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The Community Improvement Plan (CIP) Incentive Program continues to be a cornerstone of local revitalization, helping property and business owners reinvest in key areas of the community. Since its launch in 2018, the program has supported 85 projects and leveraged more than $38 million in total investment through a mix of non-repayable grants, 0%-interest loans, and targeted tax incentives.
The CIP encourages improvements in the Downtown Core and RiverWalk District, employment areas, heritage properties, and large-scale residential developments—supporting everything from façade restorations and accessibility upgrades to redevelopment and adaptive reuse projects.
By fostering renewal and reinvestment, the program continues to strengthen Prescott’s economic future and community character.
Property and business owners interested in learning more can visit www.Prescott.ca/CIP or contact the Economic Development and Tourism Department to discuss eligibility and available incentives.
Interested in the CIP Incentive Program? Click here to learn more.
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Parking Advisories
Overnight Parking Prohibited
From November 1 to March 31, no on-street parking is permitted between 12 a.m. and 7 a.m., anywhere in Prescott.
This restriction allows Public Works crews to safely and effectively clear snow from roads and sidewalks. Vehicles parked in violation may be ticketed or towed.
Permit parking is available in designated municipal lots throughout the winter months.
Visit Winter Operations - Town of Prescott for details on locations, rates, and passes.
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Daytime Downtown Parking Rules
In addition to the Overnight Winter Parking rules listed above above, King Street has a two-hour parking limit, enforced Monday–Saturday, 9 a.m.–6 p.m. For longer visits or work shifts, please use municipal lots or side-street parking.
See the map below for more information.
| Canada Summer Jobs Funding Applications Open | |
Canada Summer Jobs (CSJ) provides wage subsidies to help not-for-profits, public-sector employers, and small private businesses (50 or fewer employees) hire youth aged 15–30 for quality summer work experiences.
For 2026, applications are open until December 11, 2025. Funded positions may begin as early as April 20, 2026, must start no later than July 20, 2026, and may run until August 29, 2026. Not-for-profits can receive up to 100 percent of the applicable minimum wage, while public-sector and eligible private-sector employers may receive up to 50 percent. The program helps meet local labour needs, builds youth skills, and strengthens community organizations and small employers.
Visit here to learn more.
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Sign Permit Requirements and Associated Design Guidelines for Downtown
Prescott’s Downtown & RiverWalk District Sign Design Guidelines help businesses create high-quality signage that enhances the community's visual appeal.
A sign permit is required before installing or updating any signage.
Read More
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Stand Out with Custom Signage at the ACCC!
Are you ready to take your marketing to the next level? Join us for a unique opportunity to showcase your brand in front of thousands at the Alaine Chartrand Community Centre!
With high-visibility ad placements, you'll connect with an engaged audience and boost your brand's presence like never before.
For more information, contact Dana Valentyne at dvalentyne@prescott.ca and view available options here.
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Prescott's Online Business Directory
Is your brick-and-mortar or home-based business located within the Town of Prescott? You can be listed on our online Business Directory!
Interested in being added? Complete our Business Registration Form.
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River Route Adds New Stops Across South Grenville
The River Route public transit service has expanded! New stops in Maitland, Prescott, Johnstown, Cardinal, and surrounding areas make it even easier for riders to get where they need to go. Whether commuting, attending appointments, or running errands, passengers can enjoy more connections with the same reliable schedule.
View the full list of updated stops and times at riverroute.ca.
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Business Feedback Form
We’re inviting all local business owners to share ideas, concerns or suggestions to help shape our economic development and tourism efforts.
