Economic Development eNews | July 22, 2025 | | Today’s Special: Classic Comfort with a Cool Twist | | |
NORTH AUGUSTA - After operating for four years in Kemptville, owners Laura and Davis Holly, along with their children, moved the popular Dairy Barn & Western Grill to North Augusta last year and expanded its offerings.
It began with a soft opening serving breakfast. Demand quickly grew, and they responded by adding lunch, then dinner. The restaurant is now open seven days a week from 7 a.m.-8 p.m. Customers can call in orders for pick-up or opt for convenient delivery. The entrepreneurial family works all-hands-in to support the business's growth. At any given time, you're likely to see at least one of them onsite.
Unique to the dining experience, the price you see on the menu is the price you pay. Taxes are included, and tips are not accepted. “We pay our servers above minimum wage to compensate,” Laura says. It’s plain, simple and uncomplicated, just like the menu.
The menu includes light fare or hearty breakfasts, zucchini sticks, mozzarella sticks, chicken wings, pastas, burgers, hot sandwiches and their popular southwest steak. French fries are always fresh-cut.
Each month there's something new on the menu, and a variety of daily soups are offered. Stop into the shop for seasonal treats like milkshakes, banana splits, soft-serve and 20 flavours of hard ice cream.
“Customers really like our hamburgers, and banana splits are popular,” Laura remarks. Servings are generous, so there’s great value in each meal. “Anywhere else you’d find a bill of $50 to $60 for two people. Here, it’s much more affordable. We wanted to give our patrons an experience that felt like eating at home, with none of the work and only a small margin above that cost,” she explains.
Staff, which includes daughter Jessica, are trained to focus on patrons and offer excellent customer service. “We pride ourselves on treating each customer with a comforting approach and respect,” Laura adds. “Our crew loves seeing and serving people from the community, including our regulars, and also getting to know visitors. I love it and take pride in it too.”
A variety of the meats used on the menu are sourced from The Butcher Shop in Brockville, one of the foodie shops on the 1000 Islands Rideau Canal Waterways Adventures. The family is also involved in the community. “The donation can at the cash register supports the North Augusta Labour Day celebration. If customers insist on tipping, we suggest they drop it there,” says Laura.
Furthering their investment, Laura and Davis have purchased the former general store in the village. They are renovating it to reopen next year, offering select food products and gas, which they hope will serve both the restaurant and the wider community.
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Photos: top main, Owner Laura Holly welcomes you into the restaurant. Above: delicious grilled plates with fresh crispy fries; visit for a meal or pop-in for a quick ice cream treat; bring the whole family for a warm and delicious meal; renovations continue on their newly acquired commercial property.
LINKS
8850 County Road 15, North Augusta
613-926-2600
Website | Facebook | Menu
| | Attention Small Businesses: Grant Funding Available | | |
The Government of Ontario has launched the new Rural Ontario Development (ROD) Program. Through the Business Stream, eligible rural businesses can receive 35% of project costs, up to $10,000, for initiatives that support growth and resilience.
Eligible businesses must:
- Have 1–20 employees (not including owners)
- Pay agricultural, commercial, or industrial property tax
- Be physically located in rural Ontario (all of Leeds Grenville qualifies)
- Not operate in a solely residential property
Eligible project types include:
- Market or product diversification
- Cybersecurity improvements
- Succession planning
- Accessibility upgrades
Funding will be awarded on a first-come first-served basis.
Applications are open until September 24th.
Join one of the information sessions available on August 20th or September 10th from 10-11:30 a.m.
