September 2026 Edition

Greetings!

In this edition, celebrate local business success, explore funding supports, meet our spotlight business owners, and learn why succession planning deserves a place on your business radar.

Economic Development Department Updates

Celebrating business investment, growth and success in South Glengarry

Another Sell-Out Awards Gala

Once again, tickets for the 2026 Business and Community Awards Gala sold out in five days, highlighting South Glengarry's business community and the public's enthusiasm for celebrating local achievement.

We'll share photos in our next newsletter!

Keeping it Local ...

To support our business community, we source everything from the venue to the food and flowers for our awards gala from South Glengarry businesses just like yours.

Local Businesses Featured On Travel &Tourism Website

The South Eastern Ontario website, a regional tourism guide promoting travel, local experiences, events and attractions, is featuring farm, food, and rural destinations across Cornwall and SDG Counties. See which South Glengarry businesses are benefiting from regional, national and targeted international market exposure.

Local Farms and Foods Featured

Insights from the Ontario East Municipal Conference

I'll be representing South Glengarry at the Ontario East Municipal Conference (OEMC) in Ottawa, gathering insights on economic trends, policy, planning, and sector developments impacting our region.

The proposed Alto High-Speed Rail project is just one example of key projects, trends, and opportunities being explored this year. Click the conference link to view the full program and see what's on the agenda.

I'll share takeaways and actionable insights in the October newsletter.

Planning for the Future: Why Business Transition Matters

Succession Planning has become a buzzword in Ontario and across Canada due to the high number of expected business owner retirements in the next decade, with no formal plans to protect their hard-earned equity and ensure succession on their terms.

In the next four newsletters, we will provide information and resources to help business owners facilitate the process.

The Ontario Retirement Wave
The Hidden Time Debt
The Multi-Million Dollar Tax Gamble
Grants and Financing to Support Your Plan

Small Business Spotlight

Meet Erik, Angèle, and Alexander, owners of Wild Streak Farm, who came to South Glengarry for a slower pace and more property to grow their own food.

They've expanded their gardens and now offer fresh produce to area residents from their new farm stand. They host a pantry stocked with goods produced by other farmers they trust, strengthening the local food economy while making fresh products more accessible.

Their self-serve farmstand is open daily 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. at 19064 Connortown Road, Apple Hill.

Learn More: Website | Email | Instagram

Grants and Funding

Financial support to help businesses adapt, grow, and thrive

Looking for Business Financing? Start Here

Why it matters: This guide provides a high-level overview of financing options available to business owners.

Download your copy.

Small Business Financing Guide

New Federal Tariff Supports Announced

Following the August 2026 tariff escalation and the suspension of trade negotiations, the Government of Canada deployed a $7.5 billion emergency response package, including new and enhanced measures.

Read the August 25th News Release

Key Impacted Programs:

Regional Tariff Response Initiative (Increased non-repayable contributions + liquidity support for SMEs).
Export Development Canada (EDC) Trade Impact Program (Now supports small businesses).
BDC Pivot to Grow Loan (New liquidity stream)
NEW Rapid Response Supports for Workers and Employers (coming early September)

View All Federal Tariff Response Supports

NEW Provincial Tariff Support Announced

The province announced the immediate broadening of the Protect Ontario Financing Program to protect workers and businesses adversely impacted by s. 232 or s. 338 U.S. tariffs.

Read the August 24th News Release

The Protect Ontario Financing Program provides immediate relief for Ontario businesses facing significant tariff-related working capital challenges.

Protect Ontario Financing Program Details

Grant Programs Accepting Applications

Rural Ontario Development Program: Rural businesses may be eligible for a cost-share grant up to $10,000. Application deadline is October 1, 2026.

Eastern Ontario Development Fund: Incentives for strategic business expansion and investment. Application deadline is September 23, 2026.

Advanced Manufacturing and Innovative Competitiveness (AMIC) Stream: Incentives to invest in technology, equipment, and workforce competitiveness. Application deadline is November 5, 2026.

Southern Ontario Fund for Investment in Innovation (SOFII): Support for high-growth, innovative SMEs growing, expanding, or adopting new technology. Ongoing applications accepted.

Ontario Job Grant: Support for employee training and skills development. Ongoing applications accepted.

Community Grants

Coming Soon...

Ontario Trillium Foundation GROW Grant: Helps established community programs and services grow or expand to better meet local needs. Grant application period is October 7-November 4, 2026

Networking and Events

Build relationships, share ideas, and grow

Business Sisters 5 à 7 in Alexandria

Why attend: Connect with women entrepreneurs from across the region, share ideas and experiences, and build valuable professional relationships.

Date: September 24, 2026

Time: 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.

Location: Laura's B & B, 20301 Power Dam Road, Alexandria

Cost: $45 - includes light refreshments

More information

5 à 7 Registration

5th Annual Business Sisters Conference in Cornwall

Why attend: Join women entrepreneurs from across the region for a full-day event featuring practical workshops, inspiring speakers, networking opportunities, and more.

Date: November 9, 2026

Time: 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Location: Best Western Parkway Inn & Conference Centre, Cornwall

Cost: $299 - includes multiple sessions, meals and breaks

More information