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YOUR Family Dollar Owner Chris Kollar celebrates 20 years in Prescott's Uptown Business District.

Your Family Dollar celebrates 20 years of success in the Uptown Business District

If you've ever been planning a party, getting ready to craft, decorating for the changing seasons, or looking to grab a snack to take home for movie night, chances are you've stopped into YOUR Family Dollar.


A long-time staple in Prescott's Uptown Business District, YOUR Family Dollar's motto, "The Dollar Store with a Difference", is printed above the top shelf at the back of the store, reminding owner Chris Kollar and her shoppers that the experience here is special.


"If one of my customers is looking for something that I don't carry, I can order it for them" said Kollar, "it's one of the advantages of being a truly independent business".


This October 3rd to 7th, YOUR Family Dollar will be celebrating its 20th anniversary with a week of events, including a Tax-Free Day on October 3rd, and a Customer Appreciation Day on October 7th with snacks and prizes, and $.20 books all week.


Over her 20 years in business, Kollar has seen changes in Prescott's North End, and she's excited by recent developments and growth around her.


"It's an ideal location for me, it's always busy being close to so many staples."


Shop YOUR Family Dollar at their 109 Churchill Road East location Monday to Friday 8 am - 5 pm, Saturday 8 am to 4 pm, and Sunday 10 am to 4 pm. Be sure to follow them on Facebook for frequent updates and new products.


The Community Improvement Plan (CIP) 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.


The focus of the CIP is to:


  • Encourage the redevelopment & revitalization of downtown building stock and availability of downtown rental units;
  • Support the expansion and attraction of new commercial, industrial & professional properties to increase employment opportunities;
  • Stimulate the preservation and rehabilitation of existing historical and cultural assets to ensure their long-term viability;
  • Increase the supply of affordable rental and owned housing units; and
  • Remediate and redevelop brownfield sites.



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. 


Additional information can be found in the Town’s Community Improvement Plan.

Learn More

BDC Small Business Week is an annual entrepreneurship event that the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) has organized for nearly five decades. Every year, more than 10,000 entrepreneurs gather to learn, network and celebrate Canada’s dreamers and doers.


BDC Small Business Week Events

Click on event header for more information and to register.


October 17 - 2pm to 3 pm - Small Business Week Kickoff — Let’s talk solutions for today’s business challenges - Online Event - FREE

Join the BDC's Chief Economist and a panel of experts as they discuss tangible solutions to a complex business environment where skilled labour will continue to be hard to find.


October 18 - 12 pm to 1 pm - Thinking Big, Supporting Small: Navigating Business Decisions with Data - FREE

Join BDC and The Canadian Chamber of Commerce Chief Economists as we explore the evolving business landscape and equip entrepreneurs and small businesses with the knowledge and confidence necessary to not only survive but thrive in this new era.


October 19 - 1 pm to 2:30 pm - Elevate Your Entrepreneurial Skills: A Fireside Chat - Online Event - FREE

Moderated by BDC Senior Business Advisor David Girolami, this fireside chat will feature a successful, young entrepreneur and their mentor, discussing the most important skills during the early stages of running a business.

Local Small Business Week Events

The Town of Prescott Economic Development & Tourism Department invites local business owners to the new Alaine Chartrand Community Centre for a night of networking and expert advice.


Representatives from local organizations and groups who help support entrepreneurs in our area will be on hand, along with subject area experts in banking, finance, human resources, accounting, and law, to help answer your most pressing questions.


Organizations/Experts will be assembled around the outside of the meeting area, and entrepreneurs will be able to stop by and discuss any questions they have in an informal, networking-type atmosphere. 


Light Food/Refreshments will be provided. 


Stay tuned for small business events in Prescott!


Click Here to Register

Prescott Sub Shop Moves Online with South Grenville Digital Main Street


This month’s featured small businesses is the Prescott Sub Shop. Located at 110 Center Street in Downtown Prescott, owner Kaushikumar Patel is in the process of digitally transforming his Sub Shop with the help of the Digital Transformation Grant. He is using the grant to purchase a new Point-Of-Sale system to make ordering subs even easier, he is also having a website built that will be capable of doing online ordering, and they will be doing social media advertisements to spread the word of promotions they will be offering.


Kaushikumar is very thankful to have the South Grenville Digital Service Squad help him with his application to digitally transform his business.



