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Economic Development eNews | December 5, 2023

Business Profile

Top feature photo: Lexi McDonald, left, and mom Deanne Lyons in the snow / water globe corner of their Lyons' Holiday House shop. Below: Lexi and the Ornaments 4 Orphans Christmas tree.

There is a large selection of ornaments, including some for family members, sports enthusiasts and many geared to professions like teaching.

The Splendor of Holiday House


WESTPORT - Lyons' Holiday House is the place to find seasonal and holiday decor - and right now it's brimming with Christmas decorating ideas.


The unique decor and gift shop recently celebrated its first anniversary providing items to a growing customer base of both area residents and visitors.


"We do love Christmas and we do like to decorate - the shop is always changing," says Deanne Lyons of why she had the idea to open a store dedicated to seasonal decor - everything from St. Patrick's Day to New Year's Eve and everything in between. She realized there was a great interest and it was a natural extension of their well-known family business, Lyons Goodfellow Furniture.


"We change things up for every holiday, every season," says Deanne, noting it keeps people coming back to see classic collectibles and what's trendy and new.


The furniture store did have some holiday decor at certain times but Deanne says it became an even bigger conversation. People were very interested in seeing more. When the location on Main Street became available last year they decided to create Holiday House.


"We've been very happy with the response," she says.


Daughter Lexi McDonald, a graphic designer, works in the shop and also looks after the website, marketing and having an online presence.


"We have a lot of specialty items and collectibles," says Lexi, adding two of their main collectible lines are Willow Tree and Jim Shore.


"It's been a super sweet adventure and a lot of fun meeting people who are interested in this," she says. In just a year, they've seen a lot of repeat customers and people willing to travel distances to visit the shop.


One section of the store is dedicated to Christmas all year round, including a large alcove of special ornaments. There is a Kid's Corner with items from infancy to older teens, including games. At this time of year there is an "Ornaments 4 Orphans" tree. There are treats, candles, journals and drinkware. Local talent is featured as well.


"We partner with a lot of local artists and creators," says Lexi. She said they curate the store so that it is welcoming, with lots to see without being too overwhelming.


Learn more about Holiday House by visiting their website, Facebook and Instagram pages. Call them at 613-273-8816 or send them an email. The shop is located at 40 Main Street in downtown Westport.

Digital Services

Grant Funding to Bridge Online Selling

 

Black Friday and Cyber Monday may be behind us, but now is the perfect time to get started on creating or improving your online sales channels to prepare for 2024.


Leeds Grenville businesses can take advantage of the $2400 Canadian Digital Adoption Program (CDAP) grant. These funds can be used to help create or further develop digital stores and e-commerce platforms. As e-commerce gains prominence, local entrepreneurs are encouraged to adapt and remain competitive in an increasingly digital world.

 

Eligible businesses must have at least $30,000 in annual revenue in the most recent tax year OR have at least one employee on payroll (other than the business owner). Both home-based businesses and bricks and mortar businesses can qualify for this program.

 

Still working on meeting the eligibility criteria for the grant? Let us help you increase the resiliency of your business in the face of the digital age with our other Digital Support Services. For more information on Digital Support Services visit the webpage. To book a virtual or in-person session complete the online form. To connect directly with Digital Specialist Cyndy Bolton, send an email or call 613-342-3840 ext. 5368.

Housing Survey

Provide Your Input: Affordable Housing Development Supports and Events Survey


The United Counties of Leeds and Grenville Community Housing Department is moving forward to support, encourage, and enable the growth of Affordable Housing in Leeds Grenville. Your input is requested for the development of supports and events that may facilitate accelerating the growth of the affordable housing supply. This survey is intended for land developers, non-profit housing providers, municipal officials and staff, and other organizations invested in constructing affordable housing units. 


Please complete and share with your network by December 15, 2023.

 

For questions about the survey, contact Caroline Rigutto, Affordable Housing Coordinator, via email or 613-342-3840, or 1-800-267-8146, ext. 2327.

