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The Community Improvement Plan (CIP) Incentive Program is delivering results in Prescott. From supporting facade restoration work at 121–123 King Street West to residential and commercial redevelopment at 202–210 King Street West as well as other project large and small throughout Prescott, the program is helping property & business owners reinvest in and revitalize key spaces.
It’s also supporting new entrepreneurs, helping to fund distinctive new signage at RiverWalk Footcare (pictured), which celebrated its grand opening on August 27.
Through a mix of non-repayable grants, 0% interest loans, and tax incentives, the CIP Incentive Program is encouraging investment, improvements, heritage preservation, and new development—strengthening Prescott’s economic future one project at a time.
Interested in the CIP Incentive Program? Click here to learn more.
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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 Prescott’s business community, this is your opportunity to get involved.
If you're interested, please complete the online Nomination Form here.
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Downtown Parking Advisory
King Street has a two-hour parking limit, enforced Monday–Saturday, 9 AM–6 PM. For longer visits or shifts, please use municipal lots or side street parking.
Free extended parking is available at the Clock Tower lot, RiverWalk Park lot, and north of the Prescott Pop-Ups.
Businesses are asked to remind customers of options, and owners/employees should leave King Street spaces open for visitors. See the map for parking locations and always follow posted signage.
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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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Riverwalk Footcare Opens in Downtown Prescott
Mayor Gauri Shankar and members of Council were proud to join owner Lindsey Carew for the official ribbon cutting of Riverwalk Footcare, Prescott’s newest healthcare service, on August 27 at 235 Water Street West.
Specializing in medical foot care, the clinic will provide professional support for residents living with diabetes, arthritis, circulation issues, and other age-related foot concerns. This new addition strengthens Downtown Prescott’s growing mix of services and reinforces our commitment to accessible, community-based healthcare.
| | Business Openings & Anniversaries | | |
RiverWalk Foot Care
235 Water Street
Grand Opening
August 27
Renegadz Restaurant & Bar Lounge
178 King Street West
3rd Anniversary
September 9
Property Guys Brockville-Leeds Grenville
126 King Street West
8th Anniversary
September 15
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Miss Vicky's Variety
107 King Street West
1st Anniversary
September 20
Canadian Tire Prescott
140 Prescott Centre Drive
90th Anniversary
October 1
YOUR Family Dollar
109 Churchill Road West
22nd Anniversary
October 3
| | 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. | |
Elevate Your Enterprise with Starter Company Plus
The Starter Company Plus program in Leeds & Grenville is gearing up its Fall 2025 intake, offering entrepreneurs up to $5,000 in grant funding, plus essential strategic support including business plan boot camps, coaching, and mentorship to sharpen market research, financials, and growth tactics.
Prospective applicants must first attend one of two mandatory virtual information sessions to learn about eligibility, program details, key dates, and interview procedures. Eligible candidates include Canadian citizens or permanent residents aged 18+, residing in Leeds & Grenville, who are launching a new business, expanding an existing one, or purchasing a business; they must be working full-time (or on track to move full-time), generating income, and able to contribute at least 25% of the grant in cash or in-kind.
Info Sessions
Learn More
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Now Accepting Applications: Leeds Grenville’s Greatest Entrepreneur
The inaugural Leeds Grenville’s Greatest Entrepreneur competition is now open—offering local entrepreneurs the chance to win $10,000 in cash and $10,000 in in-kind business supports to fuel their business growth.
Presented by Community Futures Grenville and the Thousand Islands Community Development Corporation, this new regional initiative is designed to spotlight the drive, creativity, and impact of small business owners across Leeds and Grenville. It’s a celebration of the entrepreneurs who are building strong, resilient communities—one idea, product, or service at a time.
Applications are open until September 6, 2025. Entrepreneurs from all sectors and stages of business are encouraged to apply.
Learn more and submit your application at www.lggreatestentrepreneur.ca
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TELUS’s #StandWithOwners contest is back for 2025, offering over $1 million in funding, technology, and national exposure to support Canadian small businesses. Applications are open until September 3, with five grand prize winners receiving up to $200,000 each in cash, tech, health supports, and advertising, alongside additional finalist and spotlight opportunities.
Since 2020, TELUS has invested more than $6 million in Canadian entrepreneurs through this program, making it one of the country’s leading small business support initiatives.