Digital Main Street is celebrating its fifth anniversary this month, with over 15,000 grants distributed across Ontario. In South Grenville, 51 Digital Transformation Grants have been distributed, investing $127,500 in area small businesses.


The Digital Transformation Grant program is currently closed, but the $2,400 CDAP grant is still available, along with direct one-on-one business supports. For more information contact Taylor at dms@prescott.ca or visit www.digitalmainstreet.ca.  

Contact South Grenville Digital Main Street

Quality Inn & Suites

Groundbreaking September 28th

Mayor Gauri Shankar, members of Council, and representatives of the Downtown Prescott BIA, South Grenville Chamber of Commerce, and Community Futures Grenville were on hand to celebrate the ceremonial groundbreaking for Prescott's first brand hotel, the 69-room Quality Inn & Suites. It will have a pool, fitness centre, and continental breakfast space.

Hosted by the Leeds Grenville Small Business Centre, the annual Bridges to Better Business event is a dynamic and informative gathering designed specifically for small business owners.


Keynote Speakers Ruth and Lisa Lockett, owners of Tim Hortons in Prescott and Iroquois, will be sharing insights into the steps they have taken to grow their business through the power of community. They will help us get creative and think big for our businesses and our communities.




Learn More

Hosted by the Leeds Grenville Economic Development Office each November, the day focuses on economic development and leadership. Presentations provide attendees with insight on new developments, along with strategies and projects that reposition our local assets.


In Partnership with:

  • Michael Barrett, MP
  • Steve Clark, MPP
  • 1000 Islands, Grenville, and Valley Heartland CFDC
  • Eastern Ontario Workforce Innovation Board
Learn More

The next cohort of Starter Company Plus starts in January 2024. This program, which is free to participants, offers a comprehensive package of support and resources to help you navigate the challenges of running a business successfully.


You must attend an online Information Session to complete an application.


Thursday, October 5, 4-5 p.m.


For more information contact Carol Hardy via email or call 613-342-3840, ext. 5367, and visit their website

CSE Consulting offers job seeker and employer supports through their Prescott office.


Starting September 27th, they will be hosting Working Wednesdays, An In-House Job Fair every Wednesday linking local employers with job seekers.


Learn more about their various services through the links below, and visit their South Grenville Employment Resource Centre Calendar page for a complete list of upcoming events.


Employer Resources


Job Seeker Resources


Available Workshops


October Calendar

Webinars and Seminars

Click on event title for more information and to register.


October 4 1 pm to 2 pm - The Most Common Small Business Website Mistakes That Are Costing You Money - Webinar - FREE

For many consumers, your website will be their first point of contact with your business. For your business to succeed online, you’ll need to ensure that this first impression is as good as possible. Many websites, however, leave a lot to be desired. Join us on Wednesday, October 4th as Lure Marketing explores the most common website mistakes that many small businesses make.


October 5 12 pm to 1 pm - All About the AODA - Webinar - FREE

This webinar will cover what disabilities are covered under the AODA (Accessibility for Ontarians with a Disability Act), why an accessible Ontario is vital for business growth and profitability, and a review of the five standards (customer service, employment, transportation, information and communication, built environment) and what you need to do to identify and remove barriers.


October 10 – 10 am to 12:30 pm - The Triple Bottom Line – Webinar - FREE

Did you know that high-growth brands consistently have DEI as a KPI? Being a DEI focused organization in today’s work environment is no longer an added value to an organization’s success but the backbone of any organization’s vision to excel. If you would like to learn or further explore these vital areas of business this session is a great step forward.


October 11 11 am to 12 pm - CIPO: It’s All in the ‘Look’. Why Industrial Designs Matter. – Webinar - FREE

Has your keen eye for detail led to the development of a more appealing and innovative design of a product we use every day? If your product’s new look stands apart from its competitors you may have a registrable industrial design on your hands! Learn what you can register as an industrial design and how. Your business can gain a marketing advantage by using your protected industrial design. So be creative—get your designs out there for others to enjoy!


October 12 – 8:30 am to 11 am - Brand Mastery & Social Strategy: Bringing Your Brand to Life on Social Media – In-Person Workshop - Grenville Mutual Insurance, 380 Colonnade Drive, Kemptville - $25 per person

This two-part workshop hosted by Leeds Grenville - Small Business features local marketing experts. Build a Strong Brand sheds light on what branding is all about and will help you clarify your ideal customer, while social media content planning session will help bring your brand strategy to life on social media.