Take the Survey

Job Opportunity

Counties Seeking Economic Development Officer


The United Counties of Leeds and Grenville is accepting applications for an Economic Development Officer. Reporting to the Economic Development Manger, the permanent full-time position supports the Leeds Grenville Economic Development strategic initiatives through development and implementation of marketing and communication activities for investment attraction, business retention and expansion. 

 

For more information on the position, visit the Leeds Grenville Careers webpage. Interested applicants should identify Competition #ADM-23-213 Economic Development Officer, in your cover letter and complete the online application.


Deadline: Thursday, December 7, 2023 at 4:00 p.m. 

Funding Opportunity

New Tourism Growth Funding from FedDev Ontario


Tourism businesses and organizations across southern Ontario and Canada offer a variety of exciting new experiences to visitors. They can now enhance those experiences with funding from the new Tourism Growth Program.


Eligible applicants include:

  • incorporated small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) operating in the tourism industry
  • Indigenous-owned businesses (including Indigenous sole proprietors) or Indigenous tourism organizations
  • not-for-profit organizations (including tourism associations and economic development organizations)
  • governments (municipal/provincial/territorial and related entities)


Eligible projects should provide added value to existing activities in the tourism industry and focus on business and economic growth. Priority may be given to projects that:

  • support the Indigenous tourism industry
  • increase tourism benefits for communities by driving visitation from urban areas to rural areas
  • support economic, environmental and cultural sustainability
  • support active outdoor experiences
  • extend the tourism season (e.g., new or expanded tourism offerings outside of the traditional high season)
  • complement support provided through provincial programs


There are virtual information sessions to receive an overview of the application process.


Applications are now open and are being accepted until February 29, 2024, 8:59 p.m. EST

Learn more

Workshops, Seminars and Webinar Library

First Steps in Exporting: Third and final module


Did you know that on average, companies that export have 120% greater sales than non-exporters, plus are 13% more productive and experience double the rate of growth? Ontario’s “First Steps in Exporting” program helps companies that are new to exporting familiarize themselves with key steps in growing international sales in the U.S. and beyond.


This series, hosted by the Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade, features trade experts from the Government of Ontario and professional service providers to guide you through everything you need to know to get started in global markets:


Module 3: International Distribution, Trade Events and eCommerce


WHEN: Tuesday, December 12, 9:30-11 a.m.

COST: Free

Learn more or register

Rainbow Registered Information Session


Rainbow Registered is a national accreditation for 2SLGBTQI+ friendly businesses and organizations. When you see a Rainbow Registered symbol, you know the business or organization meets a stringent set of standards to ensure 2SLGBTQI+ customers feel safe, welcomed, and accepted. Accredited businesses are deemed market-ready for the 2SLGBTQI+ customer and given the right to be associated with the program’s prestigious Rainbow Registered designation mark. Join RTO 9 and the CGLCC for this information session to answer all your questions about the benefits of being Rainbow Registered and how your business can get accredited.


WHEN: Thursday, December 14, 1-2 p.m. online

COST: Free

To register

Improve your Social Media Game


The South Grenville Digital Squad is hosting a free webinar to improve your social media skills.


This webinar will cover topics on:

  • The importance of social media for your small business
  • Best practices for running your social media pages
  • Tips on creating content
  • How to analyze your social media pages to give you insight on how to improve them


WHEN: Monday, January 8, 11 a.m. to 12 noon

COST: Free


To register contact Taylor at dms@prescott.ca

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 December 19th edition should be received by Monday, December 11th.
  • Submissions for the January 9th, 2024 edition should be received by Tuesday, January 2nd.
Subscribe to our eNewsletter
Ann Weir
Economic Development Manager
Deanna Clark
Economic Development Officer
Joanne Poll
Administration / Communications Support
Shelbi McFarlane
Business Development Officer

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