Economic Development eNews | April 28, 2026 | | Satisfying a Sushi Niche - Fresh from the Gardens | | |
Photos: Top - Owners Trang Vu and Janine van Boxtel offer both microgreens and vegetables from seed.
Above from top - showy red amaranth microgreens are a favourite chef's choice; an aeroponic pod planted with lettuce from the vertical garden; various types of lettuce grow in the outdoor greenhouse built by Janine; a selection of garden-fresh sushi ready for delivery; the new commercial kitchen space where sushi is prepared.
LINKS
Farm Stand: 4168 Bisseltown Road, Augusta
Janine: 613·341·7337 | Trang: 647·633·3098
Email | Website | Online Shop
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AUGUSTA – What began as a neighbourly exchange along Bisseltown Road has grown into an innovative farm business where fresh ingredients move from seed to market within a very few days.
Janine’s Gardens, recipient of the 2025 Immigrant Entrepreneur Award is owned by Trang Vu and Janine van Boxtel. They produce year-round microgreens, produce, edible flowers, and now farm-fresh sushi made using ingredients grown on-site. Their collective vision is to produce in-demand food that is fresh, adaptable, and rooted in community needs.
The idea emerged as the neighbours began helping one another and sharing interests in gardening and food production. Trang, a self-proclaimed people person, originally from Vietnam via Toronto, developed an Asian home garden, while Janine, who immigrated from the Netherlands as a child, explored growing microgreens indoors to adapt to the regional climate. A skilled woodworker, Janine's talent has lent to improvements during operation expansions. Their small-scale project in a single room has developed into a full-farm production.
Microgreens form the foundation of Janine’s Gardens. Varieties such as pea shoots, radish, sunflower, cilantro, red cabbage, beets, and kohlrabi are grown year-round in a dedicated grow room producing approximately 35 trays weekly. Seasonal outdoor production adds lettuce, Asian greens like water spinach and red spinach, tomatoes, beans, cucumbers, garlic, herbs such as basil and mint, and edible flowers including pansies and violas.
Building on their fresh produce, the business has expanded into sushi prepared by Trang using the farm's own products where possible. “In my university years, I worked in a sushi kitchen learning the delicate process of making rolls,” she said. “We’re growing the micro herbs, greens, and vegetables that end up in the rolls,” Trang added. “The key is perfectly cooked rice, and handling each roll gently so softer ingredients aren’t crushed.” After upgrading her home kitchen to meet Eastern Ontario Health Unit commercial standards, the business began supplying retail and food partners to their list, expanding into a broader business-to-business model.
Find Janine's Gardens sushi at Sweet Ofelia’s Café & Market in Brockville who offers popular vegan and vegetarian styles. The business also sells microgreens and produce at farmers’ markets and to regional retailers including B&H Grocer in Kemptville, FoodSmiths in Perth, and The Garden Market in Smiths Falls, along with restaurant partners in Merrickville and Kemptville.
Growth has been steady, with microgreens production more than doubling from 15 to 35 trays per week. Investments have expanded growing capacity and also supported year-round production with aeroponics systems.
Janine’s Gardens has adapted through challenges. Early efforts focused on floral products, but demand has shifted it to food. Infrastructure upgrades, including production space and kitchen renovations, required persistence and phased investment. It also hosts fellow producers for collaborative growing projects, reflecting a philosophy centred on shared resources, resilience, and community strength.
Looking ahead, Trang and Janine remain focused on expanding their integrated model of microgreens, fresh produce, edible flowers, and sushi demonstrating how small-scale farming can evolve creatively while staying rooted in local soil.
| | Edwardsburgh Cardinal Completes Land Bank Transaction | | Photo: Edwardsburgh Cardinal Councillor Walter Smail, Councillor Joe Martelle, Mayor Tory Deschamps, Councillor Chris Ward, CIEL Capital Partner and Managing Director Brendan Howard, Leeds-Grenville-Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes MPP Steve Clark, Edwardsburgh Cardinal Deputy Mayor Stephen Dillabough, HFI Pyrotechnics President Rhiannon Iles, HFI Pyrotechnics Marcus Shaw, HFI Pyrotechnics Ellen Barton, Edwardsburgh Cardinal CAO Sean Nicholson, HFI Pyrotechnics Isabelle Roberts. | | |
The Township of Edwardsburgh Cardinal has reached a major milestone in its long-term economic development strategy by facilitating the completion of Phase 1 of the Edwardsburgh Cardinal land bank transaction.
Provincial leaders, including MPP for Leeds-Grenville-Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes Steve Clark and Acting Minister of Infrastructure Todd McCarthy, joined Mayor Tory Deschamps and Township representatives to highlight the significance of the 2,500-acre land transfer from provincial to private industrial ownership, returning strategically important lands to productive use. The transaction, finalized April 1, 2026, reflects years of planning and collaboration among municipal, provincial, and industry partners, including the Township and Infrastructure Ontario.
