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Charity Moran, owner of Cuts and Curls Hair Shoppe, pictured with her new Square Point-of-Sale System

Curls and Cuts Hair Shoppe Styles it Up with Digital Main Street

Located at 107 King Street East in Downtown Prescott, Curls and Cuts Hair Shoppe and owner Charity Moran has participated in Digital Main Street programs since the inception of the program in South Grenville in 2020.

Charity has received the Digital Transformation Grant twice and has used the grant to purchase a new laptop and Square Point-of-Sale system, which makes it easier for her to do administrative work like scheduling meetings and planning out her day. She also used the grant to do paid social media advertising and has used the Digital Service Squad to help her with completing her applications. 

“I am very thankful for the programs and grants that Digital Main Street has to offer, they have really helped me out a lot with my business”.

CIP Incentive Program Helps Irving H. Miller Insurance Brokers Invest in New Fascia Signage

Community Improvement Plan (CIP) Incentive Program funding helped long-standing Prescott business Irving H. Miller Insurance Brokers invest in a new Exterior Fascia Sign that aligns with the Downtown Sign Guidelines introduced in 2023.

"We would like to acknowledge the Town of Prescott for their support through the CIP program. The application process was straightforward and uncomplicated. We engaged a local contractor to construct the sign, keeping the dollars spent local and adding yet another positive spinoff from the program. We would encourage all eligible businesses to reach out to Dana Valentyne at the Town of Prescott for more information about how you can make the program work for your project and your budget," says Irving H. Miller Managing Partner Tracey Young.

Community Improvement Plan Incentive Program Accepting Applications

The Community Improvement Plan (CIP) Incentive Program supports local revitalization, beautification and economic development in the Town of Prescott by providing financial incentives for downtown revitalization, employment lands, heritage properties, housing developments and brownfield projects.



CIP funding is available to businesses and private property owners to help offset project costs that achieve the Town’s community planning and development goals. Eligible projects can receive a combination of non-repayable grants, 0% interest loans and tax incentives. 

Interested in the Community Improvement Plan Incentive Program? Click here to learn more.



Prescott Elves Spread Cheer and Prescott Dollars At Businesses Throughout the Holiday Season

Did you see the Prescott Elves this holiday season?

The Prescott Elves visited businesses throughout Prescott this year with the support of the Town of Prescott and the Downtown Prescott BIA, distributing Prescott Dollars to spread cheer and as a thank you for Shopping Local.

Accepted like cash at numerous businesses throughout Prescott, Prescott Proud Dollars help support the local businesses we rely on all year long.

Prescott Proud Dollars are available for purchase at Prescott Town Hall, 360 Dibble Street West, and the Museum & Visitor Centre, 202 King Street West, during regular business hours.

For a complete list of businesses that accept Prescott Proud Dollars, click here.

MacEwen/Quickie Re-Opens in Prescott's Uptown Business District



On December 13th, Mayor Shankar was joined by MacEwen Petroleum Inc. Founder Allan MacEwen, MPP Steve Clark and members of Council to welcome MacEwen's back to 965 Edward Street North in Prescott's Uptown Business District following an extensive re-development on their previous site. The new facility now features a large, modern Quickie convenience store as well as a touchless car wash.

Follow MacEwen/Quickie Prescott on Facebook.

World Financial Group Unveils New Offices in Downtown Prescott



On January 6th, Mayor Gauri Shankar was joined by members of Council to welcome World Financial Group and owner Angela Smith to the Downtown Prescott RiverWalk District. World Financial Group is located in 436-438 King Street West and was restored thanks in part to support from the Community Improvement Plan (CIP) Incentive Program.

Visit World Financial Group Prescott's website to learn more.

Advertising Opportunities at the Alaine Chartrand Community Centre

Advertising Opportunities are available at a variety of price points at Prescott's new Alaine Chartrand Community Centre, including board and wall signage.

For more information, contact Dana Valentyne at [email protected].

Applications are now being accepted for the Lighthouse Pop-Up during the 2024 Prescott Pop-Ups Season.

The Lighthouse Pop-Up is located at 181 Water Street East in Prescott's Rotary Lighthouse. The successful applicant will occupy the first and second floor of the lighthouse during the Pop-Up season, as well as being required to activate the outdoor space directly between the Lighthouse and Water Street, while ensuring public access is maintained to the public viewing area located on the Lighthouse's fourth level and providing satellite visitor information services for the Town of Prescott.

