Economic Development eNews | October 5, 2021
|
|
Kemptville Mom creates new company to support local foods
|
KEMPTVILLE - Entrepreneur Darlene Collin is not one to sit around waiting for things to happen.
When the pandemic hit and she noticed local businesses and market vendors were suffering with slowed sales, or closing but with high inventory, Darlene came up with a plan to help showcase and move products online.
"I thought what are all these small businesses going to do?" Darlene recalls, adding she had experience in business, logistics and internet sales and wanted to find a way to help the business owners and her community.
"I couldn't do websites for all of them so I thought how about combining them all on one site?" she says. "I wanted to help them sell and stay in business."
Her idea was an immediate success and MyLocalMarkets.ca was born! In the first few weeks 13 vendors came on board. Very quickly it shot up to 40 vendors. Today, 18 months later and still in a pandemic, My Local Markets helps 230 vendors sell their products, including many from the Leeds Grenville area and greater Ottawa Valley.
"I had no idea this would become a full-time thing," Darlene says. In the early days her family helped. But as orders and emails grew rapidly, it became clear Darlene needed to hire support staff. She now has two full-time employees who help with sales, distribution and accounts payable.
"It's exciting," says Sheena Leonard, a member of the My Local Markets team. She had previously commuted to her old job in Ottawa and now works right in her community.
My Local Markets products range from fresh bakery goods, prepared ready-to-go meals, to honey, maple syrup, soap and so much more. Customers vary from people who want to support local business and local food, or cannot get to regular outdoor markets but want local products, to some people who enjoy the convenience or still limit being around others due to the pandemic.
Orders over $50 are delivered west to Mallorytown, northeast to Ottawa and Orleans, southeast to Iroquois, and northwest to Carp. My Local Markets regularly fulfills 65 orders per week with this number rising in the fall and winter. At peak periods My Local Markets has processed 200 orders per week.
"I'm now looking at expanding and shipping to other provinces," says Darlene. "This was a blessing in disguise for me because this is the kind of thing I love and now I get to do it every day."
Each week you can place your order by Sunday for delivery or pick-up on Wednesday, or order Tuesday for delivery or pick-up on Thursday. They have special events including an On Campus Nigh Market on Thursday, October 14 and a Big Christmas Market on Saturday, November 13.
Learn more about My Local Markets by visiting their website, Facebook and Instagram pages and Twitter account. Give them a call at 613-208-0835. They are located 75 Campus Drive at the Kemptville Campus in Kemptville.
|
|
Top feature photo: My Local Markets founder Darlene Collin, left, with her staffers Sheena Leonard, centre, and Brooke Lamothe, right and below, at their Kemptville Campus depot.
|
Above photos: Charcuterie boards and Christmas baskets are available.
|
|
Above photo: The Honourable Deepak Anand, third from right, Parliamentary Assistant to the Ontario Minister of Labour, Training and Skills Development, joins some of the new apprenticeship program's industry partners from left: Brandon Belanger of Valley Bus Lines, Terry Routledge of Napa Universal Supply Group, Stacey Weagant of Weagant Farm Supply, George Thorne of Brockville Tractor Trailer Maintenance and David Webster of Rush Truck Centres Kemptville.
|
|
Leeds-Grenville-Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes MPP Steve Clark, North Grenville Mayor Nancy Peckford and Parliamentary Assistant Deepak Anand cut the ribbon.
|
TR Leger Principal Sandy McInnes, at far right, outlines program details during a tour of the Power and Equipment Building where the program will be taught.
|
|
Commercial Vehicle & Equipment Apprenticeship Program supports workforce development
|
KEMPTVILLE - A long-anticipated trades apprenticeship program is launching at the Power and Equipment Building at Kemptville Campus this month.
"We're really pleased to be initiating this program," said Upper Canada District School Board Superintendent Susan Rutters, adding it is the first of many new trades programs.
"It's a pitch for the future because we're just getting started," North Grenville Mayor Nancy Peckford said, adding it has been a goal to bring training back to the Kemptville Campus, including agricultural programs to take the site back to its roots.
There are 20 students enrolled with training beginning October 12.
“Workforce development is a priority for the region,” said Ann Weir, Leeds Grenville Economic Development Manager. “It is great to see local businesses contributing their resources to support the program that will develop much needed skilled trades in the region.”
|
|
|
Funding is from the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP). Upper Canada District School Board, the Catholic District School Board of Eastern Ontario, Conseil des Ecoles Publique de l'Est de l'Ontario and Ecoles Catholiques Centre-Est have partnered to bring the program forward. Program funding is from the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP).
Also at the launch event were Leeds-Grenville-Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes MP Michael Barrett, Upper Canada District School Board Chair John McAllister and Kemptville Campus Board Chair Karen Cooper.
Learn more on the TR Leger School of Adult, Alternative and Continuing Education website.
|
|
Merrick Preparatory School
named the 'Best in the World'
MERRICKVILLE - Merrick Preparatory School is the proud recipient of the "Secondary Learning International Impact Award" and is now recognized as "Best in the World."
