads (2 of 3 series)
This webinar is for individuals who want to develop a deep understanding of developing Facebook and Instagram Advertising, as well as those who want to further their knowledge to create improved advertisements that really WORK for their business or organization.
It is hosted by the Small Business Advisory Centre (Smiths Falls / Lanark County / northern Leeds Grenville) and presented by Jennifer Baker Consulting.
Participants by the end of this session will:
- Describe how to utilize a custom and saved audience
- Select the best campaign type for their campaign goal
- Select the optimal placement option
- Create effective advertisements with powerful copy and creativity
WHEN: Wednesday, April 7, 10-11 a.m.
COST: Free
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Remarketing Effectively with Facebook and Instagram Ads (3 of 3 series)
Remarketing campaigns are used to display advertisements to people who have previously visited your website or social media accounts (Facebook/Instagram). Do you want to start marketing like the big companies? Building on concepts introduced in Week 1 & 2, this webinar will bring together the BIG ideas about how to execute effective remarketing campaigns. This webinar is presented by Jennifer Baker Consulting and hosted by the Small Business Advisory Centre (Smiths Falls / Lanark County / northern Leeds Grenville).
Participants by the end of this session will:
- Understand the importance of remarketing
- Learn strategies to integrate remarketing into their business' strategy
- Develop personalized remarketing strategies
WHEN: Wednesday, April 14, 10-11 a.m.
COST: Free
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RTO9 South Eastern Ontario Consumer Research - Findings & Insight
Join RT09 for a presentation and moderated discussion on consumer demand for South Eastern Ontario vacation experiences and market profiles based on Twenty31's latest consumer research study.
The session includes a Q & A session to allow participants to learn, share and collaborate on ideas for 2021 and beyond. Presented by Oliver Martin, of Twenty31, and Cathy Kirkpatrick, of Alphabet.
WHEN: Monday, April 19, 10-11 a.m.
COST: Free
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Selling on Social Media via Instagram and Facebook Shop
This webinar will introduce participants to selling on social media, including setting up an Instagram or Facebook Shop, creating shoppable posts, or promoting your ecommerce store. Are you a service provider? You'll want to learn about online appointment bookings. Hosted by the Small Business Advisory Centre (Smiths Falls / Lanark County / northern Leeds Grenville).
Participants by the end of this session will:
- Discover the benefits of enabling Instagram and Facebook Shop
- Recognize the ability to create shoppable posts on Instagram and Facebook
- Understand how to create posts showcasing multiple items
WHEN: Wednesday, April 21, 10-11 a.m.
COST: Free
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Leeds Grenville eNews Deadlines for submitting information:
If you have an upcoming workshop, seminar, or business-related event, please email it to us in advance.
- Submissions for the April 20th edition should be received by Monday, April 12th.
- Submissions for the May 4th edition should be received by Monday, April 26th.
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Ann Weir
Economic Development Manager
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Deanna Clark
Economic Development Officer
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Joanne Poll
Administration / Communications Support
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Jim Hutton
Business Development Officer
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32 Wall Street, Suite 300, Brockville, ON K6V 4R9
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