Interested parties must complete their application by January 15th, 2024. The application is available here.

Please review the 2024 Prescott Pop-Ups Vendor Guide prior to completing your application.

For more information on Tourism programs and events in Prescott, follow #ExplorePrescottON on social media, visit our website, or contact us.

Leeds Grenville Small Business will be in Prescott on January 16th.

Leeds Grenville Small Business can help you analyze your business situation and help you identify opportunities in the marketplace. They can also help you with market research, writing an effective business plan structure, government regulations, licensing information and sourcing finances.

They offer free 45 minute business consultations to answers your questions and give you guidance on what steps to take next.

Book your consultation here.

The LG Small Business & Trade Show is returning to the Leo Boivin Community Centre this March as the 2023 Prescott & Area Spring Home & Trade Show.

Presented by Ontario Approved Professionals with a focus on small business and trades, the show will feature a maximum of four vendors per trade/profession.

The deadline to register is March 1st, 2024.

To learn more about registration and potential sponsorship opportunities, visit their website at Ontario Approved Events (oapevents.ca).

This Month at CSE Consulting

Webinars and Seminars

Click on the underlined event title for more information and to register.

January 11 @ 10 am - 11 am - How to Start a Food Business: A General Overview – Webinar - FREE

Learn how to get your food business started with this how-to webinar. This webinar will show you the practical steps to take to develop your food business.

January 12 @ 9:30 am - 11:30 am - T1 General Small Business Tax Literacy Seminar – Webinar - FREE

This seminar is offered to owners of small businesses and self-employed individuals who need help in understanding their tax obligations.

January 15 @ 2 pm to 3 pm - Security in Destination Development: What to Consider – Webinar – FREE

Join our webinar on "Security in Destination Development: What to Consider," where we'll learn key considerations for security planning, risk management, and successful initiatives. Take advantage of this opportunity to learn best practices for ensuring the safety and resilience of your destination, fostering sustainable growth in tourism development. 

January 15 @ 12:00 pm - 1:30 - Transitioning from Employment to Entrepreneurship Later in Life – Webinar – FREE

This presentation will provide you with information on what starting and running a business entails and what you bring to the business, assisting you with deciding if it is time to join others worldwide who have become part of the fastest-growing segment of entrepreneurship in the world – those over 50!

January 16 @ 10 am - 11:30 am - Social Media for Your Business – Webinar - FREE

Toronto Digital Service Squad will give you with a better understanding of how to leverage the power of social media.

January 16 @ 2 pm - 3 pm - Choosing the Right Tech to Run Your Business – Webinar – FREE

In this session, you’ll discover the affordable tech tools you can use to automate your customer experience – from how you acquire new customers, sell to them, deliver your products and services, invoice and get paid easier!

January 17 @ 9:30 am - 11 am - Driving Growth on a Budget: Low-Cost Marketing Ideas for Success – Webinar - FREE

Join us for an engaging and informative workshop where we dive into the world of low-cost marketing strategies that can drive significant results.

January 17 @ 10 am - 12 pm - Business Planning for Small Business – Webinar - FREE

This webinar is aimed at entrepreneurs in the early stages of small business development. By the end of this presentation, you will understand how to determine if your business idea is feasible, create a business plan, perform market research for your business plan, interpret your idea into a realistic financial plan, and take the next steps to get your business off the paper and into reality.

January 17 @ 11 am - 12 pm - Canadian Food Safety Requirements – Webinar - FREE

Join the Government of Ontario, in collaboration with NSF International - the Public Health and Safety Organization, for a free webinar that will provide an overview of Canadian Food Safety requirements; local to national regulations.

January 18 @ 9 am to 10:30 am - Build Business Value in 2024: Transforming Forecasts to Profits – Webinar – Free

Learn the three key numbers you need to know, to meet your financial goals. Discover how to create realistic forecasts that guide you to financial security.

January 18 @ 10 am - 11 am - The Trauma-Informed Entrepreneur: Resourcing Yourself to Serve Your Clients – Webinar – FREE

This webinar will provide you with information on the role trauma can play in entrepreneurship. Learn about how trauma can manifest in your business and how you can take steps to identify and manage triggers.