Learn more and apply here.
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2025 LG Entrepreneur of the Year
Leeds & Grenville’s Entrepreneur of the Year Award recognizes a local business owner who demonstrates vision, leadership, and community impact. Eligible nominees must be Starter Company Plus graduates, in business 5–10 years with fewer than 10 employees, and actively operating in the region.
Deadline for nominations: Friday, September 19, 2025, at 4:00 p.m.
Nomination Form Here
Submit nominations via email to carol.hardy@uclg.on.ca
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Immigrant Entrepreneur & Inclusive Employer Awards
Celebrate local leadership in business and inclusion! Nominations are open for the Leeds and Grenville Immigrant Entrepreneur and Inclusive Employer Awards.
Community members, organizations, and business owners—including self-nominations—are encouraged to apply by submitting the business name by email or by call/text at 613-213-4455.
Deadline: Friday, September 12, 2025
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Porchfest 2.0: Prescott’s Streets Come Alive
Porchfest is back—and bigger than ever. On Saturday, September 27, Prescott transforms into an open-air stage as porches, stoops, and front yards across town host an incredible lineup of local talent. This year’s second edition, Porchfest 2.0, promises more porches, more music, and a mix of new and returning artists to discover along your walk.
Confirmed performers include Jenn Mann, Arthur McGregor, Mary Moore, Tim Burns, Steve Bell, Keeley Brown, Tammy Leonard, Jimi Martin, and Mark Bergman, among others—each bringing their own sound and story to the festival’s intimate neighbourhood stages.
The day culminates with a BBQ Chicken Dinner at the Kinsmen Amphitheatre from 5–8 PM, paired with a closing concert featuring Roxy’s Proxy, Jessica Lavallee, and Mark Bergman against the backdrop of the St. Lawrence River.
Have a great porch and interested in hosting Porchfest musicians? Click the link below to apply!
Whether you’re following your favourite performer, discovering a new one, or simply soaking in the atmosphere, Porchfest 2.0 is your invitation to wander, listen, and connect.
Learn more at http://www.prescott.ca/porchfest.
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Curtain Falls on a Celebrated 2025 Shakespeare Season in Prescott
Prescott’s summer stage sparkled once again as the St. Lawrence Shakespeare Festival wrapped up a successful 23rd season. With the mighty St. Lawrence River as its backdrop, the Festival delivered a mix of classic wit, fresh mystery, and musical celebration that kept audiences returning night after night.
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The season opened with Much Ado About Nothing, directed by Julia Nish-Lapidus. Set in a playful 1980s world of gossip and mistaken love, the production blended laughter with tenderness, drawing audiences into the spirited exchanges of Beatrice and Benedick. Even Prescott’s Mayor, Gauri Shankar, delighted the crowd with a surprise cameo — a reminder that this Festival belongs as much to the community as to the stage.
Next came a brand-new adventure, Sherlock Holmes and the Vanishing Hour, created exclusively for Prescott. Director James Wallis reimagined the legendary detective on holiday in Eastern Ontario, where Joan Watson (Andrea Massoud) narrated a tale of mystery, belonging, and humour. With Daniel Briere as Holmes, and a nimble ensemble shifting through dozens of roles, the production combined suspense and comedy in equal measure.
The season closed with the return of Play On! A Shakespeare Inspired Mixtape, a high-energy mashup of Shakespeare’s words and pop anthems by artists like Taylor Swift, Elton John, The Beatles, and more. Updated with new songs, this year’s edition had audiences of all ages singing, clapping, and dancing along — proving once again that Shakespeare’s themes are timeless, and always ready to meet a new generation.
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Since its beginnings in 2002, the Festival has grown into South Eastern Ontario’s only professional outdoor Shakespeare experience. Its riverside setting at the Kinsmen Amphitheatre is unmatched — much like the Globe Theatre in Shakespeare’s London, where the stage opened onto a great river.
Today, the St. Lawrence Shakespeare Festival continues that legacy, blending professional theatre with the natural beauty of Prescott’s waterfront.
The 2025 season drew thousands of visitors, filling seats and filling downtown streets with energy all summer long. Laughter echoed over the harbour, applause carried into the night, and Prescott once again reminded the region that live theatre can thrive in the open air.
The curtain has closed, but the story is far from over. Planning is already underway for the 2026 season, and anticipation is building.
