Food Basics Opening Adds to a Growing Season of Investment in Prescott

Prescott welcomed a major new commercial investment on September 3, with the official opening of Food Basics at 120 Churchill Road West.

The new 32,000 sq. ft. store brings 90 jobs to the community and gives Prescott and South Grenville a new full-service discount grocery option close to home. Led by Store Manager Jason Hodge, the Prescott location is Food Basics’ 157th store in Ontario and one of the most visible new commercial openings in the community this year.

Mayor Gauri Shankar was joined by members of Council, MPP Steve Clark, the South Grenville Chamber of Commerce, and the Food Basics team to mark the grand opening. Congratulatory certificates were presented on behalf of Prescott Council, MPP Steve Clark, MP Michael Barrett, and the Chamber.

The opening also included a local contribution, with Food Basics presenting a $5,000 donation to the South Grenville Food Bank.

“We are excited to be able to bring Food Basics to the Prescott community, offering more ways for residents to save on quality products,” said John Manax, Vice President of Operations, Food Basics. “No matter where you live, people are always looking for ways to save.”

The store includes fresh meat and produce, locally sourced products, BBQ chicken, Food Basics’ Irrésistible and Selection products, Moi Rewards, and online grocery ordering. It is open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

While opening day is the public milestone, a project of this scale takes months of coordinated work before the first customer walks through the door.

The Town supported the development through planning, permitting, servicing, building, inspections, and fire review, including work by the Prescott Fire Department, while the developer and company moved the site from construction to opening. That behind-the-scenes coordination helped bring a major private-sector investment through to completion.

Food Basics is also part of a larger investment story taking shape across Prescott.

The Wellington Manor redevelopment has broken ground, replacing the former Wellington House with a new 128-bed long-term care home. The project will add 68 new beds while upgrading 60 existing beds, bringing a major health-care infrastructure investment to Prescott and creating significant employment growth once complete. Alongside the direct care roles, a project of that scale supports construction activity, supplier demand, professional services, and long-term workforce needs.

Prescott’s industrial sector is also seeing continued activity, with operational and employment expansions at NeXT Polymers and Northern Cables. These businesses are part of the Town’s manufacturing base and help connect Prescott to larger regional, national, and cross-border supply chains. Their growth points to another side of the local economy: production, skilled trades, logistics, equipment, maintenance, and steady industrial employment.

The result is a broader development picture than any one opening or project can show on its own. Retail, health care, and manufacturing are all seeing activity, each with different timelines, workforce needs, and impacts on the community.

Food Basics adds a new daily-use service and a significant number of retail jobs. Wellington Manor represents a major health-care and long-term care investment that will bring ongoing employment and service capacity. At the same time, operational and employment expansions at NeXT Polymers and Northern Cables show continued movement in Prescott’s industrial sector, where growth is tied to production, skilled work, logistics, and supply chains that extend well beyond the local market.

Together, these developments show activity across several parts of Prescott’s economy, from commercial services and health care to manufacturing and industrial operations. Food Basics is a major milestone, and it arrives as part of a wider period of investment and expansion that continues to shape Prescott’s role within South Grenville.

Prescott’s CIP Program Invests in Revitalization & Growth

A refreshed storefront, space for a new business or apartments ready for tenants can start with a property owner’s vision. Prescott’s Community Improvement Plan (CIP) helps bring those plans to life by sharing the cost of eligible improvements and providing access to interest-free financing.

Recent projects in Downtown Prescott show what that support can accomplish.

At 250 Centre Street, home to Hometown Heating Inc., recently completed façade improvements have given the building a fresh look. New paint in Prescott’s Downtown Colour Palette, updated aluminum trim and fascia repairs build on earlier CIP-supported investments in windows, lighting and accessibility.

At 201 Water Street, renovations helped establish Mane Three Nineteen, a salon and esthetics business. Interior improvements, exterior painting and signage adapted the property for its new tenant, bringing another business to Prescott’s waterfront.

At 187 King Street West, an approximately $290,000 redevelopment prepared both commercial and residential spaces for tenants. Renovated apartments, upgraded commercial interiors and improvements to the storefront, entrance and building systems have created new opportunities to live and do business downtown.

These projects are part of a broader record of investment. The Town of Prescott has invested more than $840,000 in non-repayable grants and advanced nearly $1.18 million in interest-free loans, leading to a total private investment of over $38 million in commercial & new multi-unit residential spaces throughout our community.