October 12 – 9 am to 12 pm - Employment Standards Act - What Employers Need to Know – Webinar - Free

This free session will include a review and discussion of the major standards of the Employment Standards Act, 2000, the responsibilities of an employer, and the role of an Employment Standards Officer in an Employment Standards investigation and/or inspection.


October 12 – 10 am to 11 am - Maximizing Impact: Crafting Powerful Meta Advertisements – Webinar - FREE - $18 with Recording

As the world becomes increasingly digitized, social media platforms have emerged as powerful tools for businesses to reach their target audience. Among these, Meta (Facebook/Instagram) stands out as one of the most popular platforms that businesses can use to advertise their products and services. “Maximizing Impact: Crafting Powerful Meta Advertisements” will be geared towards equipping participants with practical tips and tricks they can use to create high-performing ads that resonate with their target audience.


October 12 - 12 pm to 1 pm - A Checklist of Things to Make Your Business More Accessible - Webinar - FREE

An Honest Conversation to explore how to create accessible and inclusive workplaces with Canadian Workforce Innovation. Explore how accessibility can be improved throughout the hiring and employment process to interactions with customers, physical spaces, and communication in print and digital media.


October 17 – 10 am to 12:30 pm - Cause Marketing + Your Brand – Webinar - FREE

If you are overwhelmed by the idea of stepping forward and using your marketing and social media voice in support of causes that are important to you this session will be valuable. During this workshop, you will reflect to discover the causes that are authentic to you and your brand. You will gain confidence through a DEI Lens on how you can bring an authentic and appropriate space and voice to what you want to bring awareness to.


October 17 12 pm to 1 pm - Understanding Legal Business Structures - Webinar - FREE

This webinar breaks down the differences between sole proprietorships and corporations, and which business structure is best for you. It will explain the differences between sole proprietorship and incorporation and is one better than the other for your business.


October 17 – 12 pm to 1 pm – Digital Nomad 101 – Webinar - FREE

Learn how to start working & living differently. In this 60 minute workshop, you’ll be introduced to the rapidly growing world of digital nomads. Digital nomads embrace the ability to work from anywhere and to design a life on our terms. For Canadian digital nomads, we now have the ability to work remotely while travelling domestically anywhere within Canada, and to live and work internationally in a wide range of locations, for long stretches of time.


October 17 - 2 pm to 4 pm - Financial Forecasting: Logan Katz Learning Series – Webinar - FREE

No matter which stage your businesses is in, realistic cashflow projections are vital during these difficult times. This 2-hour session will help you understand how to develop sound financial projections and a working cash flow model, as well as interpret related financial statement components.


October 18 – 1 pm to 2 pm - How To Use Social Media To Grow Your Business – Webinar - FREE

Social media is one of the more powerful marketing tools available to small businesses, though few are properly utilizing this power. Join us on Wednesday, October 18th as Lure Marketing explores ways that you can utilize social media to grow your business, regardless of your industry or target audience.


October 19 - 9 am to 10:30 am - ChatGPT & You - How to Leverage AI for Your Business – Webinar - FREE

In a world increasingly driven by AI (Artificial Intelligence), it’s crucial for entrepreneurs to harness its potential. Speaker Adam Gibeau of Digital Dorsal will equip you with the knowledge and tools to revolutionize your business strategies. It is an eye-opening exploration into the power of AI.


October 23 – 1 pm to 2:30 pm – Importing 101 – Webinar - FREE

This seminar will provide a broad outline of what you need to know to start importing goods from abroad. Learn the basics as well as the important details impacting your bottom line and avoid mistakes, minimize costs/risks and maximize revenue.


October 25 – 10 am to 11:30 am - 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.


October 30 - 9 am to 10 am - Effortless Social Media: Craft a Month of Posts in Just 1 Hour with AI - Webinar - FREE

Unlock the power of AI tools and strategies that will save you time, boost efficiency, and skyrocket your online exposure. By the end of this workshop, you’ll master the art of creating a full month’s worth of captivating social media captions in just one hour, ensuring your business stays connected with your audience like never before.


