Economic Development eNews | December 10, 2024 | |
Season's Sweet Things from The Bee Good Shop | |
|
CARDINAL - Amid the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, we move like busy bees, darting from one hive to another gathering goods for gifting.
Enter The Bee Good Shop, a welcoming space where customers can explore finely curated products for the discerning individuals on their list, while also treating themselves. "It's a great work environment, we all get along so well," says Manager Brittany Simzer of the owners and staff.
Entrepreneurs Liz Connell and Paul Whitney opened their retail shop in the fall. “We had planned to do this for some time, and this felt like the right opportunity,” said Liz. The partners have been running their other corporation, the African Bronze Honey Company for over ten years. The packaging, storage, and shipping operations for the honey business are housed in the same building as the Bee Good Shop, and available for purchase in the store.
“We’ve learned so much on this journey,” Liz shared. Her advice to aspiring business owners? “Make sure the need exists, and believe in what you’re doing. It’s a big risk to put yourself out there, but no one else is going to motivate you to do it, so have patience.” This philosophy has inspired them to be where they are today.
The shop’s mission is to offer useful, sustainable, ethical, eco-friendly, local, and organic products. “We ensure that each product meets at least four of these six criteria. Many meet them all,” said Liz. She noted the importance of brand integrity to today’s savvy shoppers. "Many of our suppliers are women-owned businesses or Indigenous enterprises."
Made By Bees, located in Elizabethtown-Kitley and Gentle Craft Studio of Edwardsburgh Cardinal also stock their honey in the shop. “We offer an open opportunity and encourage fellow producers to feature their products alongside ours. Collaboration is good for everyone, it strengthens the community,” Liz explained.
The shop also features notable brands like Dalcini Stainless containers, Jack59 shampoos and Sitti soaps. The grocery section offers Loon Kombucha, Tease and Justea teas, Chickapea Pasta, Sprague Soups, Ivanhoe and Black River Cheeses, Kanata Soup and La Cultura Salumi to name a few. Snack options include Honey Bar, One More Cocoa, Hummingbird Chocolate, Amish Country Popcorn, local sourdough bread and frozen calzones. New items arrive weekly, so frequent visits are a must. To stay updated on promotions and fresh finds, check out their social feeds.
Customizable gift baskets are a highlight of the Bee Good Shop. Select one of their pre-curated arrangements or choose specific items yourself. These meaningful gifts are perfect for corporate clients, foodies, and family members, especially those hard to shop for. Simply contact Brittany, and she’ll ensure your gifting needs are met.
The Bee Good Shop recently added events to the schedule and are eager to expand into the new year. “It’s a fun way to bring friends together to learn about and taste local products,” Liz said, noting the success of their November Charcuterie Night. “More people came out than we had expected,” added Brittany, who is looking forward to planning and booking tastings for wedding parties, corporate development, foodie themes and date night events.
Everyone enjoys an exceptional gift, so remember Bee Good, for goodness’ sake!
| |
Photos: top, Liz Connell and Paul Whitney welcome you to The Bee Good Shop; right, from top: gift baskets filled with African Bronze Honey products; local honey producer's items; shop Manager Brittany Simzer with a popular holiday basket; locally made calzones available from the freezer; themed night activities. | |
The Cottage Witch Expands Shop | BROCKVILLE - Maxine, owner of The Cottage Witch located in historical downtown has reopened the store after doubling her retail space. She continues to serve with a wider selection of unique treasures including signature Witch Balls and Spell Jars. It's a magical place for unique and eclectic handmade and carefully selected tools and gifts like jewelry, spices, candles, books, apparel, crystals and more. Visit the shop's 7 Buell Street location. | |
|
Free Business Consults
Thinking of starting or growing a business? If you are self-driven, determined to succeed, are coachable and have a solid business idea, connect with a small business consultant. Identify marketplace opportunities, write an effective business plan, clarify government regulations, source licensing information and find financial support.
Book a free in-person or virtual 45 minute session. Identify your business location, and select the appropriate button below:
| | |
|
|
How to Start a Business: Athens
Host: Leeds Grenville Small Business
When: December 12th, 4:30-6 p.m.
Where: Joshua Bates Centre,1 Main Street West
| |
Canada Summer Jobs Wage Subsidy | |
|
Canada Summer Jobs (CSJ) provides wage subsidies to employers from not-for-profit organizations, the public sector, and private sector organizations with 50 or fewer full-time employees, to create quality summer work experiences for young people aged 15 to 30 years.