Submit your input anytime here.
| | Deputy Mayor McConnell & Members of Council welcome Mane Three Nineteen, a new waterfront hair salon, to the Downtown Prescott RiverWalk District, and new owners Tanya Bond and Russ Peters to the Edward Street Tim Hortons. | | |
Infinity Self-Storage
198 Georgina Street
1st Anniversary
December 1
Nick's Restaurant
107 Churchill Road East
13th Anniversary under current ownership
December 10
MacEwen Edward Street
965 Edward Street North
2nd Anniversary of Redevelopment
December 13
Voice2Net
246 King Street West
1st Anniversary in Downtown Prescott
December 16
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Madison's by Renegadz
900 Boundary Street
1st Anniversary
January 1
Shiny Bud
305 King Street West
5th Anniversary
January 1
Once@426
426 King Street West
8th Anniversary
January 6
World Financial Group Prescott
436 King Street West
2nd Anniversary in Downtown Prescott
January 6th
| | You can stay up-to-date on upcoming business anniversaries and grand openings, and see photos and livestreams of our business ribbon cuttings and celebrations, by following Invest Prescott on Facebook and Instagram. | | Spring Home & Trade Show – Vendor Registration Now Open | | |
Ontario Approved Professionals (OAP) has opened vendor registration for the 2026 Prescott Spring Home & Trade Show, taking place April 23–25 at the Leo Boivin Community Centre. The show continues to serve as a key regional marketplace for home-related businesses, trades, retailers, and service providers.
The 2026 show will follow a three-day format featuring indoor exhibitor booths, outdoor vendor spaces, and dedicated periods for public browsing, demonstrations, and business-to-business networking. The structure is designed to support steady visitor flow and give exhibitors multiple points of contact with homeowners, contractors, and property managers seeking local services and products.
Vendor registration is first-come, first-served. Standard interior booths are $600 plus HST (or $500 for OAP members), and premium corner booths are $750 plus HST (or $650 for members). Discounts apply for multiple booth bookings, and exhibitors must provide proof of $2 million commercial general liability insurance.
Registration closes March 13, 2026, and early booking is recommended to secure preferred locations.
Click Here for Information & Registration Package
| | Downtown Prescott Dining, Gift & Celebration Guide Now Available | | |
The Downtown Prescott Dining, Gift & Celebration Guide is now available—your go-to resource for discovering the best of the holiday season in our historic downtown. The guide showcases local shops, festive flavours, unique gifts, and inviting places to gather, all within steps of one another along King Street. Whether you’re checking off your list, planning a holiday meal, or looking for ways to celebrate with friends and family, the guide makes it easy to explore everything Downtown Prescott has to offer.
You can pick up a printed copy at the Prescott Museum & Visitor Centre, or browse the digital version anytime at Prescott.ca. Copies will also be available in participating businesses throughout the downtown.
This season, we invite you to shop local, dine local, and celebrate local. Wander through festive storefronts, discover one-of-a-kind finds from independent retailers, enjoy seasonal menus and cozy cafés, and take part in the many holiday activities happening throughout December. Every visit supports the small businesses that make our downtown vibrant, unique, and welcoming.
Make Downtown Prescott part of your holiday tradition—explore, linger, and enjoy the season close to home.
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Join the Prescott BIA Board of Management — Call for Nominations
The Downtown Prescott Business Improvement Area (BIA) is now accepting nominations for its Board of Management. The Board oversees strategic initiatives to energize Prescott’s RiverWalk District.
Candidates must be business owners or commercial property occupants within the BIA Levy Area—membership is automatic for such premises. Board members commit to attending one meeting per month, with additional participation in projects and events strongly encouraged. If you’re invested in downtown revitalization and want to help shape the future of The RiverWalk District’s business community, this is your opportunity to get involved.
If you're interested, view the BIA's fact sheet here and complete the online Nomination Form here.
| | Lights, Music, and Holiday Magic at RiverWalk Wonderland | | |
RiverWalk Wonderland once again transformed Prescott’s waterfront into a festive destination December 5th & 6th, drawing record crowds to the illuminated Pop-Ups for two magical days. Friday evening saw the weekend’s peak attendance during the community tree lighting, when the 25-foot waterfront Christmas tree lit up the riverfront and kicked off the celebration.
Visitors explored glowing tunnels, light-wrapped sheds, fire-pit gathering areas, and festive displays that made the St. Lawrence shoreline shine—an atmosphere that will continue through January as the light installation remains in place for the community to enjoy.