Prescott’s CIP supports investment across the community, from storefront renovations and business expansions to heritage restoration, brownfield redevelopment and housing projects. Eligible work can include façade and signage improvements, accessibility upgrades, renovations to commercial and residential interiors, and projects that prepare properties for new uses.

Depending on the project and applicable program, support may include non-repayable matching grants, interest-free loans, permit and application fee grants, and tax incentives. Funding amounts and eligibility requirements vary across the program’s five areas: Downtown Core and RiverWalk District, Employment Lands, Heritage Conservation, Brownfields and Large-Scale Residential Development.

Explore the available CIP incentives.

Start the application process with a conversation before work begins. Contact Dana Valentyne, Manager of Economic Development & Tourism, at dvalentyne@prescott.ca to arrange a pre-consultation, discuss your project and identify the incentives that may be available.

Learn More

Updated Tariff Information and Business Supports

The Town of Prescott has updated its Tariff Information resource page following the Government of Canada’s announcement of new counter-tariffs and $7.5 billion in new and expanded support for Canadian workers and businesses.

Effective September 8, 2026, Canadian counter-tariffs of 15, 25 and 50 per cent apply to approximately $27.6 billion in selected U.S.-origin goods. More than 700 products are affected, including selected steel and aluminum products, furniture, clothing, appliances, dairy products, agricultural equipment, fish and seafood, pulp and paper products, and electronics.

The updated Invest Prescott page includes information on several programs available to help businesses manage tariff-related costs, cash-flow pressures, supply chain disruption and changing export markets:

Regional Tariff Response Initiative: FedDev Ontario is accepting applications from eligible tariff-affected businesses. Support includes up to $3 million in non-repayable funding per business, including up to $2 million for demonstrated liquidity needs. Eligibility has been expanded to include businesses with at least $1 million in annual revenue that can demonstrate an impact from tariffs. Businesses are encouraged to apply early, as funding remains available only until the allocation is fully committed.
BDC Pivot to Grow: A new $500-million liquidity stream provides financing to help eligible businesses maintain operations, manage cash flow, invest in equipment, adapt supply chains and pursue new markets. Financing generally ranges from $250,000 to $5 million, with interest-only payments available for up to 36 months on qualifying liquidity loans. The program is available until March 31, 2028.
Canada Strong Diversification Fund: This new $2-billion stream of the Strategic Response Fund will support tariff-affected businesses undertaking investment-ready capital, adaptation, productivity and market-diversification projects.
EDC Trade Impact Program: Export Development Canada has allocated $5 billion in additional financing and insurance capacity for eligible Canadian exporters and their suppliers. Available support includes working-capital financing, trade credit insurance, foreign-exchange solutions and assistance entering new markets.
Workforce supports: Tariff-related Work-Sharing measures have been extended to March 31, 2028. Employers with an approved Work-Sharing agreement may also apply to the Worker Retention Grant until December 31, 2027. A new Workforce Retention and Retraining Program is also being developed to provide additional flexibility and support for employee training.

The page also includes the official list of goods subject to counter-tariffs, current tariff rates and information about requesting tariff remission when essential business inputs cannot reasonably be sourced in Canada or from a non-U.S. supplier.

Local businesses experiencing tariff-related impacts are encouraged to review the updated Tariff Information page or contact Dana Valentyne at dvalentyne@prescott.ca for assistance identifying relevant business support resources.

Visit the Tariff Resource Page

New Signage Opportunity Being Explored for Prescott Businesses

A new sign recently installed for Little Barcelona is helping showcase the business and improve visibility in one of Prescott’s commercial areas.

The Town of Prescott is now exploring interest in a potential business signage support program that could help local businesses improve storefront presentation, increase visibility, and contribute to a stronger commercial environment.

At this stage, the Town is gathering interest from businesses before final program details are developed.

Businesses interested in learning more or expressing interest are encouraged to contact Dana Valentyne at dvalentyne@prescott.ca.

Daytime Downtown Parking Rules

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.

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.

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.

Sign Permit Requirements and Design Guidelines

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.

CSE Consulting In-House Hiring Events

Looking to hire? CSE Consulting is helping make recruitment easier for local employers through its In-House Hiring Events.

Working directly with your team, CSE helps identify your hiring needs, coordinate the event, promote opportunities to the right audience, and pre-screen candidates to support stronger on-the-spot connections.

