Economic Development eNews | January 25, 2022 |
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Top feature photo: LiveStream Junkies founder François Désormeaux at the controls.
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Above photos from top to bottom: Live coverage options are shown, including on location and in the studio. |
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LiveStream Junkies expanding
while helping other businesses
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KEMPTVILLE - Everyone gets excited about live productions vividly capturing things that interest and inspire us.
Putting us in comfy, front row seats is something expertly done by the LiveStream Junkies. Since early 2020, this Kemptville company has filmed a whopping 1,500 live productions across the country with collaborators from around the world.
"We got really, really busy very quickly," says company founder and owner François (Frank) Désormeaux, an experienced broadcaster who’s worked on thousands of live events for media outlets like CJOH-TV and Dome Productions. He launched the company just before the pandemic.
"We had to pivot from the get-go," says François. He initially planned to provide on-location event livestreaming services. But just months after opening, he switched it up to fulfill different virtual and hybrid demands for businesses and organizations.
"I had a small office to start out. I soon had to do more training (of staff)," says François. He went from having just a few employees to a team of 11. LiveStream Junkies now has 3 master control rooms, 16 cameras and more than 30 regular clients.
"We're busier than ever. What we offer is TV-quality livestreaming. We also help a lot of businesses enhance their productions, including Zoom meetings." Other projects include podcasts and special training sessions.
François had the livestreaming business idea about 5 years ago when he started doing a lot of work with U.S.-based musicians. These artists wanted to have their performances online with top quality video. "It started as a hobby but I soon realized this could be a business," says François. He would later relocate with his wife from Orleans to Kemptville.
"We're very happy to be able to help so many local businesses and organizations," he says, adding each LiveStream Junkies employee can also choose a local charitable organization and provide a free livestream production. It is their way of giving back to the community.
"It’s hard not to get swept up in the excitement of producing a live event or creating content for an online channel. We do it all the time and we still get that pop-the-cork feeling at the end," he says.
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Learn more about LiveStream Junkies by visiting their website. Check them out on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. They are located at 200 Sanders Street, Unit 204, in Kemptville. Call them at 613-222-3103.
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The Leeds Grenville Economic Development Office has several investors looking for manufacturing and warehousing space in the region. If you have any space that is available for purchase or lease please contact Ann Weir, Economic Development Manager, via email or call 613-342-3840 ext. 5365.
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Ontario is gradually easing public health measures that will allow gyms to reopen and restaurants to offer indoor dining again starting January 31 st plus several other areas with increased capacity limits. The provincial media release identified a 3-step approach to the lifting of the public health measures further in February and March, with 21-days between each step pending on the absence of concerning trends in public health and health care indicators.
Note: the enhanced COVID-19 vaccine certificate with QR code and the Verify Ontario app is now needed where proof of vaccination is required. This can be done through downloading your certification at the provincial webportal or call the Vaccine Contact Centre at 1-833-943-3900 to have your vaccine certificated mailed.
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Digital Help for Your Business
That Fits Your Schedule
The Leeds Grenville Digital Service Squad has expanded its hours of operation. Access FREE digital support for your business Monday - Saturday
9 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Whether you need help with a new website, email marketing, promoting your business or have any other online or technology challenges, our digital experts are here to help you through it. We are only a click or call away!
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To discuss Digital Services:
Shelbi McFarlane, Business Development Officer
Leeds Grenville Economic Development
Ph: 613-342-3840 ext. 5361 | Toll free: 1-800-770-2170 ext. 5361 | email
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Employment Agencies provide FREE help to find Employees
If you are a business in Leeds Grenville that is looking to hire, onboard or train new staff, your local Employment Ontario Service Providers are here to help you!
Recruiting, hiring and retaining employees can be both costly and time consuming. Experienced Employer Services representatives can help you find the right person for the job and reduce the costs associated with training a new employee. FREE employer services and programs provide you with access to innovative strategies and a diverse pool of talent to help you achieve your workforce goals.