The international PIEoneer Award pays tribute to innovation in the delivery of learning to ensure that the student experience is first-rate and best prepares students for further education as global citizens in the 11 to 18-year-old age category.
"This award is for no one person at Merrick Preparatory School. It is for everyone in the MPS family," says Headmaster Kevin Farrell. "It is for the incredibly dedicated and skilled teachers; for the committed and enthusiastic staff; for our hard working students, and our supportive parents."
Presented earlier this month in London, England, the PIEoneer Awards are regarded as the "Academy Awards" in the education sector and celebrate innovation and achievement throughout the global education industry. A panel of 43 educational experts select finalists and winners in 19 categories. Merrick Prep was nominated this past spring. This year’s winners spanned seven countries.
"Our core values of Courage, Community, and above all, Compassion ring true through this award, and our mission to work together so that we all can reach beyond our grasp," Headmaster Farrell says.
Merrick Prep, located at 118 Main Street East, has a high success rate for its students being placed in top-ranked universities. Learn more about this local school by visiting their website.
|
|
Economic Development Summit
|
|
Registration now open!
The Leeds Grenville Economic Development Office, in partnership with Michael Barrett M.P., the Hon. Steve Clark, M.P.P., the Eastern Workforce Innovation Board and the 1000 Islands, Grenville and Valley Heartland Community Futures Development Corporations, invite you to the region’s top Economic Development event of the year!
An advanced agenda will be available soon!
Join us for a day focused on Economic Development and Leadership. The Bill Thake Award will be presented. For the second year, the summit will be held virtually. Last year more than 230 people joined in.
Date: Friday, November 19, 2021
The webcast opens at 8 a.m. The program begins at 9 a.m.
|
|
Local Foods packages once again available for the Summit
Counties Economic Development will again partner with My Local Markets in support of Leeds Grenville local food products.
Packages are $25, $50 or $75 and will be delivered the week of November 19th. Taxes and delivery are included in the price.
Substitute local products may be required in some packages depending on demand. Packages will be available for purchase until Tuesday, November 16th, at 3 p.m.
The shipping address you provide is where your food products will be delivered. Additional delivery charge for orders outside of Leeds Grenville - please contact us for more information.
Cancellation Policy: My Local Markets packages must be done before 3 pm Tuesday, November 16th; and 48 hours notice prior to the event for cancellation of summit event tickets.
|
|
$2,500 Grants and Free Digital Support Available!
|
|
Do you want to develop a website or add a point of sale system to your business? The Digital Transformation Grant is available to provide funding for these and other changes you may wish to make to improve your online presence.
Digital Main Street is an innovative program funded by the federal and provincial governments that is designed to help small businesses improve their existing or create an online presence. The program is built around an online training platform and free consultation services from a Digital Service Squad (DSS) member.
|
|
Book a free Consultation Session
Few digital marketing resources can be one size fits all. For recommendations that are tailored to you and your business our DSS member will be happy to chat with you and complete a digital assessment to determine where you may wish to concentrate your efforts on improving your online presence to generate increased business.
Our DSS member can provide assistance and support with the following:
- Google My Business
- Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn
- Content development
- Digital assessments
- Finding free digital marketing tools
For more information on the Leeds Grenville program and to connect with our Digital Service Squad specialist, contact Leeds Grenville Business Development Officer Jim Hutton via email or call 613-342-3840, ext. 5361.
|
|
Get the Digital Transformation Grant
A DSS member is able to assist a business to determine if they are eligible and apply for a Digital Transformation Grant (DTG) of $2,500. The DTG is available for eligible “brick and mortar” businesses that pay commercial property taxes and may be used for:
- Developing a website
- Purchasing graphic design and accounting software
- Digital Training
- Digital accessibility compliance (AODA)
- Updating your Point of Sale system
Applications will continue to be accepted until October 31st, or until funds are exhausted. The grant is administered by the Ontario BIA Association (OBIAA).
Listen to Westport Brewery and Poplars Resort business owners on how they used their Digital Transformation Grant in this YouTube video on the program in Leeds Grenville.
|
|
ShopHERE - Start Selling Online
Registered businesses under 10 full-time employees (25 if a restaurant), artists or homebased businesses are eligible for a free e-commerce store!
The ShopHERE program:
- Creates and configures your online store
- Trains you how to manage it
- Provides support to get your online store live
- Helps with marketing the store
- Provides advertising credits for Facebook and Google
ShopHERE is funded by the federal government, Province of Ontario and corporate sponsors.
|
|
For more information on these programs contact: Jim Hutton, United Counties of Leeds and Grenville Business Development Officer
Ph: 613-342-3840 ext. 5361 | Toll free: 1-800-770-2170; ext. 5361 | E: [email protected]
|
|
Ontario Investing $100-million to help Tourism Sector Rebound
The new Tourism Recovery Program is now open for applications. The program will help for-profit tourism businesses in the attraction, accommodation and leisure travel sectors protect critical jobs and help them prepare and reopen and safely welcome back visitors.
- Open to for-profit tourism businesses legally incorporated (federally or provincially) as of January 1, 2018 that are open to the public for at least 12 consecutive weeks per year and open at least five days per week during operating season
- Tourism businesses would have experienced eligible revenue decline of at least 50% in the reported 2020-2021 year, compared to fiscal year-end 2019 and have issued at least one T4 to an employee in 2019.