This year’s lineup delivered more activities than ever. Friday night featured real reindeer, photos with Santa, and festive musical entertainment on the Pop-Ups stage. Saturday’s programming shifted to a daytime celebration, bringing families back to the waterfront for C&M Ranch’s petting zoo, holiday shopping, and live daytime performers, along with Judy’s Wooden Spoon serving a special seasonal menu from their food truck. Holiday vendors offered a vibrant mix of handmade goods, photography, bath and body products, preserves, maple treats, festive foods, and creative gifts. Diffraction glasses added a playful touch throughout the weekend, transforming the event’s lights into cheerful holiday shapes.
RiverWalk Wonderland was made possible through the generous support of its sponsors. Our Bumble Sponsor was the South Grenville Beacon, and our Rudolph Sponsor was Ken Miller Excavating. Event experiences were further supported by Wing House Prescott as the Lighting Sponsor, Hello Prescott Nails and Irving H. Miller Insurance as Entertainment Sponsors, Tobin, Grenkie & Reynolds, RiverWalk Footcare, and Laushway Law as Refreshment Sponsors, and Hometown Heating along with KC Spencer & Associates as Petting Zoo Sponsors. Their contributions helped elevate every corner of the waterfront experience.
With another successful Wonderland in the books, attention now turns to the year ahead. Information about the 2026 Prescott Pop-Ups season—including vendor applications, program updates, and new opportunities—will be released in January.
Stay tuned to the Prescott Pop-Ups on social media as planning begins for another unforgettable season on the waterfront!
| | Little Barcelona Featured in Ottawa Citizen | | |
When Ottawa Citizen restaurant critic Peter Hum titles a review “Little Barcelona in Prescott captures the flavours of Spain without compromise,” it says something about what is happening on Industrial Road.
Published November 6, his article follows three separate visits and concludes that Little Barcelona is serving the most traditional Spanish food he has eaten in Ottawa and the surrounding region – a strong endorsement for a restaurant in a town of fewer than 5,000 people.
For those who have followed the story, the review feels like a natural next step. As we highlighted in our March 2024 profile, Barcelona-born chef-owner Marc Gomez Segu and co-owner Lorna Thain-Segu built Little Barcelona gradually: first as a Spanish culinary imports business supplying products like Joselito Iberian ham to some of Canada’s top restaurants, then as a specialty retail and take-home shop, and now as a full dine-in experience.
The Citizen piece traces that arc and spends most of its time on the details that matter to diners: a $2,100 leg of Gran Reserva jamón in the lobby, paellas built around properly cooked bomba rice, classic pintxos like the “Gilda,” and a menu that aims squarely at Spanish flavours rather than a Canadianized version of them.
What stands out in the review is the language of distance and effort. Hum notes that timing a Highway 401 trip around a lunch or dinner stop in Prescott is “less hassle and less expensive than a trip to Barcelona,” and that Little Barcelona has become a regular detour for him. He also reports that Spanish expats and visitors tell Marc, “We feel we eat better here than when we eat in Spain” – feedback the chef calls “the real test.”
Little Barcelona has grown to become a true destination restaurant drawing visitors from Ottawa, Montreal, Toronto and beyond, and it supports a broader message: that our community is increasingly a place people will drive to, not just drive through, for memorable food and waterfront experiences.
Visit Little Barcelona online and on Facebook to learn more.
| Tickets Now on Sale for the 2026 St. Lawrence Shakespeare Festival Season | |
Just in time for holiday gifting, the St. Lawrence Shakespeare Festival has officially launched ticket sales for its 2026 season—making it the perfect moment to start planning a summer night of theatre along the St. Lawrence River. This year’s lineup promises something truly special, featuring a world-premiere musical, an imaginative new Shakespeare adaptation, and three one-night-only special presentations that will be announced in the months ahead.