January 18 @ 1 pm - 2:30 pm - Sales Success Blueprint: Elevating Your Revenue in 4 Weeks – Webinar - FREE

Join our intensive 4-week Sales Training Program and embark on a transformative journey toward becoming a sales champion. This workshop-style program will make sales simple and easy for any business owner.

January 19 @ 9:30 am - 11:00 am - WSIB: Laws & Regulations for Small Businesses – Webinar - FREE

Learn about Health and Safety responsibilities and legal obligations for employers.

January 23 @ 10 AM - 12 PM - Not-For-Profit Act: What's New – Webinar - FREE

Join RTO 9 and Rose Mercier, the Governance Coach, for an in-depth look at the amendments made to the Ontario Not-For-Profit Act (ONCA). Learn what your non-profit organization needs to be doing to be in alignment with the new act and how to make sure your organization remains compliant!

January 23 @ 10 am - 11:30 am - eCommerce 101: What, why, and how. – Webinar - FREE

Toronto Digital Service Squad will teach you the basic steps to setting up an online store.

January 23 @ 2 pm - 3 pm - Automations & AI for Small Business Operations – Webinar - FREE

In this session, you’ll discover the affordable tech tools you can use to automate your customer experience – from how you acquire new customers, sell to them, deliver your products and services, invoice and get paid easier!

January 24 @ 9:30 am - 10:30 am - Reach Customers Online With Google – Webinar - FREE

This workshop explains how Google Search works and how you can improve a website’s visibility with Search Engine Optimization (SEO).

January 24 @ 2 pm to 3:30 pm - Starting Your Business Information Session – Webinar - FREE

Have a business idea but don’t know where to start? Attend this information session to learn the basic rules and regulations you will be required to follow and how Invest Ottawa can assist you in starting and growing your business. This beginner level seminar acts as an introduction to entrepreneurship.

January 24 @ 10:30 am - 12 pm - Validating Your Business Idea – Webinar – FREE

There are many great ideas, but do you have a great business idea? This session will discuss many of the factors you need to consider before you jump into business. In this 1.5 hour session, you will be introduced to The Lean Start Up Canvas, which is a tool used to help validate your business. We will also be working through a cash flow sheet (which will be included and sent to all attendees).

January 25 @ 9 am to 10:30 am - The Entrepreneurial Journey: Buy it or Build it - Webinar - FREE

Contemplating of becoming your own boss or expanding your business portfolio? Join us for an enlightening webinar designed for individuals contemplating buying or starting a business. The Pros and Cons of buying or building.

January 25 @ 11 am - 1 pm - Introduction to Bookkeeping: Logan Katz Learning Series – Webinar - FREE

Proper record keeping and effectively organizing financial information are vital to the success of any business. This helpful, hands-on workshop will cover the basics of bookkeeping; using techniques that are as easy to learn as they are to implement. Whether you are doing the books yourself or delegating this fundamental part of your business to others, you will surely benefit from this free workshop!

January 25 @ 12 pm - 1 pm - 101 Marketing: Effectively Leveraging Influencers and Brand Ambassadors – Webinar – FREE

This session will explore the latest tips and techniques for getting the most out of influencer marketing and help your business remove barriers that may be preventing you from harnessing the full potential of influencers, content creators, and brand ambassadors.

January 26 @ 10 am - 12 pm - Partnerships & Paths - Webinar - FREE

Join RTO 9 and ITO for this webinar open to tourism operators in RTO 9 eager to learn about the beautiful cultures of Indigenous communities and take a step forward in your understanding of how everyone can work together in the spirt of reciprocity to support the growth of responsible tourism. This toolkit is designed for any person or organization on that would like to gain more knowledge about partnering with Indigenous tourism in Ontario in a meaningful and respectful way.

January 29 @ 10 am to 11 am - Transform Your 2024 Workshop – Webinar - FREE

Ready to step into your best year yet? Leave this workshop feeling confident about your goals in 2024. Too often we set goals based on what we “think” we should be doing instead of having a clear vision for our future. Using an aligned goal setting technique designed by Emily Branton, we’ll get clear on the life you’re trying to create and exactly what you need to do to get there.