To relive the season and discover what’s next, visit www.stlawrenceshakespeare.ca.
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Summer Nights, Riverside Vibes
The Prescott Sunday Concert Series once again lit up the waterfront this summer, drawing record crowds to the Kinsmen Amphitheatre. From the high-energy sounds of the Capital Beatles and Healey & Orr, to local favourites Sun Dried Flies and Eddy & the Stingrays—who packed in over 600 fans—the season was filled with music, dancing, and warm St. Lawrence River breezes.
Thanks to dedicated volunteers, Sunday nights in Prescott have become a must-do tradition. With top performers, family-friendly fun, and an unbeatable riverside setting, the Concert Series proved once again why Prescott is becoming a summer music destination.
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The Fall Season at the Prescott Pop-Ups
Autumn brings a new chapter to the Prescott Pop-Ups!
Stroll the waterfront, discover new vendors, and dive into hands-on crafting classes that make every visit unique. The Farmers’ & Crafters’ Market continues every Saturday from 11 AM to 3 PM, adding fresh finds to your weekend.
Open Saturdays and Sundays from 11 AM to 5 PM until Thanksgiving, the Pop-Ups are the perfect place to sip, shop, and soak up the season.
Interested in trying the Pop-Ups as a vendor? Limited single weekend spaces are available — contact us today for more information.
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Festival of Small Halls Returns to Prescott
Chantal Kreviazuk
October 11, 2025 @ 7:00 pm
St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church
Experience one of Canada’s most celebrated singer-songwriters in an intimate setting. Chantal Kreviazuk, JUNO and Grammy winner, Order of Canada recipient, and acclaimed pianist, brings her powerful voice and timeless hits to Prescott this fall.
Known for her own chart-topping albums and songwriting for global superstars, Kreviazuk’s performance at St. Andrew’s promises to be unforgettable.
Tickets & More Information: Festival of Small Halls
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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.
| | Tourism Industry Funding Opportunities | | |
RTO 9 Partnership Fund Program
The 2025–2026 RTO 9 Partnership Fund Program opened for applications on Monday, September 1, 2025. This annual initiative supports projects that build on existing tourism products and enhance the region’s diverse visitor experiences.
Eligible tourism businesses, not-for-profits, and Indigenous organizations can apply under four funding categories:
- New Indigenous Tourism Experiences
- Photography/Videography
- Marquee & Wayfinding Signage
- Translation
Applications close at 11:59 PM on Sunday, September 21, 2025. All applications must be submitted through an online form and require proof of incorporation, insurance, and a letter of acknowledgment from your DMO or DMP (note: businesses in Prescott-Russell are exempt from this requirement).
Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to attend a virtual information (Register Here) session to learn about eligibility, required documents, and how to strengthen their proposals. The final session take place at 10:00 AM on Thursday, September 11.
Visit Here to Learn More
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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 | | |
Designing Graphics with Canva – September 16, 2025 | Online
Learn how to create professional, eye-catching visuals with ease in this free RTO 9 webinar. Hosted in partnership with JBC | Pushing Digital Boundaries, this one-hour session will guide you through Canva’s AI tools, customizable templates, brand kits, and more.
Register Here.
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What Even Is ChatGPT? – September 23, 2025 | Online
Still not sure what ChatGPT is—or how it can help your tourism business? This beginner-friendly RTO 9 webinar breaks it down in plain English. Learn how it works, what it can (and can’t) do, and see a live demo of how this AI tool can save you time and boost creativity. Join online from 10:00–11:00 AM.
Register here.
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Prompting 101: Talk to It Like a Boss – October 22, 2025 | Online
Master the critical art of crafting prompts that get results—and reframe how you interact with ChatGPT. This free, one-hour RTO 9 online session empowers you to transform vague or generic queries into sharp, personalized, business-ready prompts.
Register Here.
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Understanding Meta Ads: Part 1 – October 23, 2025 | Online
Learn how to refine your audience targeting and get more from your Meta advertising in this free RTO 9 webinar, hosted in partnership with JBC | Pushing Digital Boundaries. This one-hour session will walk you through building effective saved and custom audiences and applying the latest Meta Ads updates to keep your campaigns optimized and results-driven.
Register here.