Audiences can look forward to Romeo & Juliet like they’ve never experienced it before—reimagined as a thrilling, immersive production staged inside the historic Maitland Tower. Outdoor theatre lovers will once again gather at the gorgeous Kinsmen Amphitheatre for Much Ado About Nothing, directed with a fresh, contemporary spirit that highlights comedy, romance, and the Festival’s signature waterfront magic. Rounding out the season is River of Dreams, a brand-new Canadian musical celebrating the stories and communities of the St. Lawrence River region.
Whether you’re dreaming of warm summer evenings under the stars or exploring a historic landmark brought to life through performance, now is the time to secure your seats. Tickets, flex-passes, and gift certificates are all available—and make excellent holiday gifts for theatre-goers, adventurers, and anyone who loves celebrating the arts in the region.
Plan ahead for a season filled with music, drama, and unforgettable experiences.
To explore the full 2026 season and purchase tickets, visit the St. Lawrence Shakespeare Festival online.
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Funding Opportunity: Experience Ontario 2026
The Province of Ontario has opened Experience Ontario 2026, offering funding for in-person festivals and events that attract visitors and drive local spending – with a strong focus on rural communities like Prescott.
Two streams are available:
- Established Events Stream – For events that have run at least once in the last three years, with support of up to 50% of eligible costs (maximum $20,000–$125,000 depending on event size).
- New Capacity Building Stream – Up to $10,000 for organizations planning a brand-new festival or event.
Events must take place in Ontario between April 1, 2026 and March 31, 2027, run at least two days (except Canada Day), and be open to the public. Applications are submitted through Transfer Payment Ontario by December 16, 2025 at 4:00 p.m.
Learn More.
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Call for 2026 Events
Do you have an event planned for 2026 in Prescott? Whether it's a festival, concert, tournament, outdoor activity, or community celebration, we want to help you share it with visitors and residents alike!
Let us help you promote your event, attract tourists, and highlight all the incredible experiences Prescott has to offer. By submitting your event, you'll have access to our marketing tools, social media platforms, and more.
To tell us about your event, contact us at dvalentyne@prescott.ca.
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Destination Discovery: 1000 Islands Rideau Canal Waterways | March 10, 2026 | Online
Tourism operators in Prescott and across the region are invited to join Destination Discovery, an online webinar series hosted by RTO 9 that connects you with the key people and programs supporting tourism development in your destination. This session will feature Regional Development Advisors from the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Gaming, representatives from the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville – 1000 Islands Rideau Canal Waterways (your local DMO), and the team at RTO 9. Learn who does what, how to collaborate, and why it matters—whether you’re seeking marketing support, funding opportunities, or new partnerships.
Click Here to Register
| | Tourism Industry Webinars & Training | | |
Plan It Like You Mean It – December 16, 2025 | Online
Turn ideas into action with the help of ChatGPT in this strategy-focused webinar from RTO 9. Learn how to brainstorm campaigns, map customer journeys, and draft strategic plans—without the sticky notes. This one-hour session will show you how to use AI to think clearly, plan smarter, and stay organized. Join online from 10:00–11:00 AM.
Register here.
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Getting Started with Google Business Profile – January 13, 2026 | Online
Learn how to help get your business noticed with Google Business Profile in this webinar from RTO 9. This one-hour session will show you how create your profile and optimize it to get views and customers. Join online from 10:00–11:00 AM.
Register here.
| | For more information on Tourism programs and events in Prescott, follow #ExplorePrescottON on social media, visit our website, or contact us. | | Visitor Market Snapshot: Who’s Coming to Prescott? | | |
Updated Environics visitor data for 2023–2024 confirms that Prescott is attracting more visitors overall, while the mix is slowly evolving. On the core segment side, Country Traditions (rural and small-town households) and Boomer Bliss (affluent, mature couples and singles) continue to be the backbone of our visitor market.
These drive-market visitors are comfortable travelling for groceries, appointments, and “a day out,” and tend to favour familiar brands, good service, and value – supporting steady demand for essential services, casual and sit-down dining, and “make a day of it” experiences downtown and along the waterfront. Multicultural Corners, representing diverse, middle-income urban and suburban households, is now firmly part of this core, signalling a visitor base that is gradually becoming more diverse.