These cost-free events are designed to help employers connect with qualified talent more efficiently while reducing the time and effort involved in recruitment.

To learn more or book an event, contact Brittany at CSE Consulting at 613-925-0222 or brittany@cseconsulting.com.

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 admin@prescott.ca and view available options here.

Now Available: 314–316 King Street West

A prominent mixed-use property is now available in Downtown Prescott’s RiverWalk District.

Located at 314–316 King Street West, the building offers approximately 2,270 sq. ft. over two levels, with commercial space on the main floor and a residential unit above. The main floor could suit retail, professional office, salon, boutique service, or another customer-facing business, while the upper unit provides rental income or live-work flexibility.

The property is located beside RBC and across from the LCBO, with three dedicated parking spaces at the rear. Formerly home to the Mary Kay Shoppe, this King Street building offers a visible downtown location with both history and future potential.

Visit Realtor.ca to Learn More

Prescott Entrepreneurs Encouraged to Apply for Leeds Grenville’s Greatest Entrepreneur

Applications are now open for Leeds Grenville’s Greatest Entrepreneur, a regional pitch competition presented by Community Futures Grenville and 1000 Islands CDC.

The competition is open to new and existing entrepreneurs across Leeds and Grenville who have a business idea, growth plan, or next-stage opportunity. Up to six finalists will be selected to pitch live at a gala event in February 2027, with cash prizes and in-kind business support available to help winning businesses move forward.

For entrepreneurs, the process is a chance to put shape around an idea that may already be taking up space in a notebook, a spreadsheet, a storefront conversation, or an after-hours plan. The best applications will be able to explain what the business does, who it serves, where the opportunity is, and what support would help unlock the next step.

That next step could look different for every business. It may be equipment, inventory, a new location, added capacity, a first hire, a stronger marketing plan, or the push needed to turn a promising idea into a more serious venture. The contest gives entrepreneurs a reason to make that case clearly and put it in front of people who can help.

Prescott entrepreneurs with a business idea, expansion plan, or opportunity they have been waiting to pursue are encouraged to apply.

Community Futures Grenville is one of the Town’s key economic development partners and works with businesses in Prescott, Augusta, Edwardsburgh Cardinal, and North Grenville. In addition to presenting the competition with 1000 Islands CDC, CF Grenville offers business loans, micro-loans, planning advice, and practical support for entrepreneurs at different stages of growth.

Businesses interested in applying are encouraged to connect with Community Futures Grenville early to discuss their idea and strengthen their submission.

Learn More and Apply

September Membership Meeting | South Grenville Chamber of Commerce | September 16, 2026 | 12:00–1:00 p.m. | Quality Inn & Suites, Prescott

South Grenville Chamber of Commerce members and guests are invited to the September Membership Meeting, featuring a presentation from Community Futures Grenville on business support services, funding opportunities, and resources available to entrepreneurs across the region.

Attendees are encouraged to bring a guest and their own lunch. Light refreshments will be available.

RSVP by emailing president@southgrenvillechamber.ca.

2026 Leeds Grenville Small Business Success Forum | October 22, 2026 | 4:00–8:00 p.m. | Brockville Memorial Centre

Business owners, entrepreneurs, and community leaders are invited to the 2026 Small Business Success Forum, formerly known as Bridges to Better Business.

This year’s theme, Grit, Growth and Greatness, focuses on helping entrepreneurs work through challenges, build stronger businesses, and plan for long-term success. The evening will include networking, education, awards, and practical insights for small and medium-sized businesses across Leeds Grenville. Space is limited and registration closes October 12.

Learn More

2026 Leeds Grenville Economic Development Summit | November 20, 2026 | 9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. | North Grenville Municipal Centre

Save the date for the region’s leading economic development event of the year. The Leeds Grenville Economic Development Office, in partnership with MP Michael Barrett, MPP Steve Clark, 1000 Islands CDC, Community Futures Grenville, Valley Heartland CFDC, and the Eastern Workforce Innovation Board, will host a full-day summit focused on economic development and leadership.

The event will also include recognition of the Bill Thake Memorial Economic Development Leadership Award recipient.

Learn More

Multiple Business Developments in Downtown Prescott

On May 23, Mayor Gauri Shankar and members of Council, along with MP Michael Barrett and MPP Steve Clark, welcomed Timeless Pursuit Hunting Company (pictured) to the Downtown Prescott RiverWalk District.