For full program details visit the website or Email RODprogram@ontario.ca
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Funders Forum Attendees Learn More About Available Funds
It was standing room only as business, municipality and agency representatives gathered to collect information on current funding programs at the newly opened Quality Inn & Suites in Prescott on July 15th. The Cross-Ministry Funders Forum allowed attendees a convenient one-stop-shop exposure to current programs. There are multiple funding programs available, depending upon the nature of each applicants' eligibility. Here is a list of ministries, and the respective funds presented:
Ministry of Rural Affaires (MRA)
Rural Ontario Development (ROD) program
Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development (MLITSD)
Skills Development Fund
Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade (MEDJCT)
Ontario Together Trade Fund (OTTF)
Eastern Ontario Development Fund (EODF)
Advanced Manufacturing and Innovation Competitiveness (AMIC)
Trade Impacted Communities Program (TICP)
Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Gaming (MTCG)
Enhancing Access to Spaces for Everyone Grant - EASE
Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness (OMAFA)
Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership
For more on funding, visit the Leeds Grenville Economic Development funding resources page. To receive advice on whether your business could qualify, connect with Business Development Officer Shelbi McFarlane. Email or call 613-342-3840 x 5361.
| | TV Food Series Filming in Region | Leeds Grenville Economic Development is working with VIVA Productions, Bell FibeTV1 and Cynthia Peters from Maison Maitland in Augusta Township to create a five-episode culinary series. As part of the promoting the 1000 Islands Rideau Canal Waterways tourism region, Cynthia will be showcasing French country cooking featuring a variety of local ingredients such as cheese, berries and apples. The episodes will include instructions on how to cook each dish. The show is slated for national release in late fall 2025, premiering on Bell FibeTV1. | | | Hair Corner Opens in Kemptville | Hair Corner, home of the affordable family haircut, is now open at 200 Prescott Street in Kemptville. Hairstylist/owner Tia Nguyen and team offer quality hair services to all. Experienced stylists help clients look and feel their best and make every visit warm, welcoming, and tailored just for you. Book online: www.haircorner.ca, text: 343-209-6269. Walk-ins welcome! | | | REDI Program Update for Employers and Agencies | |
On Wednesday, July 2nd, the OINP updated its program update webpage and published an Employer Portal User Guide.
OINP would like to invite employers to join one of the upcoming virtual information sessions. These sessions will feature a demonstration of the new Employer Portal and an opportunity to ask questions. All sessions will be held online via Microsoft Teams. Choose to attend only one of the following sessions:
Tuesday, July 29, 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m.
Wednesday, July 30, 1-2:30 p.m.
Thursday, July 31, 2025, 10-11:30 a.m.
Space at these sessions is limited, and registration will be on a first-come, first-served basis.
| | Medium to Large Businesses: Join Us at the Ottawa Career Fair | | Leeds Grenville Economic Development is currently seeking Expressions of Interest to participate alongside the Counties at an upcoming career fair designed to showcase employment opportunities across the region. Branded as the Best Places to Work Expo, the event attracts thousands of job seekers to the Rogers Centre in Ottawa. On Tuesday, October 7th, Leeds Grenville will once again attend and your business could join us! This is an excellent opportunity to promote current job openings and connect directly with skilled workers and motivated candidates. Businesses are supplied with the area to fit one table and two chairs in the Leeds Grenville premium booth. Cost to participate to be calculated based on interest. | | |
Event Details
- October 7, 11:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
- Rogers Centre (55 Colonel By Drive), third floor in Canada Hall 2
Event Highlights
- Meet with motivated candidates from the Ottawa region
- Promote current job opportunities
- Build your talent pipeline for future hiring needs
- Network with other employers and training institutions
Spots are limited. To submit your Expression of Interest, include your business name, size and type of positions you will be recruiting for and send to Cyndy Bolton, Economic Development Officer, cyndy.bolton@uclg.on.ca.