Several growth segments are also starting to stand out. Suburban Sports and Turbo Burbs – younger and mid-life suburban families with active, sports- and event-oriented lifestyles – both saw notable increases, alongside All Terrain Families, who blend family-oriented outdoor recreation with practical, road-trip travel patterns. These visitors are more likely to plan trips around tournaments, special events, and family experiences, and respond well to clear information, convenient parking, kid-friendly food, and bundled activities (event + meal + quick shopping stop). Vie de Rêve, a smaller but higher-income, often Francophone segment, also grew and aligns well with destination dining and overnight stays. Together, these trends suggest Prescott is maintaining its traditional strengths while broadening its reach into younger suburban families, more diverse city neighbourhoods, outdoor-oriented family travellers, and higher-spend visitors along the 401 corridor. Full 2025 visitor data will be available early in the new year and shared in a future issue.
Local entrepreneurs can contact Invest Prescott to book a one-on-one session exploring the Environics data most relevant to their business or sector.
| | International Women’s Day 2026: Registration Now Open | | |
Organizers: Leeds Grenville Small Business & the Small Business Advisory Centre
Date: March 5, 2026 | Time: 4:00–8:00 p.m.
The region’s signature International Women’s Day event returns March 5 with Together We Rise—a high-impact evening designed for entrepreneurs, professionals, and community leaders. This year’s program features a leadership panel of local business owners and public-sector leaders who will share practical insights, personal journeys, and lessons learned.
New for 2026 is the Knowledge Bar, an interactive series of micro-learning stations offering quick, actionable advice on marketing, finance, leadership, wellness, and more—ideal for sparking dialogue and peer connections. A new Youth Ticket Price also opens the door for young leaders (ages 13–18) to participate and be inspired.
International Women’s Day makes an excellent professional development opportunity—and a meaningful gift for colleagues, family members, or friends who would benefit from an evening of learning and celebration.
Location: North Grenville Municipal Centre, 285 County Road 44, Kemptville
Cost: Adult $99 (19+) | Youth $69 (13–18)
Contact: Brennan Eland, 613-342-3840 x 5363
Register here.
| | Leeds Grenville's Greatest Entrepreneur Gala - January 28th, 2026 | | |
Leeds Grenville’s Greatest Entrepreneur is set to take centre stage this winter, culminating in a high-energy gala where local innovators will compete live for two grand prize packages. Hosted at Prescott Town Hall, the event brings together entrepreneurs, community leaders, and supporters for an evening celebrating the region’s growing business momentum.
Organized by Community Futures Grenville and 1000 Islands CDC, the competition showcases the depth of entrepreneurial talent across Leeds and Grenville. The gala will feature live finalist pitches, judges’ deliberations, and the announcement of two winners — each receiving a combined $20,000 in cash and business-support services to accelerate their next stage of growth.
Tickets are now available, offering attendees the chance to be part of this showcase of ambition and talent. The gala promises networking, inspiration, and a first look at the region’s next standout businesses.
For full event details or to secure your seat, visit lggreatestentrepreneur.ca.
| | Insights for Success 2026 | | |
Organizer: Ontario Approved Professionals
Date: February 5, 2026 | Time: 1:00–8:30 p.m.
Insights for Success returns to the Aquatarium Grand Hall for its third year, offering a comprehensive, full-afternoon summit designed to launch the 2026 business year. Set against Brockville’s waterfront, the event brings together entrepreneurs, business owners, and professionals for high-value networking, vendor engagement, and practical learning.
The program begins with the Networking Launchpad & Vendor Showcase (1:00–3:00 p.m.), followed by refreshments and an Early Dinner Mingle catered by Moose McGuire’s. The Main Event (4:30–7:30 p.m.) features keynote speakers and industry presentations focused on actionable strategies to support business growth in 2026.
A Networking & Soft Closure (7:30–8:30 p.m.) rounds out the evening with space to connect overlooking the waterfront. Moose McGuire’s will operate the Tiki Bar throughout.
Speakers and vendors will be announced in the weeks ahead.