Canada Summer Jobs is a program under the Youth Employment and Skills Strategy, which aims
to provide flexible and holistic services to help all young Canadians develop the skills and gain paid
work experience to successfully transition into the labour market.
| |
|
Application deadline December 19, 2024,
11:59 p.m. PST
| | |
Eastern Ontario Development Fund - Accepting Applications | |
|
This fund provides support for projects and investments to businesses, municipalities and not-for-profit organizations for economic development in eastern Ontario. The program provides financial support/services to assist businesses to:
- grow their businesses
- improve productivity
- invest in innovation and skills development
- pursue new markets
- generate broad positive regional economic impact
- create new good, sustainable jobs
The types of support available include:
- funding support
- complementary services and support
Learn more about eligibility, what eligible businesses and community economic development projects need to do, and the eligibility checklist on the EODF website.
For assistance contact Senior Business Advisor
Denis Lapierre at least two weeks prior to deadline at 613-415-8384 or by email.
| |
Application deadline January 28, 2025 | |
Experience Ontario 2025 - Opens with New Online Portal for Applications | | |
|
|
Building available for sale or lease on a large lot in the heart of Kemptville. 45 parking spots and high visibility make this space ideal. 3,000 square ft. of blank canvas awaits your vision. Located across the street from the North Grenville Municipal Centre and near where highway 43 and highway 44 meet.
View Map and details for this property.
| |
Workshops, Seminars and Webinar Library | |
Understanding Basic Analytics and Metrics
Tailored for individuals aiming to grasp the essentials of social media analytics. The ability to interpret and act upon analytics is crucial. This workshop will demystify the complex world of metrics. Unlock the potential of analytics to steer your online presence
toward greater visibility and effectiveness.
| |
|
Learn to:
- track engagement
- analyze audience behavior
- measure your social media success
- understand key performance indicators (KPIs)
- use data to refine strategy and improve content performance
| |
|
Host: Regional Tourism Organization 9
Presenter: Karine Parthenais, Mellow Brew Marketing
When: January 7, 2025, 10-11 a.m.
Where: Online
Cost: Free
| |
Leeds Grenville Small Business - The Growth Series: Winter Workshops | | |
|
|
Small Business will be hosting seven powerful workshops designed to give you actionable strategies and practical tools to elevate your business. This isn’t just another workshop series, it’s a deep-dive experience that will equip you with everything you need to grow, expand, and sustain a thriving business. Boost your leadership skills, optimize your cash flow and more:
- Individual Workshop: $30
- Full Series: $180 (a savings when you sign up for all 7 workshops!)
By enrolling in the full January 8th to March 26th series, you’ll gain a comprehensive education on the key drivers of business success, giving you the knowledge to level up every aspect of your operation. Invest in your business and take it to the next level!
| |
|
Sustainable and Regenerative Tourism:
A Workshop Series for Businesses and Destinations
Designed for tourism business owners, operators, and destination managers dedicated to integrating sustainable practices, discover the tools to thrive in the growing market of sustainability-conscious travelers with this Workshop Series. Hosted by GreenStep and supported by RTO 9, this engaging four-part series empowers tourism professionals to create a customized sustainability action plan aligned with global standards.
Learn to:
- Master key sustainability criteria and assessment techniques.
- Set actionable, impactful goals.
- Effectively showcase your progress to customers and partners.
Walk away with a tangible plan, practical insights into sustainability challenges and solutions, and a Certificate of Completion. Gain access to optional one-on-one consulting to implement your strategy.
Host: Regional Tourism Organization 9
Presenter: GreenStep
When: January 15, 29; February 12, 26, 1-3 p.m.
Where: Online
Cost: $107.83 for all 4 sessions
| |
Losing Ground:
The Definitive Workforce Update
Join this first of it's kind event featuring Tourism HR Canada for a “state of the union” style presentation. Explore pressing workforce challenges, including persistent labour shortages, declining competitiveness, and the shifting policies.
Whether you’re an employer, educator, industry association leader, destination marketer, HR professional, or government representative, this session offers indispensable insights.
Why attend?
- Understand the latest labour market trends
- Learn key factors contributing to challenges
- Discover programs and tools
- Engage with recommendations for fostering resilience and innovation
Host: Regional Tourism Organization 9
Presenter: Tourism HR Canada
When: January 22, 2025, 1-3 p.m.
Where: Online
Cost: Free
| |
| International Women's Day | March 6, 2025 | Brockville Memorial Civic Centre | | |
|
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.
*eNews will take a break over the holidays and return January 7th.
- Submissions for the January 7th, 2025 edition should be received by December 30th.
- Submissions for the January 21st, 2025 edition should be received by January 13th.
| |
United Counties of Leeds Grenville Economic Development Office | | | | |