November 8 - 12 pm to 1 pm - Making Your Business Accessible - Webinar - FREE

In the tourism industry, attractions play a crucial role in providing enjoyable experiences to visitors. Enhancing accessibility not only opens doors to a wider range of customers but also enriches the overall service offering of such businesses. The upcoming webinar, "Making Your Business Accessible," seeks to address this vital issue. Attendees can expect an in-depth look into the importance of accessibility in the tourism sector.

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

Submit Event

Tourism Workforce Sustainability Program


This program aims to expand and diversify Ontario’s tourism workforce while helping employers retain employees for the long-term sustainability of their businesses and the industry.  Apply now!

 

Technology Investment Program


The program provides direct financial assistance to SME manufacturers in southern Ontario in the form of a matching contribution of up to $50,000 (a maximum of 50% of eligible costs) to support the investment in long-term production assets and technology that increase capacity and reduce emissions on production. Apply now!


Dragons' Den


Applications are now open to audition for Dragons' Den, a CBC reality television program format in which entrepreneurs pitch their business ideas to a panel of venture capitalists in the hope of securing investment finance from them. Apply now!


DELIA


DELIA offers $15,000 microloans to Women-owned businesses in Canada with an attractive term sheet, and prioritizes diverse, intersectional and under-served Women. Apply now!


Thrive Venture Fund and Lab for Women


BDC's new Thrive Venture Fund and Lab for Women will continue to knock down the barriers that keep Canadian women-led businesses from accessing the capital they need to focus on their vision. Learn more!


Business Scale-Up and Productivity Funding from FedDev Ontario


Are you an innovative and globally oriented business seeking to accelerate your growth? Are you commercializing an innovative product? Are you rurally based and looking to grow, commercialize and improve productivity? You may be eligible for no interest, repayable contributions up to $10 million from FedDev Ontario. Apply now!

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.


Click the photo above to visit their website and 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.


Click the photo above to visit their website and 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.


Click the photo above to visit their website and learn more.

Spooky season coming to Downtown Prescott with decorating and special events.

The Downtown Prescott RiverWalk District is getting spooky this Halloween season!


Starting October 14th, come downtown and check out special Halloween displays at windows throughout the area. You'll be able to visit the Downtown Prescott Facebook page to vote for your favourite window, with prizes supporting digital advertising for the winning businesses.


On October 28th, the Prescott Farmers' and Crafters' Market will be holding a special Halloween Market at the Clock Tower with live entertainment, a Halloween selfie station to show off your costume, and trick-or-treating, with Downtown businesses also participating.


Follow Downtown Prescott on Facebook for more information and other Halloween events!

Follow Downtown Prescott

Facebook  Instagram

Alaine Chartrand Community Centre brings more winter Sports Tourism to Prescott.

The Grand Opening of the Alaine Chartrand Community Centre and Seymour Recreation Complex in Prescott's North End signals the return of an important Winter Tourism asset.


With hockey season already in full swing, Prescott's new arena will host its first tournament on October 27th-29th with the U11/U13C Halloween Hustle. Additional tournaments ranging to the U18 age group are scheduled through the end of the season.


The upcoming Quality Inn & Suites to be located on Prescott Centre Drive with help promote additional tournaments in the future, aiding in four-season tourism development in Prescott.





Follow the Town of Prescott

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October Tourism & Community Events

October 7th - Farmers' and Crafters' Market - 9 am to 2 pm - RiverWalk Promenade

October 13th - Festival of Small Halls - Terra Lightfoot with Aysanabee - 7 pm - St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church - Tickets Available Here

October 28th - Halloween Market - 10 am to 3 pm - Clock Tower, 201 King Street West

November 1st - Prescott Pumpkin Parade & Market - 6 pm to 8 pm - RiverWalk Park

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

Facebook  Instagram  TikTok  Web  Email

Downtown Prescott Public Spaces & Pop-Ups Survey

 

The Town of Prescott hosted a number of new, returning, and relocated installations this summer throughout the Downtown and Waterfront area, and we'd like your feedback! 


This survey will help us evaluate the Prescott Pop-Ups, RiverWalk Promenade, Downtown Street Patios, and the Prescott Farmers' and Crafters' Market and plan for 2024.

Complete Survey
Facebook  Instagram  Web  Email

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

dvalentyne@prescott.ca

613-925-2812 Ext: 6221

Justin St. Pierre

Business Development Officer

jstpierre@prescott.ca

613-925-2812 Ext: 6222

Taylor Prosser

Digital Main Street Coordinator

tprosser@prescott.ca

613-803-1915 

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