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Economic Development eNews | March 5, 2024

Business Profile

Top feature photo: Michelle Peters teaches you how to sew your own masterpiece.

Above photo: The Long-arm sewing machine assists quilters with oversized items;

Below: A colourful quilt hangs behind a sewing machine and cute stuffies await your visit.

Minding Business and Mending Souls

 

PRESCOTT - Michelle Peters has patterned Watergirl Quilt Co. to reflect a life of wonder. A creative, meticulous and welcoming soul, it’s evident that she spent 25 years teaching. Her commitment to learning that eventually lead to something not so elementary.

 

“I had a pair of golden handcuffs,” she admitted. Teaching was an occupation she knew she would not endure. Something entrepreneurial was nudging her elsewhere. Quilting was something she loved from a young age so that’s where she began to search.

 

After much consideration, she left her secure career when an opportunity arose to purchase a business in 2020. As COVID raged, the bank reversed its decision to support financing. “I didn’t have another option, so I kept with the plan,” said Michelle. In April the website launched and in June a retail location on King Street in Prescott was leased.

 

In 2022, Watergirl Quilt Co. moved to a larger property on Water Street and became a retailer for Bernina Swiss sewing machines. The new space was perfect with room to expand as Michelle's original plan had included instructional learning. The twelve-seat school expansion was financed through Community Futures Grenville. Michelle remains humbled by the support received from Digital Main Street and Leeds Grenville Small Business, "I feel they gave me the tools to continue creating successes,” she added.

 

E-commerce development was part of the plan too. “Selling products and services online was essential for future growth, but it was one of the largest challenges,” Michelle shrugs, “I mean, how do you demonstrate something tactile online?” The virtual Design Wall was the solution. Customers can now piece together fabrics online, bringing their designs to life. The shop boasts a long-arm sewing machine for oversized projects.

 

Receiving the 2020 'Canada Post Tales of Triumph' $20,000 award was one of this water girl’s proudest achievements. Voting recently closed for the 'International Local Quilt Shop Contest'. Watergirl Quilt Co. spent much of the time in a close race for Canada's best shop. Results will be published on March 13th. They intend to donate the fabric winnings to Quilts of Valour Canada, quiltmakers for military veterans.

 

The business shares a sisterhood with Dragon’s Heart Quilt Shop in Alberta. Both owners collaborate to maximize virtual events. “The goal was to run financially viable businesses where women congregate and collaborate,” Michelle adds, “we celebrate the success of our businesses, but to also take care of ourselves within the community.” She noted that women tend to take on more work, but don't celebrate.

 

“This is a space for all ages and abilities,” says Michelle, now marketing the shop as a destination experience. Overnight quilting excursions into Prescott are available. “The vision is to give the avid quilter what they need and to humbly welcome novices to the craft.” This shop is a dream realized for Michelle who’s soul is truly fed by needle and thread.

Visit Watergirl Quilt Co. at 235 Water Street West, Unit 302 in Prescott. See the website, email the crew or call 343-260-9227. Check out their social feeds on Facebook and Instagram.

Business Survey

Deadline: Sunday, March 10th

Take the survey

As a business leader / owner in Leeds Grenville, your input is critical in gaining a stronger understanding of how local businesses are doing and what types of supports are needed going forward. The Leeds-Grenville-Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes Business Survey also provides an opportunity to request assistance.


Leaders from municipal economic development offices, Chambers of Commerce, Employment Services, Community Futures Development Corporations, Small Business Enterprise Centres, Business Improvement Areas and local business support organizations are working together and collaborating with all levels of government in supporting businesses in Leeds Grenville.

We thank you in advance.

Biz Bytes

Ottawa Business Journal Visits Little Foot Alpacas and Little Barcelona


Trekking, cuddling and munching are in order as award-winning travel writer Laura Byrne Paquet experiences a Leeds Grenville Regional Roadtrip for the OBJ. Stops included Little Foot Alpacas in Spencerville for a walk with Alpacas then off to Little Barcelona in Prescott for a delicious Spanish inspired lunch.

View website

Upcoming Events

Augusta Township Mayor's Breakfast


Augusta Township is hosting its annual Mayor's Breakfast with keynote speaker Charlie Mignault, Commissioner, St. Lawrence Corridor Economic Development Commission. This year's theme is "Dream, Dare, Deliver."


When: March 22, 7:30 - 9:30 a.m.

Where: Roebuck Community Hall

7024 County Road 18, Spencerville

Cost: $20

Agenda starts with networking at 7:30, breakfast at 8, and presentations at 8:30 a.m.


Pre-registration and payment is required by Monday, March 14. For more information call Annette at 613-925-4231 ext. 105. or email asimonian@augusta.ca.

To Register

Front of Yonge Township Requests Business Nominations


Help Front of Yonge Township celebrate local businesses. Nominations are now open for the Business and New Business of the Year Awards until March 24th. Link to nomination forms below.