Check-out the many no-cost solutions that are available to Employers:
- Recruitment
- Pre-screened Applicants
- Retention Solutions
- Interactive Job Board
- Interview Space
- Job Fair Coordination
- Wage and Training Subsidies
- Onboarding Plans
Reach out to your local Employment Agency today to get started. See the links and corresponding map below for coverage areas.
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Canada-Ontario Job Grant Program
Funds are still available in Leeds Grenville for this program. The Canada-Ontario Job Grant (COJG) provides opportunities for employers, individually or in groups, to invest in their workforce, with help from the government. The Canada-Ontario Job Grant provides direct financial support to individual employers or employer consortia who wish to purchase training for their employees. It is available to businesses with a plan to deliver short-term training to existing and new employees.
Important to know:
- Employers can get up to $10,000 in government support per person for training costs.
- The Training has to be delivered by an eligible, third-party trainer.
- Employers with 100 or more employees need to contribute 1/2 of the training costs. Small employers with less than 100 employees need to contribute 1/6 of training costs.
- For employer groups who want to apply for training supports, the Consortium Stream allows a group of employers (two or more employers) to pool their resources to support common training objectives and goals. To apply as a consortium, the intermediary organization needs to ensure all the participating employers and trainees meet COJG requirements and are able to make their required contribution towards the training cost.
- Most organizations acting as an intermediary are eligible for administrative funding equal to 15% of the government contribution.
If you're an employer with a particular skills demand, the Canada-Ontario Job Grant might be right for you.
For more information contact Business Services Manager Teanne Larocque at the Employment + Education Centre at 613-498-2111, ext. 365. In the Keys Job Centre region, call the Kingston office at 613-546-5559, ext. 231.
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Eastern Ontario Development Fund applications to February 9
The Eastern Ontario Development Fund provides support for projects and investments to businesses, municipalities and not-for-profit organizations for economic development in eastern Ontario.
The fund supports projects that:
- create jobs and build talent
- attract and encourage private sector investment
- lead to business growth and broad positive economic impacts
- encourage innovation, collaboration and cluster development
For more information, review the checklist on the EODF webpage. Additional assistance is available from Denis Lapierre, Senior Business Advisor with the Ontario Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade, by email.
Applications open: February 9
Submission Deadline: March 23
NOTE: Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit their eligibility checklist a minimum of 10 business days in advance of the application deadline so that they have enough time to register and complete their full applications, if deemed eligible.
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Small Business Grant Relief
This is a $10,000 grant for eligible small businesses impacted by the province’s move to Step Two of the Roadmap to Reopen with the g overnment recognizing that small businesses required to close indoor operations will need additional help. Small business owners can use this grant however makes the most sense for them: fixed costs, employee wages, maintaining inventory.
Stream One Eligibility:
Businesses that previously qualified under the Ontario Small Business Support Grant won’t need to apply, you’ll receive an email in late January asking you to confirm your continued eligibility:
- Required to close due to public health orders that took effect 12:01 a.m. on January 5, 2022
- Still operational as of January 14, 2022
- Have fewer than 100 employees
It is anticipated qualified recipients to receive funds in early February.
Stream Two Eligibility:
A newly formed business that did not previously apply for the Ontario Small Business Support Grant or were previously ineligible need to apply in early February. Items you will need:
- A Master Business Licence
- Information about the business, including sector, affiliations, number of employees
- Banking information
- Supporting documentation to demonstrate a 20% or greater revenue decline through revenue for December 2021 and revenue for January 2022.
It is anticipated qualified recipients to receive funds in late February.
Eligible small businesses include:
- Restaurants and bars;
- Facilities for indoor sports and recreational fitness activities (including fitness centres and gyms);
- Racing venues, casinos, bingo halls and gaming establishments
- Performing arts and cinemas;
- Museums, galleries, aquariums, zoos, science centres, landmarks, historic sites, botanical gardens and similar attractions;
- Meeting or event spaces;
- Tour and guide services;
- Conference centres and convention centres;
- Driving instruction for individuals; and
- Before- and after-school programs.
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Reconnect Ontario 2022
Festival and event organizers who continue to adopt innovative approaches in delivering programs that have a tourism economic impact and motivates visitors to rediscover Ontario can apply for this funding program.