January 31 @ 10:00 am - 11:00 am - Do's and Don'ts when crossing the U.S. border - Webinar - FREE

The Government of Ontario, in partnership with the United States Customs and Border Protection Agency, invites Ontario SMEs for a free one-hour webinar about the “Do’s and Don’ts” that must be followed.

February 1 @ 10 am to 12 pm - Mental Wellness Check – Webinar - Free

In this session, ITO will guide you through a series of questions related to your mental wellbeing, as it relates to you on a personal level, and from the perspective of being a small business owner. Participants will be given an assessment booklet that can be filled in throughout the session to assist operators in identifying areas of improvement.

February 6 @ 12 pm to 1 pm - Road Map to Simple Safety Solutions – Webinar – FREE

Keeping your team and customers safe at work is good for business. Learn about simple safety solutions for the workplace, to ensure that everyone returns home safe at the end of the day and how you can boost your bottom line by earning rebates on your WSIB premiums. Don't miss this chance to boost workplace safety!

February 13 @ 10 am to 11 am - Feast On = Local Certified – Webinar - FREE

Managed by the Culinary Tourism Alliance, Feast On is North America’s largest and longest running local food certification program, recognizing businesses across the food tourism value chain that are committed to sourcing Ontario-grown food & drink. Join this hour-long webinar to learn more about the program, the current network, and the benefits of getting certified.

Do you have an upcoming Business Event or Workshop you would like included in our newsletter? Contact us, we would love to include it!

RTO9 Partnership Fund Information

Each year, RTO 9 works hand-in-hand with tourism partners to enhance experiential tourism across the South Eastern Ontario region. RTO 9’s Partnership Fund is designed to forge strong and diverse partnerships that either build on existing tourism products or introduce new tourism products. These projects serve to enhance the region’s diversity of offerings to create a competitive advantage in tourism experiences throughout the South Eastern Ontario region.

Who is eligible to apply?

Partnership Funding for 2024-2025 is intended solely for tourism businesses interested in undertaking tourism-related initiatives that increase visitation to the South Eastern Ontario region. For more information on eligibility and the application process, consider registering for one of our Partnership Fund information online sessions here.

RTO9 Partnership Fund Information Sessions 2024/2025

Join RTO 9 as they go through the 2024/2025 Partnership Fund application, guidelines and eligibility requirements for the first intake period.

This information session will go through the application process and help you determine whether your project or organization is eligible to apply, how the program works, and what expenses can be incurred under the project. At the end of the presentation, there will be an opportunity to ask questions. Get familiar with the program before applying, with sessions available on 4 different dates:

• Monday, February 5th, 2024 @ 10:00AM
• Thursday, February 8th, 2024 @ 10:00AM
• Monday, February 12th, 2024 @ 10:00AM
• Tuesday, February 20th, 2024 @ 10:00AM

REGISTER FOR AN INFORMATION SESSION HERE

Applications for the Partnership Fund open February 12, 2024 and close March 3, 2024! To find out more information about the program, see the website here.

Eastern Ontario Development Fund

The Eastern Ontario Development Fund provides support for projects and investments to existing businesses, municipalities and not-for-profit organizations for economic development in eastern Ontario. The objective of the program is to provide financial support and services to help growing companies in eastern Ontario make investments to grow their business and create new, sustainable jobs.

A project is a distinct undertaking, separate from ongoing operations, that will result in benefits to the organization such as business growth or access to new markets.

To be eligible, businesses need to:

• have at least 3 years of operations/financial statements
• employ at least 10 people (or 5 if you are in rural Ontario)
• commit to creating at least 5 new jobs (or 30% increase for companies with fewer than 15 employees)
• invest at least $500,000 in their project (or $200,000 if you are in rural Ontario)
• be located in, or plan to locate in, a community in eastern Ontario

Funding amount

Up to 15% of eligible project costs.

Loans

Up to 15% funding to a maximum of $5M, interest free during the project period (up to 4 years). If you achieve your investment and job targets, up to 30% of the loan (to a maximum of $500,000) may be forgiven.

Grants

Grants are available only for specific circumstances, up to 15% to a maximum:

• Of $500,000 if your company has fewer than 100 employees and is based in rural Ontario (population of your community is less than 100,000 or population density is less than 100 people per square kilometre)
• Of $1,500,000 for strategic projects that are foreign direct investments or from companies competing against other jurisdictions (in limited circumstances)

To Learn More, Visit the Eastern Ontario Development Fund website.

