Economic Development eNews | September 21, 2021
|
|
Top feature photo: Stephanie Manstan and her dog Stella in front of her bed and breakfast. Top two photos below: The Loft's living and dining areas.
|
Above photos from the middle: The Sunken Suite's large ensuite with a double Victorian tub, its sunken living area, and the king bed in the Loft.
|
|
The Victorian Luxury Suites
an all-season destination
|
Located in one of Ontario's most scenic villages on the Rideau Canal, the aptly-named Victorian offers large, urban-style suites within the charm of a heritage home. Even better, it's in the heart of Westport's waterfront downtown just steps from interesting shops, restaurants, nightlife and amenities.
"So many people say they love this place and can't wait to come back," says Owner Stephanie Manstan. The guest comment book in the foyer highlights many positive remarks about the suites and facilities and particularly the beds - all king size with luxurious bedding.
"Many of my guests call it their second home," Stephanie says.
That is a welcomed compliment since Stephanie purchased the Victorian in November 2019, just months before the pandemic hit. She was a new business owner still learning the ropes of running a B&B when lockdowns started.
"I think I allowed for everything but the pandemic in my business case," Stephanie says of becoming an innkeeper in strange times. Reservations disappeared and it was quiet in those early days. Fortunately, she was able to reimagine the business into a new "normal" with distancing and safety requirements in place. The remainder of last year was steady for bookings.
This summer season has also been very good. "Since we reopened this June it has been fantastic. People have been flocking here," says Stephanie. "This is now an all-season town with restaurants and stores staying open year round. There are activities for all. For those that want to be active, Westport boasts hiking, biking, golfing, fishing and also has a marina. Winter sports include snowshoeing, skating, tobogganing and cross-country skiing. Motorcyclists and snowmobilers are also finding their way here," she says.
Originally from Newfoundland, Stephanie worked in Toronto as an accountant and executive recruiter for over three decades. She bought the business and relocated to Westport after many years of visiting friends who reside in the area.
"I've loved Westport from my first visit here. I see so much potential in this place and the community. What comes through again and again is the warmth of the people and the community's desire to see everyone succeed," Stephanie says of the support she has received from residents and businesses.
"Even with COVID, I'm glad I made the move. I love my community. And from a business perspective, I feel fulfilled. I like that my guests come here and the weight of the world disappears for a day or a week," says Stephanie.
Her business was turnkey, having purchased it from a couple who did the initial renovations to make it a five-suite operation. Units vary in size, all with king-sized beds and luxury bathrooms. The Loft sleeps four with a pull-out sofa and has a full kitchen. The Sunken Suite also sleeps four and boasts a double Victorian tub.
Learn more about this destination accommodation at 16 Church Street by visiting their website and checking out their Instagram and Facebook pages.
|
|
|
Tomorrow, on Wednesday, September 22nd, proof of vaccination requirements will come into affect in higher-risk indoor settings. The following areas will be affected:
- Restaurants and bars (excluding outdoor patios, as well as delivery and takeout);
- Nightclubs (including outdoor areas of the establishment);
- Meeting and event spaces, such as banquet halls and conference/convention centres;
- Facilities used for sports and fitness activities and personal fitness training, such as gyms, fitness and recreational facilities with the exception of youth recreational sport;
- Sporting events;
- Casinos, bingo halls and gaming establishments;
- Concerts, music festivals, theatres and cinemas;
- Strip clubs, bathhouses and sex clubs;
- Racing venues (e.g., horse racing).
This requirement does not apply to outdoor setting areas and where people receive medical care, food from grocery stores and medical supplies.
The Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development has now extended job-protected unpaid infectious disease emergency leave (IDEL) until January 1, 2022. To read more about the extension, visit the COVID-19 temporary change to the Employment Standards Act webpage.
|
|
Our Specialist is ready to help!
Rebecca Bredin has rejoined the Leeds Grenville Digital Service Squad to assist businesses in applying for the Digital Transformation Grant (DTG) and to provide free one-on-one digital consulting services.
Rebecca can also direct businesses interested in opening an online store to the ShopHERE Digital Main Street Program.
Digital Main Street is an innovative program funded by the federal and provincial governments that is designed to help small businesses improve their existing online presence or create an online presence. The program is built around an online training platform and free consultation services of 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).