It is open to festivals and events taking place between April 1, 2022 and March 31, 2023.
Deadline for Applications: Wednesday, February 2 at 5 p.m.
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Ontario Business Costs Rebate Program - Now Open
Eligible businesses impacted by public health measures requiring them to reduce capacity to 50% will receive a rebate payment equivalent to 50% of their property tax and energy costs – for example, small retails stores. Eligible businesses required to close will receive a rebate payment of 100% of their property tax and energy costs – restaurants, gyms. Eligible payments will be retroactive to December 19, 2021. A full list of eligible business type will provided prior to launch.
Online applications opened January 18th.
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Workshops, Seminars and Webinar Library |
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How TIAO and CFIB are Aligning Efforts to Assist Tourism Operators
- Chris will provide an update on his current talks with levels of government and how TIAO is advocating on behalf of tourism businesses in Ontario.
- Ryan will provide an update on CFIB's role in supporting and aligning with TIAO on behalf of tourism in their efforts with provincial levels of government.
They want to hear from businesses directly about the most pressing issues that are affecting you and how they can support you. Please send along any questions you have for Chris or Ryan, to [email protected] by end of day Wednesday, January 26th.
This will be recorded and will be sent to those who have registered. The deadline to register is Thursday January 27th, at 3 PM.
WHEN: Friday, January 28, 10-11:30 a.m.
COST: Free
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Competitive Analysis: How to Understand your Customers and Competitors
Learn how to analyze your market and determine what matters most to your customers so you can stand out. Mickey Anderson is a business strategist, conversion copywriter and DigitalMarketer certified partner. She’ll teach you the proven framework she uses to help businesses secure their position in the market, optimize their marketing and increase revenue. Stand out from the competition and attract more leads and sales. The session is hosted by the Small Business Advisory Centre.
WHEN: Tuesday, February 1, 10-11 a.m. via Zoom
COST: Free
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Content Marketing: Everything You Need to Know on Planning and Monetizing Content
Content marketing is a proven way to increase brand awareness, establish your authority in the market, and convert more leads. Learn a simple and easy-to-use system for planning and creating the right content for your audience - no more wasted time writing blog posts that no one reads. You’ll leave with a content plan and execution strategy that saves time and have a step-by-step process for repurposing content for maximum exposure and effectiveness. The speaker is Mickey Anderson, a business strategist and a DigitalMarketer certified partner, and is hosted by the Small Business Advisory Centre.
WHEN: Tuesday, February 8, 10-11 a.m. via Zoom
COST: Free
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Community Consultations for the Refresh of the Leeds Grenville Immigration Strategy
The St. Lawrence-Rideau Immigration Partnership is in the process of updating the Leeds and Grenville Immigration Strategy and is seeking engagement and input from partners and the broader community (including immigrants, service providers, community agencies, government representatives, employers and interested community members) to ensure the plan reflects community priorities and resources.
How to Participate
Leeds Grenville residents, organizations, and municipalities are encouraged to participate in an online survey and / or attend a virtual focus group. The deadline to fill in the survey is February 11th.
Community Consultation session dates:
- Wednesday, February 9th, 12-1:30 p.m.
- Thursday, February 17th, 10-11:30 a.m.
- Wednesday, February 23rd, 7-8:30 p.m.
- Monday, February 28th, 2-3:30 p.m.
For more information, questions, or assistance, please email Lauren.
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Introduction to Instagram Advertising
This webinar is for individuals who want to develop foundational understanding of Instagram Advertising, as well as those who want to further their knowledge to create improved advertisements that really WORK for your business or organization! The session is hosted by the Small Business Advisory Centre and is presented by Jennifer Baker Consulting.
By the end of the session, participants will:
- Select the best campaign type for their campaign goal
- Select the optimal placement option
- Create effective advertisements with powerful copy and creative
WHEN: Thursday, February 15, 9-10 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 February 8th edition should be received by Monday, January 31st.
- Submissions for the February 22nd edition should be received by Monday, February 14th.
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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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Shelbi McFarlane
Business Development Officer
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32 Wall Street, Suite 300, Brockville, ON K6V 4R9
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