Economic Development eNews | July 8, 2025 | | Well-Fermented Business Plan Yields Early Success | | |
KEMPTVILLE – “It’s simple and fun here, it’s a come as you are place,” says Jocelyn Major, part-owner of Kemptville Brewing Company.
Five years of planning went into bringing the 5,000-square-foot barn-style brewery to life. Located at the corner of Van Buren Street and Townline Road, the business opened with high anticipation, and has exceeded expectations.
"We wanted to create a place that served as a community hub where businesses could meet too,” Jocelyn says. He has positioned KBC (Kemptville Brewing Company) as an inclusive venue equally suited to casual meetups and business functions.
The second level offers two event spaces for meetings and celebrations. The Loft, just off the taproom, is ideal for larger events, while the Silo, a circular room with seating for up to 18, offers a more focused setting. The covered patio seats a large number as well. These spaces have hosted everything from corporate meetings to sausage-making classes, yoga, and art workshops.
Collaboration has been central to the brewery’s early success. With a batch size ideal for test runs, KBC is a pilot site for larger brewers experimenting with recipes. The business partners with local makers, selling sauces and more in the retail shop.
Shortly after launching, KBC earned the New Brewery of the Year title for Excellence in Brewing from the Canadian Brewers Choice Awards. “It just keeps getting better." Jocelyn says.
The four co-owners are proud of the building’s construction, completed by Lockwood Brothers using as many local resources as possible. In the heart of the kitchen is the European brick oven that bakes fresh, made-from-scratch menu items, from pizzas to desserts.
“Honestly, I think people come because the food is so good. Chef James makes the difference," Jocelyn says. Pairing menu items with a selection from the taproom, like their own lager, pilsner, ale, IPA, stout, or a cocktail, wine or non-alcoholic option, "takes these delicious meals to another level,” he added. Guests can also visit the retail shop to take home KBC beer and branded merchandise.
During festival season, Jocelyn and staff hit the road, selling KBC beverages and merch. This year he's connecting with patrons in Ottawa, Brockville, South Mountain, Winchester, and beyond.
Jocelyn adds, “A lot of people deserve credit for the early success; I'd like to make a shout out to Jon Baldwin, who has helped us tremendously with operations.” He also credits the community for its warm welcome, and his fellow business partners Braden Dukelow, brothers Nathan and Kurtis Devries and family and friends for their support.
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Photos: top main, Co-owner Jocelyn Major serves up the taproom's finest. Above, the spacious patio; the 'Silo', perfect for meetings; Jocelyn takes pride in greeting guests; a view from above.
LINKS
386 Townline Rd, Kemptville
613-713-5226
Website
| | Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming Tastes the Region | | |
Local officials welcomed the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming, the Honourable Stan Cho to the 1000 Islands Rideau Canal Waterways tourism region on July 4th. The tour began at Windmill Brewery and King’s Lock Craft Distillery followed by Hall’s Apple Market & Cidery.
Over a working lunch, officials highlighted the importance of tourism to the region as it continues to be a top sector with nearly 1,000 related businesses.
Ann Weir, Economic Development Manager for the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville highlighted the vision for the region is to become a year-round tourism destination and how the provincially funded Self-Guided Tourism Adventures, is part of its development. With 65 participating businesses and sites in the Tourism Adventures - Bottle & Barrel, Fresh Baked, Fresh Baked Cafes, Foodie Shops, and Gardens, with room to grow in 2026.
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“We were pleased to host Minister Cho,” said Counties Warden, Corinna Smith-Gatcke. “We had meaningful conversations regarding tourism, small business supports as well as signage and more. All of these things are vital to our tourism-based businesses as well as our communities who depend on visitors every year. We thank Minister Cho for his sincere interest in our perspectives and challenges so we can face them together to help tourism thrive.”