Deadline: August 15, 2025 at 5 p.m.
| | Greeted by both Economic Development and Human Resources staff, potential candidates get information about Leeds Grenville opportunities. | | HFI Pyrotechnics staff invest time into educating the steady stream of interested job seekers from a wide variety of skill and training backgrounds. | | Thinking of starting or growing a business? If you are self-driven, determined to succeed, coachable and have a solid business idea, connect with the professionals at Leeds Grenville Small Business or the Small Business Advisory Centre. They can help you identify marketplace opportunities, write an effective business plan, understand government regulations, source licensing information and explore financial options. Book your flexible and free 45 minute session today. | |
On the Road - Upcoming Consults in Westport
Starting or running your own business comes with many questions and challenges. Book a 45 minute to 1 hour consultation with a professional from a Small Business Advisory Centre professional to discuss your start up or existing small business. Get answers to questions and guidance on your next steps.
To prebook a business advisory meeting for this day, contact the Small Business Advisory Centre at 613-283-0062 or email Cindy James at cjames@smallbizcentre.ca.
| | Access the 2025 Business Survey Report Online | | |
Thank you to the 360 respondents who completed the 2025 Leeds-Grenville-Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes Business Survey, including 285 for-profit businesses, representing just over 7% of the region's business community.
The Leeds Grenville - Full Report provides an overall snapshot for the region, while the three additional reports offer insights tailored to solopreneurs, small businesses, and medium/large businesses. This format was designed to give a clearer understanding of the unique needs and challenges businesses face at different stages of growth.
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All reports are available on the Leeds Grenville Economic Development reports webpage.
Follow-up is currently underway for businesses that requested assistance through the survey.
If your business did not complete the survey but would like support navigating available business programs, email or call 613-342-3840 ext. 5361 to reach Shelbi McFarlane, Business Development Officer.
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This 6000 square foot Garage /Commercial building attached to residential 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom home with 2 car attached garage offers opportunities. The shop has 2 car hoists, 2 commercial bays, paint booth and numerous automotive tools. It's currently operated as a used auto sales and repair service.
The residence has been recently painted top to bottom and is move in ready. A workshop is also located behind the home for the hobbyist. It is our understanding that the garage and home cannot be severed from each other, must be sold as a package. Showings after 5 and weekends.
View map for 2597 North Campbell Road, Augusta.
| | Workshops, Seminars and Webinar Library | | Leeds Grenville 'Building Accessibility: It's Easier Than You Think!' Seminar | The Leeds and Grenville Accessibility Advisory Committee invites you to the free fall seminar, dedicated to exploring the benefits of making businesses accessible for individuals with disabilities. Learn practical tips and tricks to make buildings more accessible for everyone, because it's simpler than you might think! Whether you're a business owner, designer, or simply passionate about inclusivity, this event is for you. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn and make a positive impact! | | |
Event Highlights:
- Engaging speakers from the building community
- Personal insights from individuals with lived experience
- Practical tips to enhance accessibility in your spaces
| | | The Importance of Paid Advertising in a Digital Space | |
Learn key insights into digital marketing in the online platform advertising world.
You will learn about:
- Google Ads
- Facebook ads and pixel
- Instagram ads
- Targeting audiences
- Which ads to run for your business
- Key terminology in ad platforms
When: July 29, 10-11:30 a.m.
Where: Online
Cost: Free
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Learn the best tactics for search engine optimization to increase your ranking with search engine results.
You will learn about:
- Importance of keywords
- Copywriting for SEO
- On-page tactics
- Off-page tactics
- Technical SEO
- Auditing your website for search engines
When: August 5, 10-11:30 a.m.
Where: Online
Cost: Free
| | RTO 9 Partnership Fund Information Session | |
Regional Tourism Organization 9 Partnership Fund opens again on September 1st. Get familiar with the program by attending this information session and learn more about the process before you apply. This may help determine your eligibility to apply and what expenses can be incurred under your project. There will also be time at the end of the presentation to ask questions about the program.
When: August 12, 10-11 a.m.
Where: Online
Cost: Free
| | 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 August 5th, 2025 edition should be received by July 28th.
- Submissions for the August 19th, 2025 edition should be received by August 11th.
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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 to any resellers. Please be aware any email messages suggesting acquisition of the directory is not from the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville Economic Development Office.
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