Economic Development eNews | September 19, 2023 | |
CABN Co. - Live Smart Anywhere
MALLORYTOWN - The popularity of Jackson Wyatt's net-zero prefabricated smart homes is soaring.
The founder and CEO of CABN Co. Ltd., and the non-profit CABN Foundation, has proven he can put energy-efficient, tech savvy, sustainable homes in remote locations and on hard-to-build sites - including the company's show home just off the 1000 Islands Parkway on LaRue Mills Road. The house went up in two days despite rocky Canadian Shield terrain. Interior finishing was done over the following weeks.
"We can address the housing and climate crisis right now and not 10 years from now," says Jackson. "That's our goal. We want to be that support for people."
CABN has single-dwelling homes ranging from 540-square-feet to 1,850-square-feet ranging in price from just over $200,000 to $550,000. Units have CABN's Energy Informed Design (EID), are orientated toward the sun for maximum solar energy, have glazed windows, airtight insulation systems, HVAC, heating, cooling, electrical, plumbing, sustainable technology and customizable interiors and exteriors.
"We've had hundreds of people come through the show home," Jackson says, adding there is a wait list of 500 for CABN models, including resort owners and a partnership with local builders. The two-storey unit overlooking LaRue Mills Pond is not for sale right now as the CABN team are doing ongoing data collection to document its efficiency and solar generation. The high interest in the Mallorytown-area show home is a testament to how well CABN smart units are being received since the company's launch just over three years ago.
"We're on the precipice of massive growth," Jackson says, adding 2024 will see triple digit sales. The company is renovating a Brockville manufacturing facility right now, which will have the capacity to complete 300 prefabricated homes per year. Units are currently made in Quebec. Jackson said it is important for CABN to be located in Leeds Grenville because of its strategic positioning between Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa and the U.S.
"CABN wouldn't be where it is today without it being in Leeds Grenville," he said. It's also a homecoming. Jackson and his brother Morgan grew up in Brockville. Together they founded the Toronto-based company Greenlid, now a global supplier of compostable containers. The brothers sold it in 2021.
The largest CABN home, a four bedroom, is currently being erected in Maine. The developer plans to create a community of 30 CABN homes in a popular vacation area. There are also projects underway in Colorado, California, New York, Washington and Connecticut. Back on the home front, CABN is working with a Leeds Grenville municipality to build 67 net-zero micro grid homes.
The idea of CABN was conceived during the pandemic when Jackson and his wife thought about escaping to a remote cabin. As a social entrepreneur, Jackson wanted a business where his prefabricated quality building products translated into more affordable housing. He also wanted best-in-class construction techniques for sustainability and to keep pace with every advancement in renewable technology.
The company mantra is: Energy efficient smart homes for unique locations around the world - Live Anywhere - Live Connected - Live Sustainably.
"We designed all of our units to use a fifth of the energy," says Jackson. "I took a product approach to building. From a product perspective, we are selling a kit. We are an equipment supplier and partner with other builders."
| |
Top feature photo: CABN Co. Ltd. CEO Jackson Wyatt sees open spaces and endless possibilities with prefabricated, sustainable and affordable smart homes. | Above: Jackson on the deck of the LaRue Mills home; Below: The living and kitchen area on the main level and the upper level bedroom. | |
The CABN Foundation works with municipalities and community partners to bring affordable, sustainable housing to remote, low-income communities. It has formed a partnership with the Canadian Federation of Municipalities. Learn more about CABN and the CABN Foundation by visiting their website. | | |
|
Foodie Shop Adventures
Fall is a great time to discover your inner foodie and explore new foods and flavours. Shops on the Foodie Shop Adventures tour feature local produce, premium meats, hand-crafted sweets, locally made condiments and imported delicacies! Plan your next self-guided tour of these shops found in the 1000 Islands and Rideau Canal Waterway region.
Marc Gomez Segue, owner of El Rebost de les Mil Illes and Little Barcelona in Prescott, is one of 12 stops on the Foodie Shop Adventures tour. “The exposure received through the (tour) has been great so far," he said.
"We have had people showing up here because of the program and it’s great that (the Adventures tour] will continue into fall and beyond," Marc said.