Leeds-Grenville, Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes MPP Steve Clark thanked the Minister Cho for making time to visit some of the region’s outstanding tourism businesses. “It allowed the Minister to experience – and sample – our wonderful Eastern Ontario hospitality. It also gave us a chance to showcase how our region is leveraging provincial funding to create unique experiences for visitors and the potential we have to build on these success stories and continue growing our tourism economy.”
| | Photo, left-right: Edwardsburgh Cardinal Deputy Mayor Stephen Dillabough; United Counties of Leeds and Grenville Warden Corinna Smith-Gatcke; Edwardsburgh Cardinal Mayor Tory Deschamps; King's Lock Distillery Owner Laura Bradley; Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming, The Honourable Stan Cho; Leeds-Grenville, Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes MPP Steve Clark; RTO 9 Executive Director Bonnie Ruddock; Leeds Grenville Economic Development Manager Ann Weir; Maison Maitland Owner Cynthia Peters; Windmill Brewery Owner Sean Lucey. | Minister Cho, Elizabethtown-Kitley Mayor Brant Burrow, Hall's Apple Market Owner and Manager of Operations Matthew Shapton, Warden Smith-Gatcke, MPP S Clark and Brockville Mayor Matt Wren sample cider at Hall's Cidery. | | MPP Clark introduces Minister Cho to Sean Lucey, Owner of Windmill Brewery. | King's Lock Craft Distillery owner Rob Heuvel (far right) serves samples to Minister Cho, Deputy Mayor Dillabough, MPP Clark, Mayor Deschamps and Warden Smith-Gatcke. | | Len's Cove Galley Bar Floats New Look | Since 1958, the full-service Len's Cove Marina has been attending to everything customers in the Portland and Rideau Lakes region. While visiting, stop by The Galley Restaurant's refurbished bar to enjoy some food and drink. Built from an original Dowsett Boat, it pays tribute to Portland’s rich boat-building heritage. Also, visit the Heritage Boat Display at the harbour on July 26, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. | | | |
As of July 2nd, the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) has launched a new electronic Employer Portal, this shifts the Job Offer streams and all REDI applications to an employer-led application process.
Employers can register their business information in the Employer Portal and provide employment position information to enable a prospective applicant to register their Expression of Interest (EOI).
Individuals who had a previously submitted EOI through the OINP system have been automatically withdrawn and are encouraged now to work with their employer to submit a new EOI.
Reach out to Counties Economic Development Office at econdev@uclg.on.ca if you require additional support. More information in addition to Ministry updates on the REDI program can be found here.
| | 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 the professionals at Leeds Grenville Small Business or the Small Business Advisory Centre. Identify marketplace opportunities, write an effective business plan, clarify government regulations, source licensing information and find financial support. Book a flexible and free 45 minute session today. | | Rural Ontario Development (ROD) Program - Now Open | | |
The ROD program supports economic growth, job creation, and infrastructure development in rural Ontario through two key streams: Business and Community. The program offers new funding opportunities for small rural businesses, municipalities, Indigenous communities and non-profits, with $20 million in provincial funding allocated over two years. Potential applicants are encouraged to register for an upcoming information session on August 20th and September 10th to learn more.
Business Stream
Rural brick-and-mortar businesses with 1–20 employees that pay commercial, agricultural, or industrial property tax may be eligible to receive 35% of project costs, up to $10,000.
Eligible project types include:
- Market or Product Diversification (e.g. developing marketing plans, launching new products)
- Cybersecurity Improvements (e.g. assessments, upgrades to systems and protocols)
- Succession Planning (e.g. developing a formal business transition plan)
- Accessibility Upgrades (e.g. installing ramps or automatic door openers)
Community Stream
Funding is available for:
- Economic Diversification, Competitiveness and Capacity Building
- Up to $150,000 with 35-50% cost sharing to support local economic development strategies and plans, economic diversification and competitiveness, and capacity building events.
- Workforce Development, Attraction and Retention
- Up to $150,000 with 50% cost-share for projects focused on attracting and retaining workers.