Tourism Growth Program in Southern Ontario

The Tourism Growth Program (TGP) provides $108 million over 3 years to support communities, small- and medium-sized businesses and not-for-profit organizations in developing local tourism products and experiences.

The program, funded through FedDev Ontario, provides up to the lesser of $250,000 or 50% funding per project as an interest-free loan, with repayment beginning one year after project completion.

Eligible applicants

Eligible applicants include:

• incorporated small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) operating in the tourism industry
• Indigenous-owned businesses (including Indigenous sole proprietors) or Indigenous tourism organizations
• not-for-profit organizations (including tourism associations and economic development organizations)
• governments (municipal/provincial/territorial and related entities)

Eligible activities

Eligible projects should provide added value to existing activities in the tourism industry and focus on business and economic growth. Priority may be given to projects that:

• support the Indigenous tourism industry
• increase tourism benefits for communities by driving visitation from urban areas to rural areas
• support economic, environmental and cultural sustainability
• support active outdoor experiences
• extend the tourism season (e.g., new or expanded tourism offerings outside of the traditional high season)
• complement support provided through provincial programs

To Learn More, Visit the Tourism Growth Program website.

Free Resources and Tools

Free Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Courses

Learn how to cultivate more diverse, equitable, and inclusive spaces in your organization and community with these free DEI courses from NotProfitReady.org.

Topics include Unconscious Bias, Invisible Disabilities, and Equity and Inclusion.

Learn More

This free guide from BDC will help you discover how to boost the sales of your business. This guide will help you assess, optimize and digitize your sales process.

Download Here

Published by Canadian Manufacturing and Plant Magazine, the 2024 Advanced Manufacturing Outlook Report analyzes trends related to Industry 4.0 Adoption.

Download Here

Other Funding & Business Support Programs

Rock My Business 3-part Workshop

Are you an entrepreneur looking to transform your idea into a thriving business or grow your newly launched small business? Register today for this free, virtual, three-part series, presented by Futurpreneur and RBC Future Launch. The series provides you with the tools to develop your idea, formalize your business plan and create a viable cashflow—all while connecting you with fellow entrepreneurs across Canada. Learn More Here.

Launch Lab Amplify Program

Launch Lab’s Amplify program accelerates innovative companies selling into business-to-business or business-to-consumer markets regionally, nationally or internationally. As an intensive, personalized 6-month program, participants work with Launch Lab’s Advisors to create a growth plan, designed to address specific growth challenges. Learn More Here.

Ontario Centre of Innovation - Digitalization Competence Centre

The Digitalization Competence Centre (DCC) is Ontario’s knowledge centre focused on driving the digital modernization of Ontario's small businesses, with two program streams available to support small businesses. The Digital Modernization and Adoption Stream (DMAP), which supports Ontario small businesses to better understand their organization’s technology needs, and the Technology Demonstration Program Stream, which supports Ontario small businesses that have completed a DMAP project. Learn More Here

Ongoing Public Funding Sources

Grenville CFDC is a community-based not-for-profit funded by the Federal Government to provide business loans and advice in Grenville County, including Prescott.

Learn More.

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.

Learn More.

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.

Learn More.

EV ChargeON Program - Available funding to install EV Chargers in Small Communities

The EV ChargeON program provides funding for the installation of public electric vehicle (EV) chargers in Ontario communities outside of major cities.

EV ChargeON aims to:

• increase the number of public EV charging stations throughout Ontario to build a more connected network
• make public chargers more accessible and affordable
• encourage more people to switch to EVs

Eligible applicants, located and operating in Ontario, include businesses, not-for-profit corporations, municipal governments, Indigenous communities, organizations or businesses, and broader public sector organizations.

Applications will be accepted until January 31, 2024 at 5 pm.

Learn more about the program and available funding by visiting their website.

Visit the Town of Prescott Business Directory

Learn more about available Industrial and Commercial Properties

Town of Prescott Economic Development & Tourism Department Staff

Dana Valentyne

Economic Development Officer

[email protected]

613-925-2812 Ext: 6221

Justin St. Pierre

Business Development Officer

[email protected]

613-925-2812 Ext: 6222

Taylor Prosser

Digital Main Street Coordinator

[email protected]

613-803-1915 

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