Initially launched 14 months ago, the program has already helped more than 700 Leeds Grenville small businesses.
|
|
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.
|
|
To discuss the Digital Transformation Grant or book a free consultation session, contact:
Jim Hutton, United Counties of Leeds and Grenville Business Development Officer
|
|
Minister tours Rideau Canal, visits villages and waterway Mayors
|
RIDEAU CANAL - Two Leeds Grenville Mayors and Le Boat have helped showcase the historic Rideau Canal to Minister of Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture Lisa MacLeod.
Minister MacLeod learned to captain a Le Boat cruiser at the company's Smiths Falls headquarters earlier this month and then cruised the Rideau Canal to Newboro, spending two nights on the boat.
"Cruising is a phenomenal way to see the Rideau Canal, including its wide open lakes, locks and the natural beauty of the waterway," said Minister MacLeod, who travelled through Lower, Big and Upper Rideau Lakes, with stops in Rideau Ferry, Westport and Newboro. She also experienced going through Poonamalie and Narrow's Lock Stations.
"The many communities along the way, and throughout Leeds-Grenville-Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes, is an experience that cannot be missed. I will do it again!" she said.
The Rideau Canal is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is considered one of the engineering marvels of the 19th Century. It is the oldest, continuously operated canal system in North America stretching 202 kilometres from Kingston to Ottawa.
|
|
Above photo: From left: Leeds Grenville-1000 Islands and Rideau Lakes MPP Steve Clark, Westport Mayor Robin Jones, Ottawa City Councillor Jan Harder and the Honourable Lisa MacLeod, Minister of Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture Industries. Below Minister MacLeod with Rideau Lakes Mayor Ari Hoogenboom.
|
|
Economic Development Summit
|
|
Save The Date - Nominate an Economic Development leader
The 2021 Leeds Grenville Economic Development Summit will again continue with a virtual format. Please hold the date of Friday, November 19th in your calendars! Registration will be open by the end of September.
There is still time for individuals, councils and economic development committees to nominate candidates for the 11th annual Bill Thake Memorial Award for Economic Development Leadership.
Many volunteers help to improve the economic vitality of Leeds Grenville and its many communities. Our goal is to honour them for their ongoing efforts. Since the award was launched, 14 area economic development leaders have been honoured and 38 nominees recognized for their outstanding community work.
If you have someone in mind within the 10 member municipalities of Leeds Grenville, consider putting their name forward. You can connect with us at econdev@uclg.on.ca or call Deanna Clark at 613-342-3840, ext. 5360.
The deadline for submissions is this Friday, September 24, at 4 p.m.
|
|
Workshops, Seminars and Webinar Library
|
|
Canva 201: Intermediate
The focus will be on increasing the participant’s existing knowledge of Canva. It is recommended that participants have attended Canva 101. This course is designed for users who want to improve their design skills on Canva through photo-editing tools, and animation. The speaker is Jennifer Baker and the session is 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:
|
|
- batch-create multiple pieces of content
- resize canvases
- utilize photo editing tools, including background remover
|
|
- add animation to a canvas
- understand tips and tricks to be time efficient on Canva.
- see both free and paid features on Canva
|
|
WHEN: Wednesday, September 22, 10-11:30 a.m.
COST: Free
|
|
Financial Empowerment for Entrepreneurs
The final webinar of a three-part series will be led by Financial Coach Tara Tennant and is hosted by the Small Business Advisory Centre (Smiths Falls, Lanark County / north Leeds Grenville). Tara will focus on best practices when it comes to budgeting and cash flow.
WHEN: Friday, September 24th, 10-11 a.m. - Go With the Flow (Week 3)
COST: Free
|
|
Instagram 101: Beginners
Hosted by the Small Business Advisory Centre (Smiths Falls, Lanark County / north Leeds Grenville), this webinar with Jennifer Baker Consulting will help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to effectively manage your business’ Instagram presence, as well as creating engaging content. Participants will be introduced to effective account management, understand the difference between personal and business accounts, as well as creating and sharing effective posts.
By the end of the webinar participants will be able to:
- navigate an Instagram account
- identify simple strategies to improve engagement and reach
- use effective hashtags
WHEN: Wednesday, October 20, 10-11:30 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 5th edition should be received by Monday, September 27th.
- Submissions for the October 19th edition should be received by Friday, October 8th.
|
|
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
|
|
|
|
|
|
|