The surplus lands will facilitate expansion at HFI Pyrotechnics Inc., a defence-sector company with more than 150 years of history. The company is advancing a $2.6 million plant expansion to support its work with the Department of National Defence. The project is expected to create more than 150 new jobs while strengthening domestic supply chains and supporting continued investment in the region.
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MPP Clark underscored that “our provincial members continue to work diligently with the Edwardsburgh Cardinal municipality to unlock all of the surplus lands so that the Township Council’s vision can be realized.”
HFI President Rhiannon Iles stated, “Not only has this transaction secured the business we have today, but it has enabled the company’s growth in the last six months in contracts, employment, and investment. From 95 employees in November, we currently employ 125.” She also noted, “This transfer of land has literally increased our footprint to also serve and contribute to Canadian defence,” and closed by thanking HFI’s ownership group, CIEL Capital, MPP Clark, Township leaders, and HFI employees for their tireless support.
Industry leaders also emphasized the importance of the transfer in securing future growth and employment. With HFI’s workforce already expanding and additional hiring anticipated in the coming months, Phase 1 represents a defining step in positioning the township and broader region for sustained investment, job creation, and long-term economic resilience. Further announcements are expected regarding the remaining land bank lands as the project continues to move forward.
| | Business Excellence Honoured at Rideau Lakes Breakfast | | Photo (l-r): Leeds-Grenville-Thousand Islands-Rideau Lakes MP Michael Barrett, Township of Rideau Lakes Mayor Arie Hoogenboom, Business of the Year recipient Recess Café owners Jen Pryal and Tim McMichael, Small Business of the Year recipient Clearly Auto Glass owner Joe Chase, and New Business of the Year Stone Manor Studios owner Kim Lulashnyk. | | |
ELGIN – Rideau Lakes Township gathered once again to celebrate the strength and dedication of its business community during the tenth annual Rideau Lakes Business Awards Celebration. The breakfast event continues to grow, bringing together entrepreneurs, governing leaders, and community supporters to recognize the innovation, service, and resilience that define local businesses.
Marcia Maxwell, Chair of the Rideau Lakes Economic Development Committee expressed appreciation for the many contributions made by businesses across Rideau Lakes, noting their role in sustaining local economies, creating employment opportunities, and supporting community initiatives.
This was the first year that long standing businesses were recognized. Twenty-two recipients were given scrolls acknowledging their legacy of business success. With a minimum of twenty years, several were celebrating one-hundred years, and more.
Mayor Arie Hoogenboom praised the 470 Rideau Lakes businesses for their contributions, underscoring the incredible people who make up this community. There were 50 nominees put forth, a record for the awards.
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Business of the Year Award
Recess Café, located in Portland, was named Business of the Year in recognition of its outstanding service, growth, and commitment to the community. The café, owned by Jen Pryal and Tim McMichael serves fresh bistro style breakfast and lunch in a school-style surrounding. They employ local staff, source local products and contribute to their community.
Small Business of the Year
Clearly Auto Glass, located just outside of Elgin, was named Small Business of the Year. Joe serves his customers with expert mobile service that's fast, reliable and affordable. He supports windshield replacement services for automobiles, transports, tractors and heavy equipment. Giving back to the community is very important to this family business, as they contribute to holiday dinners and support sporting teams.
New Business of the Year Award
Stone Manor Studios in Newboro was named New Business of the Year. Owner Kim Lulashnyk offers art instruction through workshops and retreats that immerse artists in cultural experiences. Inspiring connection, her heritage house studio is designed to curate creativity and support a sense of artistic community.
| | Easily Find Business Support Services in Just a Few Clicks | | Businesses and entrepreneurs across Leeds Grenville now have a convenient way to access the resources they need to start, grow, and succeed. Find funding, staffing, networking, training and advisory services in one place. | | The Business Support Services Map, is an online tool that brings together local programs, services, and supports into one centralized tool. This interactive map allows users to do a customized search based on their location. | |
HFI Pyrotechnics Inc. and Artemis II
HFI Pyrotechnics played a role in a historic space mission, supplying the marine smoke markers used by the United States Navy to designate the landing zone for the Artemis II splashdown on April 10. The markers act as both a target locator and wind indicator, helping recovery teams safely complete the splashdown. Company president Rhiannon Iles spoke to CBCNN LIVE on the business's contribution to the mission and being the sole supplier of markers to the U.S. Navy since 2012.
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NO GO Coffee Co. Marks 15th Year
For over 15 years, North Grenville's Karin Rabuka has built up No Go Coffee Co. like a smoothly-roasted blend of hard work and dedication. Her strength in marketing was on display at the Leeds Grenville Wholesale Food Trade Show. With a penchant for serving the best brews, she's fostered a genuine following for her products as her Coffeehouse is recognized as a food and entertainment hub. Shop online or connect with Karin to have her coffee truck visit your next event.