Forms

Hard copy form available at the Front of Yonge Library, Township Office or Pharmacy.


Call 613-923-2251 for more information.

Eclipse: Call for Events


This once in a lifetime event may bring visitors into the region. The total eclipse of the sun will occur on Monday, April 8th. Is your business planning to celebrate this rare occurrence with a special event or promotion? Shelbi McFarlane, Business Development Officer is gathering details to help promote the region.

Let us know

Funding Opportunities

New My Main Street Grant


Through the My Main Street Business Sustainability stream, eligible businesses can apply for up to $20,000 in non-repayable funding. Funding is aimed at supporting businesses that employ between 1 and 50 staff, have demonstrated revenue growth, and can provide a business case on how the funding will strengthen their existing capacity and support their growth. Eligible businesses must be located on or within a program identified “Eligible Main Street”. Grant funds can be used for equipment, leasehold improvements, external façade renovations, inventory, marketing, technology and more.


Recording of the program overview webinar is available here. For more information about the program, visit the program website or email the My Main Street team.


If you are interested in applying and looking for additional support, reach out to Business Development Officer, Shelbi McFarlane shelbi.mcfarlane@uclg.on.ca. 


Applications must be submitted by March 31, 2024

Email us
Learn More

Workforce Development

Employer Hiring Fair in Brockville


Meet candidates in person during this Spring Hiring Fair. You are welcome to participate in these events. There is no cost to you as an employer to participate.


Host: Employment + Education Centre

When: March 13, 3 - 6 p.m.

Where: Brockville Memorial Centre,

100 Magedoma Blvd

Email laurelle@eecentre.com or

call 613-498-2111 x 380

Gananoque Spring Hiring Fair


Interested in finding the right employees? Meet and screen potential employees. Get the word out about your amazing business or service. Save time and money while connecting with qualified job seekers. Register today for your free booth.


Host: KEYS

When: March 20, 1 - 5 p.m.; set up at 12:30 p.m.

Where: Gananoque Holiday Inn Express & Suites,

777 King Street

Email gan@keys.ca or call 613-382-1085, or

613-552-2759

To register

Workshops, Seminars and Webinar Library

Eastern Ontario EV Charging Initiative


Presenter: Mitchell House, City of Ottawa


The presentation will focus on demystifying electric vehicle technology, providing context for electric vehicle adoption in Eastern Ontario, the role for electrified transportation within Eastern Ontario’s Transportation Network, and exploring benefits and opportunities for local tourism operators to become more involved in the planning and deployment of electric vehicle charging infrastructure.


Host: RTO 9

When: March 6, 10 - 11 a.m.

Where: Online

Cost: Free

To register

Packaging and Labelling Your Food Product

2nd of 5 food biz webinars


Presenter: Nicole Haney, Business Coach, Speaker, and Professor


Packaging and labelling your food product is where marketing meets regulatory compliance and food safety. Nicole will guide you through the difference between small scale and commercial packaging, what to consider before you switch to commercial packaging, what to include on your label to meet regulations,and what mistakes to avoid when packaging your food product.


Host: Small Business Advisory Centre

When: March 7, 9:30 - 10:30 a.m.

Where: Online

Cost: Free

To register

Marketing Mastery Workshop:

Effective Marketing Made Easy


Presenter: Kevin Savoy, ByNan Business Solutions


Transform your marketing efforts into a strategic investment that yield results. Get step-by-step guidance, insider insights and actionable strategies that will empower you to elevate your marketing game to unprecedented heights.


Host: North Grenville Chamber of Commerce

When: March 13, 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.

Where: Grenville Mutual Insurance, 380 Colonnade Drive, Kemptville

Cost: North Grenville Chamber Members $30, Non-members $40

To register

Selling Your Food Product to Independent Retailer

3rd of 5 food biz webinars


Presenter: Nicole Haney, Business Coach, Speaker, and Professor


No longer struggle to get retailers to bring your product into their store.

Nicole guides you through the process of selling your food products to independent retailers. Learn things like how to approach retailers, how to answer their questions, and the one thing you can do that will significantly improve your success rate when selling to retailers.



Host: Small Business Advisory Centre

When: March 14, 9:30 - 10:30 a.m.

Where: Online

Cost: Free

To register

Supporting your Food Products in Store

4th of 5 food biz webinars


Presenter: Nicole Haney, Business Coach, Speaker, and Professor


There are things you can do to get your product moving faster and jumping off store shelves. In this session, you’ll learn why good product placement is so key to your in-store success, why it’s important to get the support of the in-store team, and how to ensure people know exactly how great your product really is.



Host: Small Business Advisory Centre

When: March 21, 9:30 - 10:30 a.m.

Where: Online

Cost: Free

To register

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 March 19th edition should be received by March 11th.
  • Submissions for the April 2nd edition should be received by March 25th.
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