The new business brings hunting, outdoor, and lifestyle products to the downtown, adding another independent retailer to King Street and strengthening the mix of businesses in the RiverWalk District.

Other recent openings include Tropical Smoothies and Sauna, offering smoothies and wellness-focused sauna services; Taps and Teacups at 193 Water Street West, an event space available for rent; Beyond Ink Tattoo at 124 King Street West, Alt Beauty Studio at 165 King Street East, and Unity Dance Works at 119 King Street West, offering dance programming for youth and families in Prescott and the surrounding area.

Businesses at Prescott Place, 235 Water Street West, also remain open and operating during the building’s renovation period. Customers can continue to visit Watergirl Quilt Co. in Unit 302 for quilting fabric, supplies, classes, and sewing inspiration; Walker & Associates Professional Corporation in Suite 304 for accounting, tax, and business advisory services; and Investia Financial Services / Seaway Valley in Unit 306 for financial planning and investment services.

Residents and visitors are encouraged to continue supporting Prescott businesses, including new openings and established businesses serving customers throughout local renovation and construction projects.

Business Anniversaries

Charlotte Harris Boutique Spa

112 King Street W

6th Anniversary

July 3

Curls & Cuts Hair Shoppe

695 Edward Street

6th Anniversary

July 3

Strands Hairstyling

276 King Street W

3rd Anniversary of Downtown Location

July 11

Young's of Prescott

197 Water Street, Unit 204

50th Anniversary

July 12

Wing House Prescott

298 King Street W

3rd Anniversary

July 16

Watergirl Quilt Co.

235 Water Street W, Unit 302

6th Anniversary

July 17

FourOone BarberShop

107 King Street W

1st Anniversary

July 25

AMayesZing Photography

123 King Street W

2nd Anniversary

August 1

Irving H. Miller Insurance

267 King Street W

74th Anniversary

August 1

Chuck's Roadhouse Bar & Grill

297 King Street W

3rd Anniversary

August 17

Tim Hortons (Edward Street)

925 Edward Street

31st Anniversary

August 21

South Grenville Food Bank

136 Henry Street W

24th Anniversary

August 27

Dollar Bazaar

253 King Street W

7th Anniversary

August 31

Milano Pizzeria

178 King Street E

2nd Anniversary

September 1

Renegadz Restaurant & Bar Lounge

178 King Street W

3rd Anniversary

September 9

Property Guys Brockville-Leeds Grenville

126 King Street W

9th Anniversary

September 15

Miss Vicky's Variety

183 King Street W

2nd Anniversary

September 20

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.

Amazon Hub Delivery Program

Amazon is promoting its Hub Delivery program as an opportunity for local businesses to deliver packages within their communities using existing staff, positioning it as a way to generate additional revenue through flexible, last-mile delivery work. The program is aimed at established local operators and may be of interest to businesses with delivery capacity, route familiarity, and interest in adding a supplementary service stream. Businesses interested in learning more can review the program details, eligibility information, and FAQs through Amazon’s Hub Delivery portal.

Learn More

Summer Season Supports Local Business Activity

Prescott’s summer season has brought steady activity to the waterfront, RiverWalk District, King Street, and community venues, helping support local businesses through some of their busiest months of the year.

The Prescott Pop-Ups, Farmers’ & Crafters’ Market, Canada Day celebrations, King Street Promenade, Craft Sips & Sauces, live music, and other community events all helped bring residents and visitors into town throughout the summer.

On event days, the impact shows up in simple ways: fuller patios, more people walking King Street, vendors making new customer connections, and visitors spending time in parts of town they might otherwise miss.

The King Street Promenade brought that effect right into the downtown core. By bringing activity directly onto King Street, the event gave downtown businesses a chance to be part of the day, while encouraging people to move between storefronts, restaurants, vendors, family activities, and entertainment. It showed how the RiverWalk District can function as both a commercial area and a gathering place when the street itself becomes part of the experience.

The Pop-Ups and Farmers’ & Crafters’ Market also continued to give local entrepreneurs a visible place to sell, test products, meet customers, and build their following.

As the season moves into fall, continued market activity, vendor opportunities, downtown promotions, and business participation in upcoming events will help carry that momentum forward.

Prescott PorchFest Returns September 26

Prescott PorchFest returns on Saturday, September 26, bringing live music to porches across the community from noon to 6:00 p.m.