Full details and ticket options are available here
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Free Partner Business Webinars
Webinars are now sorted by Topic and Date. Click on the Register Here link to access the event listing and registration page.
SALES & MARKETING
BACD Business Fundamentals: Marketing & Sales | Business Advisory Centre Durham (BACD) | December 11 | 9:30–11:30 a.m.
Build a focused marketing and sales strategy so you can attract the right customers, generate leads, and convert them into clients.
Register here
Marketing and Sales | Business Resource Centre (BRC) | February 3 | 10:00–11:30 a.m.
Build a focused marketing plan and sales strategy to attract, convert, and retain the right customers.
Register here
Market Research | Business Resource Centre (BRC) | January 27 | 10:00–11:30 a.m.
Learn how to find and use data on customers, competitors, and your industry to make better business decisions.
Register here
OPERATIONS & ADMINISTRATION
Starting a Business: A Bird’s Eye View of the Legal Landscape (Virtual) | Invest Ottawa Education Centre | December 11 | 11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Get an overview of sole proprietorships, partnerships, and corporations so you can choose the right structure and avoid legal pitfalls.
Register here
Business Planning – Part 1 | Business Resource Centre (BRC) | January 13 | 10:00–11:30 a.m.
Learn how to structure a clear, complete business plan that tells your story and guides your operations, marketing, and finances.
Register here
Business Planning – Part 2 | Business Resource Centre (BRC) | January 20 | 10:00–11:30 a.m.
Build out the key sections of your business plan so you can clearly communicate your idea and turn vision into action.
Register here
Introduction to the Consumer Protection Act, 2002 for Businesses | Toronto Small Business Enterprise Centre | January 30 | 10:00–11:00 a.m.
Understand your obligations under Ontario’s Consumer Protection Act so you can handle complaints and stay compliant.
Register here
Stepping into Business – Evening Virtual Course – Winter 2026 | Business Centre Guelph-Wellington | February 3 | 6:00–8:00 p.m.
Take your first structured steps into starting or refining a small business with this multi-session virtual course.
Register here
FINANCE
Small Business Tax Literacy for T1 Self-Employed Business Owners | City of Vaughan | January 27 | 1:00–3:00 p.m.
Get a CRA-led walkthrough of deductions, common errors, bookkeeping best practices, and tools for sole proprietors and partnerships.
Register here
Tax Seminar with the CRA: T1 Sole Proprietor & Partnership | Business Centre Guelph-Wellington | January 8 | 11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
Hear directly from CRA Liaison Officers on common tax errors, record-keeping best practices, and key rules for sole proprietors and partnerships.
Register here
Tax Seminar with the CRA: T2 Incorporated Small Business | Business Centre Guelph-Wellington | January 22 | 11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
Hear directly from CRA liaison officers on key corporate tax obligations, common errors, and tools to stay compliant.
Register here
Financial Forecasting | Business Resource Centre (BRC) | February 10 | 10:00–11:30 a.m.
Learn how to budget, forecast cash flow, and identify your breakeven point so you can manage your numbers with confidence.
Register here
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Free WHMIS DIY Workshop
Organizer: Workplace Safety & Prevention Services (WSPS)
Date: January 21, 2026 | Time: 8:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Location: Scholastic Books, 1365 California Avenue, Brockville
Workplace Safety & Prevention Services is hosting a free, hands-on WHMIS training workshop designed to help employers and staff build workplace-specific WHMIS programs tailored to their own chemical products and operating environments. Participants will leave with practical templates, tools, and a ready-to-use training framework they can implement immediately.
Register here.
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Foodpreneur Advantage
Food and beverage entrepreneurs can access the Foodpreneur Advantage, a free program designed to support food sector businesses at any stage.
Participants gain insight into running a successful food business, including topics such as regulations, pricing, branding, packaging, labelling, and selling to retailers.
Learn More and Register Today
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Free online small business courses for Ontario entrepreneurs!
Small Business Centres Ontario offers a free e-learning series for entrepreneurs, with courses focused on every stage of business from concept to growth.
