Economic Development eNews | August 10, 2021 |
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Top feature photo: Melissa Rainville in her Trinkets Boutique in Spencerville. Below with friend Jennifer Holmes |
Melissa offers clothing and colourful scarves and is planning a fall fashion show. |
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Trinkets Boutique charming
addition to Spencerville
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SPENCERVILLE - Try restarting a business when your first effort burns down less than two weeks after opening.
Melissa Rainville was off to a good start with her new Trinkets Boutique, located in a rented space not far from her home in the village. But all of her inventory was destroyed in a fire this past April. Fortunately no one was hurt but the blaze was quite a shock and Melissa wasn't sure how to proceed.
"It was my husband Pete who inspired me to regroup," says Melissa, who amazingly reopened her business about two months later in late May in a part of their family home. The section of the house had previously housed Pete's cider business.
"It was perfect timing that we sold Flying Canoe (Hard Cider)," says Melissa of their deciding to start again. She worked to get new inventory so the doors could open again before summer.
"I do believe things happen for a reason," says Melissa.
Over the years the enterprising Melissa has been in sales but never before with a bricks and mortar store front. Why a shop with an assortment of items from flower pots to dresses? She had a desire to start a store her late mother, Susan McGrath, would enjoy. Her mom loved to shop in Westport and Merrickville. Melissa thought why not bring a shop like that to Spencerville?
"I really wanted to create a place for people to pick up items in their own area. It has something for everyone and if I can save someone from having to go to Ottawa, that's what I want to do," she says.
"People are really excited and say Spencerville really needs this and that really motivates me. We want to be a part of helping this community grow."
Melissa describes her product lines as unique and sometimes quirky, a true reflection of her outgoing personality and her zany sense of humour. She also features local products as well as Made in Canada brands.
"I take my time when I shop for new products. You'll find things here you haven't seen before," says Melissa, including pots with funny sayings on them.
Shop hours are Thursday and Friday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturdays 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sundays 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Private shopping experiences are being offered for those who would prefer that or because of COVID-19 concerns.
Learn more about Trinkets Boutique by visiting her Facebook page, check out her "What to Wear Wednesdays" videos or send Melissa an email. The shop is located at 9 Spencer Street, Spencerville. |
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The Government of Canada has announced an extended eligibility period for the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy, the Canada Rent Subsidy and the Lockdown Support until October 23, 2021 and increased the rate of support employers and organizations can received for the period of August 29 to September 25, 2021. SPECIAL NOTE: the government is proposing to offer businesses greater flexibility when calculating the revenue decline used to determine eligibility for the wage and rent subsidy programs and the new Canada Recovery Hiring program, stayed tuned for more news on this potential change.
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Rapid Screen Test Kits for Businesses
The Brockville and District Chamber of Commerce and 1000 Islands Gananoque Chamber of Commerce, the Ontario Chamber of Commerce and the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the Ontario and Canadian governments, have launched the COVID-19 Rapid Screening Initiative. Free rapid antigen tests for small and medium-sized businesses (150 employees or less) are now available locally. These tests are NOT considered as a replacement for mandatory healthy screening that your employees complete daily. For more details visit the Brockville Chamber webpage or the 1000 Islands Gananoque Chamber webpage. The North Grenville Chamber of Commerce will be announcing more details of their launch soon. This program is open to non-chamber members no matter your location in the region. |
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Employers looking for employees, please share your job postings with the local Employment Agencies. For FREE, they can assist in communicating your jobs to individuals who are looking for employment.
KEYS, Varley Taylor – Email | Telephone 613-382-1085
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New Funding Intake to support Food and Beverage Processors
Funding is available to other businesses in the areas of animal health, commercializers and primary agri-food to also explore new approaches and practices. To learn more about eligible projects and selection process visit the webpage.
Applications for both program are open until September 2, 2021.
Note: Agri-Tech Innovation Program, the Technology and Equipment to Improve Productivity Project Categories for Processors and Other Businesses will be opening on September 27, 2021
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Ask the Expert - Virtual Business Advisory Service
A Virtual Business Advisory service is available to local business owners allowing them to be matched with professional advisors who will provide FREE one-on-one specialized, confidential advice. There is a limit to 3 hours per business owner.
Expert support available:
- Legal
- Accounting / Bookkeeping
- Business Plan /Sales Coaching
- Digital /Social Media Marketing
- Human Resources
- Intellectual Property
- Marketing / Brand development
For more information or to register, contact the centre for your area.
Leeds Grenville Small Business Centre - serving Athens, Augusta, Brockville, Edwardsburgh Cardinal, Elizabethtown-Kitley (south portion), Front of Yonge, Leeds and the Thousand Islands, Gananoque, Prescott and North Grenville.
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Leeds Grenville Active Transportation Plan |
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Help create a plan by completing the survey
The United Counties of Leeds and Grenville’s is undertaking an Active Transportation Plan, focusing on Counties road infrastructure, to develop a strategy for the planning, design and implementation of non-motorized routes, infrastructure and policy for the short, medium and long-term planning horizons.
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As part of the plan, we're looking for your input on infrastructure improvements, types of policies, and how we can promote and encourage more transportation choices in the region.
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Workshops, Seminars and Webinar Library |
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Google My Business 102
Join RTO 9 and Search Warrant Online Marketing speaker Megan LaMarche for this interactive webinar. Google My Business is a free and easy-to-use tool for businesses and organizations to manage their online presence across Google, including Search and Maps. You will dive deep into its features and how you can further optimize your Google My Business listing. In an effort to keep the training relevant to you and your industry, Search Warrant will be looking to one or two attendees and their accounts to help feed this live demonstration. To nominate your account, please contact the organizer via email by Aug.12th.
WHEN: Tuesday, August 17, 11 a.m. to 12 noon. Deadline to register is August 16, 3 p.m.
COST: Free
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Use the Power of Story to Grow Your Business
It’s so frustrating when you can’t quite figure out where you’ve gone wrong in your messaging, but you know something isn’t right. Engagement and conversions are low, and you’re doing everything you can to try and build some positive momentum with your marketing – but it’s just not working.
In this workshop you will learn 7 core components of a powerful message that gets customers to engage and increases conversions. It is hosted by the Small Business Advisory Centre with speaker Michaela Anderson, CEO of Asteri Pursuit.
WHEN: Wednesday, August 18, 10-11 a.m.
COST: Free
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How to Save Money and Time with a Sales Funnel that Works
If you’re like most businesses, you’re fed up with spending money on marketing that doesn’t work. If you knew what to do differently, you would. Meanwhile, your sales are lagging. Your bottom line isn’t budging. It doesn’t have to be that way. In this session with Asteri Pursuit CEO Michaela Anderson, a StoryBrand Certified Guide, you will build a simple, 5-part marketing plan proven to engage customers and grow businesses. You’ll walk away knowing how to capture your customers’ attention and compel them to buy.
WHEN: Wednesday, August 25, 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 August 24th edition should be received by Monday, August 16th.
- Submissions for the September 7th edition should be received by Monday, August 30th.
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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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