- Community Infrastructure Enhancements
- Up to $250,000 with 35% cost-share to upgrade or repurpose community assets vital to the local economy.
Full program guidelines and application details are available at: ontario.ca/RODprogram
Application Deadline: September 24, 2025 at 5 p.m. ET
| | Ontario Trillium Foundation Grants | | |
The Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) offers several grant streams (Seed, Grow and Capital) to help eligible organizations deliver programming and improve community infrastructure.
Who can apply?
Charities, non-profits, Indigenous communities, small municipalities, collaboratives, and grassroots groups.
Each grant program has different intake periods and deadlines. Learn more here.
| | Only One Week Left to Register for the Cross-Ministry Funders Forum | | |
You're invited to the Ontario Cross-Ministry Funders Forum; an in-person event connecting businesses, communities, non-profits, and economic developers with provincial funders. Learn about current and upcoming funding opportunities, eligibility, timelines, and how to strengthen regional coordination ahead of the next funding cycle.
Featuring presentations from representatives of:
- Ministry of Rural Affairs (MRA)
- Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade (MEDJCT)
- Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness (OMAFA)
- Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development (MLITSD)
These sessions provide a direct line to funding representatives and programs. It's a chance to:
- Learn about upcoming grant programs and their timelines
- Understand eligibility requirements and evaluation priorities
- Build relationships directly with funders and other regional stakeholders
- Ask questions in a supportive, in-person setting
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When: July 15, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Where: Quality Inn & Suites
135 Prescott Centre Drive, Prescott
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| | Community Futures Grenville Eco-Futures Loan Fund | | |
There's a new funding program for clean-tech and green-tech businesses and projects. The EcoFutures Loan Fund supports new and existing businesses in clean technology sectors, as well as businesses in any sector looking to implement energy efficiency/transition or waste reduction projects. Offering favourable rates and flexible terms, this loan program supports both new and existing businesses pursuing emissions-reduction projects, within the Community Futures Grenville area.
Who can apply?
Businesses in the sustainable technology sector or any business undertaking projects that reduce emissions, such as energy efficiency upgrades, zero-emission infrastructure, or nature-based climate solutions. Learn about eligibility and how to apply by contacting Loans Officer Darren Gallacher.
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The Baldachin Inn in picturesque Merrickville, Ontario, offers an historic ambiance.
The property has the following features:
- a stunning ballroom
- family dining
- Harry MacLean's Pub
- the Courtyard Garden Patio
- and overnight accommodations in finely appointed rooms and suites.
The building also features a vintage caramel shop and over 6,000 sq. ft. of shopping with women's fashions, furniture, and antiques.
View map for 111 St. Lawrence Street, Merrickville.
| | Workshops, Seminars and Webinar Library | | | |
Real Strategies / Sustainable Growth
This isn’t just another workshop, it’s your chance to learn how to build a business that consistently attracts, delivers, and retains high-value customers.
Robbie will share powerful, hard-earned insights from over a decade of hands-on experience growing companies-from Shopify Plus to ventures with Gary Vaynerchuk. You’ll walk away with practical strategies to create your own customer-generating engine and take your business to the next level faster and smarter. The workshop will take place at 25 Central Avenue West in Brockville, the offices of the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville.
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Create Social Media Graphics with Canva's AI
Level up your social media game without spending hours designing. Learn how to use quickly and create professional, eye-catching graphics that grab attention and drive engagement.
Whether you want to promote products, build your brand, or run a campaign, Canva’s AI tools like Magic Design, Magic Edit, and Magic Write make it easier to turn ideas into polished posts.
When: July 23, 9:30-10:30 a.m.
Where: Online
Cost: Free
| | The Importance of Paid Digital Advertising | |
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
| | 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 July 22nd, 2025 edition should be received by July 14th.
- Submissions for the August 5th, 2025 edition should be received by July 28th.
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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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