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Understanding Meta Ads: Part 2 – October 30, 2025 | Online
Continue your digital ad expertise with the second installment of RTO 9’s “Meta Ads” series, presented in partnership with JBC | Pushing Digital Boundaries. In this free, one-hour online session, you'll get a clear, hands-on introduction to the foundational components of a successful ad campaign—from the anatomy of ad campaign fundamentals to building ad sets and individual creatives tailored to specific audiences, to smart strategies for allocating your ad budget effectively.
Register here.
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Marketing Magic: Content in Half the Time – November 27, 2025 | Online
Struggling to keep up with content creation? Learn how to turn ChatGPT into your ultimate marketing assistant in this fast-paced, hands-on webinar from RTO 9. Discover how to generate social posts, emails, blogs, and more—quickly and in your own voice. Join online from 10:00–11:00 AM and start creating smarter, not harder.
Register here.
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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.
| | For more information on Tourism programs and events in Prescott, follow #ExplorePrescottON on social media, visit our website, or contact us. | | |
Free Business Webinars
Click on the underlined event title for more information and to register.
Google Advertising: The Business Owner’s Starter Guide | Invest Ottawa Education Centre | September 3 | 2:00 pm – 3:15 pm
Understand how Google Ads work, set budgets, and measure ROI in this practical session for business owners.
Register Here
Exploring Entrepreneurship | Regional Business Centre | September 4 | 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
Get started on your entrepreneurial journey with practical steps, resources, and tools for new business owners.
Register Here
Progress with IP – Building an IP Strategy | Invest Ottawa Education Centre | September 9 | 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm
Learn why intellectual property is a critical business asset and how to build a strategy to protect and leverage it.
Register Here
Unlocking AI for Small Businesses | Digital Main Street | September 11 | 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
This free virtual workshop is designed to empower small businesses with essential AI skills.
Register Here
Marketing Your Business with AI: Strategies for Lasting Impact | Invest Ottawa Education Centre | September 11 | 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm
Discover how AI can power your marketing strategy with smarter storytelling, personalization, and content strategies.
Register Here
Diversifying to Export Markets 101 | City of Toronto Economic Development & Culture | September 11 | 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Explore why diversifying to export markets is key to resilience and growth in today’s global economy.
Register Here
E-Commerce 201: Mastering 3 Pillars – Acquisition, Conversion & Retention | Invest Ottawa Education Centre | September 12 | 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm
Dive deeper into the three pillars of e-commerce success and learn how to acquire, convert, and retain customers.
Register Here
10 Things Every Website Needs | St. Catharines Enterprise Centre | September 15 | 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm
Learn how to transform your website into a true business growth tool by turning more visitors into leads and building trust from the start.
Register Here
Business Planning – Part 1 | Business Resource Centre (BRC) | September 16 | 10:00 am – 11:30 am
Start building your business plan by exploring company profiles, industry overviews, competition, and target markets.
Register Here
BACD Business Fundamentals: Marketing & Sales | Business Advisory Centre Durham (BACD) | September 17 | 9:30 am – 11:30 am
Learn how to create a marketing and sales strategy to attract, convert, and retain customers while growing your business.
Register Here
Sales Trends of 2026: What Brick-and-Mortar Businesses Need to Know | City of Vaughan, Small Business & Entrepreneurship | September 17 | 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm
Explore upcoming sales trends—AI, personalization, and social selling—and how businesses can adapt to stay competitive.
Register Here
Business Planning – Part 2 | Business Resource Centre (BRC) | September 23 | 10:00 am – 11:30 am
Continue developing your business plan with a deeper dive into marketing, operations, and financial planning.
Register Here
Business Model Canvas Crash Course | Regional Business Centre | October 2 | 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
Discover how to use the Business Model Canvas to map ideas, refine strategy, and identify opportunities for growth.
Register Here
AI for Operations: Work Smarter and Automate Admin and Projects | Business Advisory Centre Durham (BACD) | October 2 | 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Get a jargon-free introduction to AI tools that streamline admin, project management, and teamwork to boost productivity.
Register Here
Market Research | Business Resource Centre (BRC) | October 7 | 10:00 am – 11:30 am
Learn how to access key resources and analyze data on competitors, industries, and customers to support decision-making.
Register Here
Business Planning Launchpad Series (1 of 4): Ideation and Market Research | City of Vaughan, Small Business & Entrepreneurship | October 7 | 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Learn how to validate your business idea, vision, and mission while testing assumptions with market research.