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Breakfast for Brown's Marina's 50th
A community hub that offers essential visitor amenities and services that sustain the village’s tourist economy, Brown's Marina celebrates it's 50th year with a free pancake breakfast. Brown's continues to value the long-term relationships with customers and neighbours throughout Leeds Grenville. Congratulate them at their pancake celebration on Sunday, May 3 at the Chaffeys Lock Community Hall. Free admission, goodwill donations to Chaffeys Hall.
| | | Convenient Small Business Consultations at Your Fingertips | | |
Are you thinking about starting a business or looking to grow your existing one? Leeds Grenville Small Business offers free, confidential consultations to help you take the next step with confidence.
Receive assistance with:
- Developing and refining your business idea
- Preparing a professional business plan and cash flow projection
- Understanding government regulations, licensing, and registration requirements
- Conducting market research to identify your target audience and opportunities
- Exploring potential grant programs
- Accessing workshops, training, and local business resources
| Conveniently available for online and in-person consultations. | | | Federal Government Supports Work-Sharing Program | | |
The federal Work-Sharing Program helps employers avoid layoffs during temporary slowdowns by allowing employees to work reduced hours while receiving partial Employment Insurance (EI) benefits. This supports businesses in retaining skilled staff and stabilizing operations during challenging periods. Employers participating in Work-Sharing may also be eligible for the Worker Retention Grant to support employee training during the agreement.
Temporary Special Measures have expanded eligibility to include businesses who are seasonal in nature.
For more information on the program, visit the website:
Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.
| | | CanExport SME for International Business | | |
CanExport SMEs program offers competitive funding to help eligible Canadian small and medium-sized enterprises expand into new international markets.
The program supports businesses by sharing the costs of export-related activities, helping reduce risk and support export diversification. It is intended for companies with meaningful economic ties to Canada, the capacity to grow internationally, and a clear plan to export Canadian goods and services. Successful projects may receive up to $50,000 in funding for international business development activities. Funding is limited, and applications are assessed on a rolling competitive basis.
Important: Program requirements have changed since the 2025 application period. Review more of
what's changed this year before applying.
Deadline May 29 at 12:00 p.m.
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Discover a turnkey business opportunity with six-figure income potential while operating part-time with significant room for future growth. Demand for premium olive oil continues to rise, making this an attractive investment. Located in a top Eastern Ontario tourist destination along the historic Rideau Waterway, the site benefits from strong foot traffic and ample parking. Business details are available through The Joy of Olives website, and the building may also be purchased, expanding your long-term investment options for maximum flexibility and ownership potential ahead.
View map for this business in Merrickville.
| | Workshops, Seminars and Webinar Library | | |
Foodpreneur Advantage
Take part in the Foodpreneur Advantage program, designed to support food sector businesses at any stage.
The Start-Up Seminars are a series of 6 workshops for starting or refining a food business, offered 4 times per year. Learn basic regulations, pricing, branding, packaging, labelling, and how to sell to retailers.
April 30: Costing & Pricing to Make Profits
May 14: Marketing & Branding
21: Food Safety Fundamentals
28: Packaging & Labelling
Time: 10-11 a.m.
Where: Online
Cost: Free
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Market Research Strategies for Entrepreneurs
Get a clear understanding of how to conduct practical, focused, and actionable market research.
Learn about tools and techniques to immediately apply to better understand your audience and make confident decisions.
Learn:
- What and why to use market research
- Primary vs. secondary research
- Identify your target market / customer segments
- Customer needs, pain points and behaviours
- Analyze competitors positioning
- Trends and market demand
- Methods for collecting data
Date: May 11
Time: 9:30-11 a.m.
Where: Online
Cost: Free
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Pricing and Break-Even Essentials for Profitability
Pricing is one of the most crucial decisions you’ll make in your business - it’s not something to be taken lightly. Setting prices too high or too low can impact your sales, profitability, and cash flow. This session will introduce you to a winning formula to ensure your products and services are priced for maximum profitability.
Learn:
- Industry and Competitor Insights
- Calculating True Costs
- Defining a Fair Profit Margin
- Pricing for Profit
- Boosting Margins Without Raising Prices
- Break-Even Analysis Made Simple
Date: May 25
Time: 9-10:30 a.m.
Where: Online
Cost: Free
| | | Economic Development Week | May 10-16 |
| | Small Business Week | October 18-24 |
| | Economic Development Summit | November 20 | North Grenville Municipal Centre, Kemptville | | International Women's Day | March 4, 2027 |
| | | United Counties of Leeds Grenville Economic Development Office | | |
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 May 12 edition should be received by May 4.
- Submissions for the May 26 edition should be received by May 19.
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SPECIAL MESSAGE:
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The Leeds Grenville Economic Development business directory is in the public web domain. The Economic Development Office does not share or sell the directory or event information to any resellers. Please be aware any email messages suggesting acquisition is not from the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville Economic Development Office.
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