This year’s event will feature performances at 10 porch locations throughout Prescott, with the Town Hall Porch at 360 Dibble Street West serving as the event hub. Residents and visitors can follow the music through town, explore different neighbourhoods, and enjoy a relaxed fall afternoon built around local talent and community connection.

With a full afternoon of live music, walkable porch stops, and performances spread throughout the community, PorchFest is a chance to experience Prescott in a different way and enjoy one of the town’s most unique fall events.

Learn More

Little Barcelona Featured in Canada’s 100 Best

Prescott’s Little Barcelona is sharing the spotlight with Spanish restaurants and food purveyors from across the country in a recent Canada’s 100 Best feature, The Ultimate Spanish Feast, Built Across Canada.

The article brings together dishes from 15 certified Spanish businesses to create a six-course feast. Little Barcelona’s contribution is its assorted pinchos, Spanish bites served on slices of house-made baguette, featured alongside offerings from Toronto, Montréal and Vancouver.

Congratulations to the Little Barcelona team on this national exposure, introducing more readers to the distinctive food and independent businesses they can find here in Prescott.

Regional Tourism Industry Events

2026 SEe ON Tourism Summit | RTO 9 | November 17–18, 2026 | DEV Hotel & Conference Centre, Cornwall | Tickets $49.26 One-Day / $81.21 Two-Day Admission

Tourism businesses, operators, municipalities, and destination partners are invited to the 2026 SEe ON Tourism Summit in Cornwall. This two-day regional summit will focus on tourism growth in South Eastern Ontario, with practical sessions, industry networking, and keynote presentations from Jennifer Robins of Environics Analytics and Jason Hunt of Merged Media.

One-day and two-day ticket options are available, with lunch provided both days.

Prescott’s Visitors Are Coming From Diverse Markets

Environics Analytics data points to a practical takeaway for local businesses: Prescott’s Ontario visitor market is regional, drivable, and more varied than a single “tourist” category.

The visitor segments identified include suburban and multicultural visitors, Francophone visitors, affluent rural visitors, and mature and retired visitors. These are not abstract labels. They point to different customer habits, different messaging opportunities, and different reasons people may choose to spend time in Prescott.

For some businesses, that may mean looking east toward Francophone communities and making simple French-language messaging part of seasonal promotions. For others, it may mean speaking more directly to rural and small-town customers who value convenience, service, quality, and a worthwhile reason to make the trip. Mature and retired visitors may be more responsive to daytime experiences, accessible service, clear information, and relaxed shopping or dining opportunities. Suburban and multicultural visitors may be more likely to respond to family-friendly events, waterfront experiences, food, and shareable day-trip ideas.

The business takeaway is straightforward: Prescott should not be promoted the same way to every audience.

A restaurant may use this data to shape weekend specials or group-friendly offers. A retailer may use it to think about product mix, seasonal inventory, or where to target social media posts. A service business may see opportunity in reaching customers outside the immediate local trade area. Event organizers can use the same information to think about timing, language, partnerships, and promotion in nearby communities.

The data does not include travellers from the United States, so cross-border visitors remain an additional market outside this snapshot. For Ontario-based marketing, however, the message is clear: Prescott is drawing interest from multiple nearby visitor markets, and businesses can benefit by being more specific about who they are trying to reach.

If you are interested in learning more about visitor patterns, customer origins, or other business and economic data that may support your planning and marketing, contact the Town’s Economic Development & Tourism Department.

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

Entrepreneur Essentials: Understanding Your Value Proposition (Partner Event) | City of Vaughan, Small Business & Entrepreneurship | September 21 | 3:00–4:30 p.m.

Explore what makes your business distinctive and learn how to develop a stronger value proposition that clearly communicates why customers should choose you.

BACD Business Fundamentals: Marketing & Sales (Partner Event) | Business Advisory Centre Durham (BACD) | September 22 | 9:30–11:30 a.m.

Create a focused marketing and sales strategy covering branding, customer targeting, lead generation, client acquisition, follow-up and the digital tools that can support growth.

Market Research (Partner Event) | Business Resource Centre (BRC) | September 23 | 10:00–11:30 a.m.

Learn how to gather and use information about your customers, competitors and industry so you can validate assumptions and make better-informed marketing and business decisions.

Retention That Sticks: Simple Systems to Keep Customers Longer (Partner Event) | Brampton Entrepreneur Centre | October 1 | 10:00–11:30 a.m.