- Funding can be used for expenditures such as reopening and operating expenses, including staff salaries and maintenance, health and safety measures to support the safety of the visitors and workers, and attracting visitors through tourism product and experience improvements and marketing.
- Program funding formula uses a percentage of qualifying revenue losses and salary and wage expenditures to determine the maximum potential award amount.
- Funding is a competitive application based program. Awarded funding can be applied to eligible expenses incurred between April 1, 2021 and March 31, 2022.
|
|
Support for Agri-Food Businesses Productivity
Applications are now being accepted under Phase 2 of the Canadian Agricultural Partnership to support food and beverage manufacturing industry improve labour and production efficiency, and waste reduction.
The deadline for submission is October 20, 2021. For more information visit the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture Food and Rural Affairs webpage.
|
|
Bridges to Better Business 2021 Event
Looking for some direction, clarity, and ideas in the world of marketing right now? Join this year's event and learn how you and your team can rethink innovation, ignite creativity, and improve business outcomes in your marketing strategies.
What to expect:
- 4 Dynamic Workshops - Our experts will cover simple and effective strategies to help you research your audience, understand their needs, and create campaigns that make them sit up and take notice.
- Awards: Immigrant Entrepreneur Award presented by Immigration Partnership, Paul D Boivin Memorial Award, and the Entrepreneur of the Year Award
- Networking & door prizes
WHEN: Thursday, October 28, 3-6 p.m. Zoom onlne
COST: $40
The first 50 people to register will receive a $10 GIFT CARD from a local business
|
|
Workshops, Seminars and Webinar Library
|
|
Jennifer Baker's Canva 101
Focus on developing the skills and knowledge you need to effectively utilize Canva, an online graphic design tool, to design beautiful images and graphics for use on your social media channels. Participants will be guided through account set-up and platform navigation as well as simple design strategies. Jennifer Baker goes beyond explaining the importance of social media to give clients the tools to attract and retain customers. This is part of the Rising Up! month-long Business Webinars and Workshops hosted by the Town of Gananoque, Township of Leeds and the Thousand Islands and the Business Support Network.
WHEN: Wednesday, October 6, 10-11:30 a.m. Zoom online
COST: Free
|
|
Jennifer Baker's Canva 102
This session is part of the Rising Up! month-long Business Webinars and Workshops and will focus on increasing the participant's existing knowledge of Canva. Users will learn how to improve their design skills on Canva through photo-editing tools, animation as well as how to batch-create content and resize canvases. Jennifer Baker provides training on social media to businesses of all sizes.
WHEN: Wednesday, October 13, 10-11:30 Zoom online
COST: Free
|
|
Harnessing the Power of Online Advocacy and Digital Community Sharing
Melissa Schenk, owner and founder of MS2 Productions, presents this session about the power of video and digital marketing solutions. She will explore the psychology of a share, types of 'sharers', missed sharing opportunities, and the #7 Key Guidelines for Sharing Content that can grow your reach, raise your results and rise up your community engagement.
WHEN: Wednesday, October 20, 10 a.m. to 12 noon at the Holiday Inn Express. This will be livestreamed for those who cannot attend in person.
COST: Free
|
Instagram 201: Intermediate
This webinar with speaker Jennifer Baker will focus on developing the skills and knowledge you need to effectively create engaging content, including Instagram stories and reels. Participants will be introduced to strategies and tips to creating engaging stories and reels. Hosted by the Small Business Advisory Centre (Smiths Falls, Lanark County / north Leeds Grenville)
By the end of the webinar participants will be able to:
- create interesting and engaging stories.
- create story highlights, with customized covers.
- search and save relevant music and effects
- create interesting and engaging reels.
WHEN: Wednesday, October 27, 10-11:30 a.m.
COST: Free
|
|
Mental Health in the Workplace
COVID-19 has put additional stress on all business owners. This fall could be one of your most challenging in terms of mental health. Join Vicky Waldick of the Workplace Safety and Prevention Services in this awareness session on what mental health is and the resources available to you.
WHEN: Wednesday, October 27, 10-11 a.m. Zoom online.
COST: Free
|
|
COVID-19 Recovery Canvas
How will you move beyond COVID-19 and measure your performance against competitors? This session by Karen McDonald-Hurley will help your examine the problems you face, to begin to create solutions to plan for the future. Moving beyond the pandemic, you will decide, prepare, and be ready for what your future will look like.
WHEN: Wednesday, October 27, 11 a.m. to 12 noon. Zoom online.
COST: Free
|
|
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 October 19th edition should be received by Friday, October 8th.
- Submissions for the November 2nd edition should be received by Monday, October 25th.
|
|
Ann Weir
Economic Development Manager
|
|
Deanna Clark
Economic Development Officer
|
|
Joanne Poll
Administration / Communications Support
|
|
Jim Hutton
Business Development Officer
|
|
|
32 Wall Street, Suite 300, Brockville, ON K6V 4R9
|
|
|
|
|
|
|