Register Here
Business Model Canvas | City of Vaughan, Small Business & Entrepreneurship | October 14 | 10:00 am – 11:00 am
Learn how to use the Business Model Canvas to visualize and assess your business model and create a value proposition.
Register Here
Business Planning Launchpad Series (2 of 4): Sales and Marketing | City of Vaughan, Small Business & Entrepreneurship | October 14 | 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Gain practical skills to improve your sales and marketing strategies as part of this four-part planning series.
Register Here
Business Planning Launchpad Series (3 of 4): Operations, Time and Risk Management | City of Vaughan, Small Business & Entrepreneurship | October 21 | 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Explore effective operations, time management, and risk mitigation strategies for entrepreneurs.
Register Here
Financial Forecasting | Business Resource Centre (BRC) | October 28 | 10:00 am – 11:30 am
Learn how to calculate costs, build budgets, manage cashflow, and price your products or services for profitability.
Register Here
Business Planning Launchpad Series (4 of 4): Financials | City of Vaughan, Small Business & Entrepreneurship | October 28 | 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Learn how to budget, manage cash flow, and build financial resilience in your business.
Register Here
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Chamber of Commerce Boat Cruise
The South Grenville Chamber of Commerce, in collaboration with the South Dundas Chamber, is set to host its 2nd Annual Boat Cruise on September 4th.
Always a member favourite, this relaxed and scenic evening offers a unique way to network while taking in the natural beauty of our waterways.
It’s a perfect opportunity to reconnect with fellow members, meet new faces, and enjoy a casual, enjoyable setting on the river.
Tickets are available here.
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Community Futures Grenville Anniversary & Annual General Meeting
Community Futures Grenville will host its 35th Anniversary Celebration & AGM on Friday, September 19, 2025, at Maitland Tower in Maitland, beginning at 8:00 AM.
Since 1990, Community Futures Grenville has worked to strengthen local businesses and communities across Grenville County. As a federally supported, not-for-profit organization governed by a volunteer Board of Directors, the organization delivers the Community Futures Program through FedDev Ontario, providing business financing, advisory services, and community economic development initiatives.
The September 19 event will bring together community members, partners, and stakeholders to celebrate milestones and share future priorities.
Register Here
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OAP After 5: Introduction to iTrepreneur
Thursday, September 11 • 5:30 PM • Brockville Country Club
Join OAP for networking and insights with Kevin Savoy, founder of iTrepreneur.ai, a new platform helping entrepreneurs harness AI for growth. Connect with fellow professionals and discover how technology is shaping the future of small business.
Register Here
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OAP 2025 Small Business Christmas Gala
Friday, November 28 • 5:30 PM • Madison’s by Renegadz – Prescott Golf Club
Celebrate the season with OAP’s Annual Christmas Gala — an evening of dining, entertainment, and networking with business and community leaders. Tickets available until November 7 at 4:00 PM.
Register Here
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2025 Leeds Grenville Diversity Day
Thursday, November 6 • Brockville Country Club
Save the Date for Diversity Day 2025! More details will be available in our next newsletter.
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“Building Accessibility – It’s Easier Than You Think!”
Hosted by the Leeds Grenville Accessibility Advisory Committee, this webinar takes place at New Hope Church in Brockville on Friday, October 3 at 9:00 AM, and offers practical, locally relevant guidance for businesses, venue managers, and community leaders looking to improve building accessibility efficiently and cost-effectively
Register Here
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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! | |
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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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 Rural Ontario Development (ROD) Program – Business Development stream offers up to 35% of eligible project costs, to a maximum of $10,000, for rural Ontario businesses aiming to grow, attract investment, or create jobs.
Funding is first-come, first-served, with one application per business and projects due by March 31, 2026. Review the full guidelines before applying.
Learn More.
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The Skills Development Fund (SDF) Training Stream funds projects that help Ontario employers hire, train, and retain workers, especially in skilled trades and key growth sectors.
Eligible applicants include employers, non-profits, industry associations, trade unions, municipalities, and Indigenous organizations. Apply by October 1, 2025.
Learn More
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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.
Learn More
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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.
Learn More
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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.
Learn More
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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.
Learn More.
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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.
Learn More.
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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.
Learn More.
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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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