Explore practical systems for improving customer retention, strengthening relationships and generating more repeat business from the customers you have already worked to acquire.

AI

Understanding How AEO Changes Getting Found & What to Do Next (Partner Event) | Business Advisory Centre Durham (BACD) | September 23 | 9:30–10:30 a.m.

Learn how AI-powered answer engines are changing the way people discover businesses online and what you can do to adapt your digital presence for the new search environment.

Operations & Administration

Business Planning – Part 2 (Partner Event) | Business Resource Centre (BRC) | September 16 | 10:00–11:30 a.m.

Continue building out the major components of your business plan and turn your initial concept into a more complete roadmap for operating and growing your business.

Competition Bureau 101 for Businesses (Partner Event) | Brampton Entrepreneur Centre | September 16 | 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.

Learn what Canadian competition law covers, how the Competition Bureau enforces it, and where businesses can find free resources and guidance to better understand their obligations.

Unlocking Global Government Contracts with CCC (Partner Event) | City of Toronto – Trade & Investment | September 22 | 10:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m.

Learn how Canadian businesses can pursue international government procurement opportunities and understand the role of the Canadian Commercial Corporation in helping companies access global contracts.

What’s Next for Your Business? with Succession Ontario (Partner Event) | Enterprise Renfrew County | September 29 | 10:00–11:00 a.m.

Learn the fundamentals of succession planning for small and micro-businesses, including options for selling, transferring or winding down a business and the steps owners can take to protect themselves, their families and employees.

Webinar Series

Launch & Grow Your Food & Tech Venture Series

Launch & Grow Your Tech Venture: AMA Fireside Chat (Partner Event) | City of Vaughan, Small Business & Entrepreneurship | September 16 | 1:00–2:00 p.m.

Hear about the entrepreneurial journey from inception through launch, including go-to-market strategy, revenue growth and potential funding routes.

Launch & Grow Your Tech & Food Venture: Ecosystem Overview Session (Partner Event) | City of Vaughan, Small Business & Entrepreneurship | September 23 | 1:00–2:30 p.m.

Explore the entrepreneurial support ecosystem available to food and technology ventures, including resources related to education, mentorship, funding and business development.

Business Planning Launchpad Series

Business Planning Launchpad Series (2 of 4): Sales and Marketing (Partner Event) | City of Vaughan, Small Business & Entrepreneurship | September 17 | 6:00–7:30 p.m.

Develop the sales and marketing components of your business plan, including how you will position your business, reach customers and generate revenue.

Business Planning Launchpad Series (3 of 4) (Partner Event) | City of Vaughan, Small Business & Entrepreneurship | September 24 | 6:00–7:30 p.m.

Continue developing your business plan with the third instalment of Vaughan’s four-part Business Planning Launchpad program.

Business Planning Launchpad Series (4 of 4): Financials (Partner Event) | City of Vaughan, Small Business & Entrepreneurship | October 1 | 6:00–7:30 p.m.

Complete the series by developing the financial component of your business plan and connecting your numbers to the assumptions and strategy developed throughout the previous sessions.

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.

This Month at CSE Consulting

Did You Know… CSE Consulting offers a wide range of practical workshops—from resume & cover-letter writing, interview techniques, and creative job search strategies, to soft skills like communication, teamwork, and professionalism. Whether you’re a job seeker looking to gain advantage in today’s market, a student entering the workforce, or someone aiming to boost workplace performance, there’s something for you.

Click here to check out their virtual or in-person options in Prescott or Kemptville and get started sharpening your skills.

Visit CSE Consulting's Online Calendar to find upcoming Employer and Job Seeker Training and Events by Clicking Here

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

Business Funding & Support Programs

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

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.

Ontario’s Ontario Together Trade Fund supports near-term business investments that strengthen domestic supply chains, expand interprovincial trade, improve productivity, and help firms respond to U.S. trade disruption. The program is structured around projects with defined business and economic outcomes, including reshoring, production expansion, process modernization, market diversification, and new Canadian sales development. Applicants are required to speak with an Ontario Advisor before applying.

The program is targeted to Ontario businesses with at least three years of substantive operations and is positioned as a project-based support stream rather than general operating assistance.

Learn More

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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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 reopening October 20th and are submitted through Transfer Payment Ontario following a self-assessment and consultation with a regional advisor.

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Non-Profit Funding Programs

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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Ongoing Funding Sources

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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