Always available, these courses offer an opportunity to gain new insight at your own pace, when time allows.
To Learn More, visit their website here.
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New Resource for Small Businesses: Shop Main Street Canada Toolkit
The Ontario Business Improvement Area Association (OBIAA) has launched the Shop Main Street Canada Toolkit, a valuable new resource to help small businesses boost their online presence and attract more customers.
This free, easy-to-use toolkit provides businesses with customizable marketing materials, practical tips for digital engagement, and strategies to enhance both in-store and online sales. Designed specifically for businesses in downtown and main street districts, the toolkit supports local economic growth by encouraging shoppers to explore and invest in their communities.
Businesses in Prescott are encouraged to take advantage of this resource to strengthen their visibility and customer engagement. Learn more and access the toolkit here.
| | This Month at CSE Consulting | | Do you have an upcoming Business Event or Workshop you would like included in our newsletter? Contact us, we would love to include it! | | Funding Opportunities with FedDev Ontario | | |
FedDev Ontario is now accepting applications across southern Ontario to help companies scale up, offering repayable contributions from $125,000 to $10 million, typically covering up to 50 percent of eligible project costs.
Eligible projects include adopting or commercializing new technologies, boosting productivity, improving processes, expanding to new markets or value-chains, and embracing clean or sustainable practices.
Learn More.
| Regional Defence Investment Initiative (RDII) | |
The Regional Defence Investment Initiative (RDII) is now open in southern Ontario, providing access to a national $357.7-million program designed to help businesses integrate into domestic and international defence supply chains, expand industrial capacity, and pursue dual-use or defence-focused opportunities. With regional strengths in advanced manufacturing, aerospace, automotive technologies, cybersecurity, robotics, and AI, southern Ontario is well positioned to benefit from this initiative.
FedDev Ontario has also launched a defence concierge service to guide companies exploring defence-related markets, supports, or funding.
Eligible businesses and organizations are encouraged to visit Regional Defence Investment Initiative (RDII) for information on how to apply and to register for an upcoming technical briefing on the program.
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Regional Tariff Response Initiative
The Government of Canada’s Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI) helps southern Ontario SMEs manage the impacts of global trade disruptions, especially those linked to U.S. and China tariffs, by supporting projects that boost productivity, cut costs, strengthen supply chains, and diversify markets.
Eligible businesses can access repayable funding from $125,000 to $10 million, or non-repayable contributions under $100,000 for smaller projects, with a focus on companies demonstrating direct tariff impacts. The program funds competitiveness and supply-chain resilience projects running from March 2025 to March 2028, with additional support available for steel and automotive sectors.
For full details, including eligibility requirements and application materials, visit the RTRI program website.
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Digitalization Competence Centre Supports Ontario SMEs
Ontario businesses are navigating a rapidly changing digital economy, and support is available through the province’s Digitalization Competence Centre (DCC), delivered by the Ontario Centre of Innovation. The DCC helps small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) adopt new technologies to improve efficiency, productivity, and competitiveness.
Three program streams are currently available:
- Digital Modernization & Adoption Plan (DMAP) – Up to $15,000 to work with a consultant on a tailored digital strategy. For SMEs with 1–499 employees.
- Technology Demonstration Project (TDP) – Up to $100,000 to implement solutions identified in a DMAP. For SMEs with $500K+ in annual revenue in at least one of the last three years.
- Retail Modernization Project Grant (RMPG) – Up to $5,000 to support digital adoption such as point-of-sale systems or e-commerce tools. For storefront businesses with 1–50 employees, $100K+ annual revenue, and at least one year in operation.
Since its launch in 2022, the DCC has supported more than 150 SMEs across Ontario, generating projected outcomes of over 1,700 new jobs and nearly $400M in revenues.
Learn more: Digitalization Competence Centre
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Digital Lead Generators (DLG) Program
Launch Lab’s Digital Lead Generators (DLG) program helps businesses across Eastern Ontario strengthen their online presence, attract new customers, and convert leads into sales.