For more information on planning your next Foodie Shop Adventure, visit our website or our Facebook page.
| | |
|
Last Chance for $2,500 Digital Grant
There is still time to apply for the Digital Transformation Grant and receive your share in as little as 3.5 hours before the grant closes on September 30th. Here is how:
-
Create an account on Digital Main Street - 5 minutes
- Complete the digital assessment - 10 minutes
- Pass the eligibility and pre-qualification quiz - 5 minutes
- Complete the online training program - 2 hours
- Develop a Digital Transformation Plan (DTP) - 1 hour
- Submit an application with copies of your:
- Commercial Tax Bill/lease agreement
- Business registration (BIN) or Articles of Incorporation or Master Business License (MBL)
-
Photos of the exterior storefront/business signage AND interior business operations - 10 minutes
Businesses located within a non-commercially zoned area (i.e. industrial, agricultural, etc.) may qualify, but some restrictions do apply. You must be able to prove you have a brick-and-mortar location and pay commercial taxes. Connect with our Digital Specialist to see if you qualify. Call 613-342-3840, ext. ---, or send an email.
For more information on the program, visit our Digital Services webpage.
| |
|
Find New Employees for Your Team
Are you hiring? Find new team members at the 2023 Fall Hiring Fair on Wednesday, October 4th.
The Hiring Fair will be held at the Brockville Memorial Centre and is targeting all individuals, from youth to adults. There will be part-time, full-time and student positions. The event is made possible through a partnership between the City of Brockville, the Employment + Education Centre (EEC) and
St. Lawrence College.
WHEN: Wednesday, October 4, 3-6 p.m.
WHERE: Brockville Memorial Civic Centre, 100 Magedoma Boulevard, Brockville
COST: Free
Employer booths are free but spots are filling up quickly. To secure a spot or for more information, contact Teanne at EEC via email or call 613-803-9771.
| |
|
Starter Company Plus Information Sessions
The next cohort of Starter Company Plus starts in January 2024, with the application process beginning this month. This program, which is free to participants, offers a comprehensive package of support and resources to help you navigate the challenges of running a business successfully.
In order to receive an application for Starter Company Plus, you must first attend one of the online Information Sessions. The sessions help you determine if this program is right for you and your business. You will learn more about the program, eligibility, dates, and any other requirements. At the end of the session, you will be able to request an application.
Dates and information you need to know about the program will be given to you at the Information Session.
The deadline for the application will be at the end of October 2023.
Online Information Session Dates:
| |
For more information contact Carol Hardy via email or call 613-342-3840, ext. 5367, and visit the website. | |
|
Ignite Growth Through Community Mini Conference and Reception
Discover how a strong and supportive community can be a catalyst for business success at the upcoming Bridges to Better Business Mini Conference. This is an afternoon of collaboration and inspiration being held at Prescott Town Hall on Thursday, October 26 from 4-6:30 p.m. There will be keynote speakers, self-guided break-out sessions, awards and more. Mark your calendar to join us and look for more information on our socials @lgsmallbusiness.
| |
|
Thake Award nominations deadline
The Leeds Grenville Economic Development Office is asking individuals, municipal councils and economic development committees for their help to nominate candidates for the annual Bill Thake Memorial Award for Economic Development Leadership.
The award winner will be announced before the Economic Development Summit on November 17th and will be officially honoured at the event. Nominees will be recognized at a local municipal presentation by the United Counties Warden.
Connect with us at econdev@uclg.on.ca or call Deanna Clark at 613-342-3840, ext. 5360.
The deadline to submit nominations is this Friday, September 22, at 4 p.m. For more information visit our Summit 2023 webpage.
Nomination form
| |
|
Augusta Township Calling for Business Award Nominations
Augusta Township is looking for nominations for its upcoming Business and New Business of the Year Awards event. Now is your opportunity to recognize a deserving business and be entered into a draw to win one of two gift cards.
The deadline for nominations is Friday, October 13.
For more information and the nomination forms, visit the township website.
| |
Workshops, Seminars and Webinar Library | |
|
Teeny Tiny Summit: Building From Within
The 2023-2024 Teeny Tiny Summit series, themed Creating Community Wealth and Well-Being, is kicking off and will feature the renowned community enthusiast and social capitalist, Peter Kenyon. He will speak on the topic of Building from Within: Mobilizing and Connecting a Community’s Assets. Peter is motivated by the desire to help create caring, healthy, inclusive, connected, and enterprising communities, where all community members feel ‘they matter, belong and can contribute’. He will speak about communities that have discovered and mobilized their strengths and transformed themselves.
The Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) in partnership with the Rural Ontario Municipal Association (ROMA), supports Ontario’s smallest communities through Teeny Tiny Economic Development Summits. The Summits are focused on timely topics and challenges facing small rural communities.
WHEN: Tuesday, September 26, 9:30 - 11:30 a.m. Virtual event
COST: Free
| |
|
Disability in the Workplace: Disclosure and Accommodation
Disclosing a disability is a concern to employers, recruiters and people with a disability - but does it need to be? Individuals have the choice to disclose during different phases of the employment cycle - recruiting, hiring, and keeping a job. How can disclosure aid everyone in creating and maintaining an accessible and welcoming workplace? In inclusive workplaces, everyone benefits from disclosure. Learn the why, how, when and what related to disability disclosure. Closed captioning will be provided. This session is hosted by the Ontario Chamber of Commerce.
WHEN: Wednesday, September 27, 12-1 p.m.
COST: Free
| |
|
Do's and Don'ts when crossing the U.S. border
The Government of Ontario, in partnership with the United States Customs and Border Protection Agency, invites Ontario SMEs for a free one-hour webinar about the “Do’s and Don’ts” that must be observed if you are going to successfully move your goods across the border.
Participants will have an opportunity to hear first-hand from a U.S. Customs and Border Protection Agency officer, who will provide Ontario companies with important information on what is mandatory when shipping products to the United States. Particular attention will be paid to the importance of the documentation required to move goods to the U.S.
WHEN: Wednesday, September 27, 10-11 a.m.
COST: Free
| |
|
Employment Standards Act - What Employers Need to Know
Jason Bouchard, Acting Regional Program Coordinator for the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development, Employment Standards Program, will deliver a presentation on Employment Standards for employers. This session will include a review and discussion of the major standards of the Employment Standards Act, 2000, the responsibilities of an employer, and the role of an Employment Standards Officer in an Employment Standards investigation and/or inspection. The webinar is hosted by the Small Business Advisory Centre (Smiths Falls/Lanark County/north Leeds Grenville)
Some of the topics covered will include:
- Minimum wage - termination of employment
- Hours of work limits
- Leaves of Absence
- Vacation
- Public Holidays
WHEN: Thursday, October 12, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
COST: Free
| |
|
Brand Mastery & Social Strategy: Bringing Your Brand to Life on Social Media
This two-part workshop hosted by Leeds Grenville - Small Business features local marketing experts, Ryan Gencarelli and Lyndsay Bigley, will have you feeling re-energized about your online presence.
Build a Strong Brand:
Ryan leads this hands-on session to shed light on what branding is all about and will help you clarify your ideal customer. This is a must-attend session before sharing your brand with the world. There will be time allocated to actively work on your brand.
Social Media Content Planning
Building upon Ryan's branding session, Lyndsay Bigley's social media content planning session will help bring your brand strategy to life on social media. Create a library of engaging social media content ideas and unleash the power of AI to help streamline your social media processes!
WHEN: Thursday, October 12, 8:30-11 a.m.
WHERE: Grenville Mutual Insurance, 380 Colonnade Drive, Kemptville
COST: $25 per person
| |
|
ChatGPT & You - How to Leverage AI for Your Business
In a world increasingly driven by AI (Artificial Intelligence), it’s crucial for entrepreneurs to harness its potential. Speaker Adam Gibeau of Digital Dorsal will equip you with the knowledge and tools to revolutionize your business strategies. It is an eye-opening exploration into the power of AI. The session is hosted by the Small Business Advisory Centre (Smiths Falls/Lanark County/north Leeds Grenville).
What’s in Store:
- Deep dive into applications and significance of AI
- Practical insights into integrating AI for content planning, customer engagement and more
- Expert guidance on leveraging the ChatGPT engine effectively
- Uncover the potential of AI plugins, add-ons and other enhancements
WHEN: Thursday, October 19, 9-10:30 a.m.
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 3rd edition should be received by Monday, September 25th.
- Submissions for the October 17th edition should be received by Friday, October 6th.
| |
Ann Weir
Economic Development Manager
| |
Deanna Clark
Economic Development Officer
| |
Joanne Poll
Administration / Communications Support
| |
Shelbi McFarlane
Business Development Officer
| | | | |