From digital advertising and SEO to social media management, copywriting, and even Shopify integration, the program pairs you with experts who can deliver real results for your business.
Don’t miss the chance to boost your digital growth—learn more and apply today at launchlab.ca.
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Fueling the Next Generation of Canadian Entrepreneurs
Futurpreneur’s Core Startup Program provides equity-free loans of up to $75,000, along with two years of dedicated mentorship to guide young founders from business plan to launch. Open to Canadian citizens and permanent residents aged 18–39, the program helps entrepreneurs build skills, access planning tools, and connect with a national network of advisors and peers to scale their ventures with confidence.
Learn More
| | Business Funding Programs | | |
The Ontario Together Trade Fund (OTTF) offers up to $5 million for Ontario SMEs to counter U.S. trade disruptions through market expansion, reshoring, and capacity building.
Projects must invest at least $200,000, create or retain jobs, and finish within two years. Apply anytime via Transfer Payment Ontario after completing the self-assessment and consulting an Ontario Advisor.
Learn More
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The Eastern Ontario Development Fund provides financial support for business and community projects that grow companies, create jobs, and boost regional economic impact. Eligible businesses and organizations in eastern Ontario can access funding for investments in growth, productivity, innovation, skills, and market expansion. Applications are submitted through Transfer Payment Ontario following a self-assessment and consultation with a regional advisor.
Learn More
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The Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP) is a $3.5 billion, five-year federal–provincial–territorial agreement offering cost-share funding to strengthen Ontario’s agriculture, agri-food, and agri-based products sector. Programs support competitiveness, innovation, resilience, and climate adaptation, with opportunities for producers, processors, and organizations. Application details are available through the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.
Learn More
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FedDev Ontario is now accepting applications from Southern Ontario businesses and organizations, offering repayable contributions from $125,000 to $10 million for up to 50% of eligible costs on growth, innovation, and clean-tech projects.
With nearly $160 million in new funding available, including targeted support for steel and automotive firms, these programs provide critical resources to scale operations, diversify markets, and strengthen competitiveness.
Learn More
| | Non-Profit Funding Programs | | |
The Ontario Trillium Foundation’s Grow Grant offers $100,000 to $600,000 over 2–3 years to help established community programs in sectors like arts, culture, environment, recreation, and social services expand, improve, or adapt. The next application window is open from October 8 to November 5, 2025, at 5 p.m. ET, through the Granting Portal.
Learn More
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The Ontario Arts Council (OAC) offers project and operating grants to support Ontario artists, arts groups, and organizations across disciplines like visual arts, music, theatre, and literature. Funding supports creation, engagement, touring, and professional development, with discipline-specific deadlines such as May 1 and November 5, 2025.
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The Ontario Cultural Attractions Fund (OCAF) provides upfront, partially repayable loans to non-profit, Indigenous, heritage, and municipal organizations to launch or significantly expand cultural events that drive tourism, increase revenue, and create jobs. Funding is awarded through a two-stage application process, starting with an initial proposal followed by a full business case, with repayment terms based on event-generated revenue.
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Ontario Creates is an agency of the Ontario government that acts as the central catalyst for economic development, investment, and collaboration within the province’s cultural media sectors—including book and magazine publishing, film and television, interactive digital media, and music. It provides financial, strategic, and research support, administers tax credits, and delivers programs such as the Industry Development Program and AcceleratiON to grow business capacity, audience development, and inclusion.
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Community Futures Grenville is a community-based not-for-profit funded by the Federal Government to provide business loans and advice in Grenville County, including Prescott.
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The Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) is a Crown Corporation that offers loans, capital investments, and advice to Canada's Small- and Medium- Sized Businesses.
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Export Development Canada (EDC) is a Crown Corporation offering advice, financial solutions, equity, insurance, and connections for export-oriented businesses to help them navigate foreign markets.
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Business Benefits Finder
The Government of Canada's Business Benefits Finder can help you find loan, grant, and other government-funded opportunities for your business.
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Town of Prescott Economic Development
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| | Town of Prescott Economic Development & Tourism Department Staff | | | | |
