November 2026 Edition

Greetings!

This month, we're highlighting local business achievements, sharing expert economic insights, and featuring NEW funding opportunities to support business growth and technology adoption.

Economic Development Department Updates

Celebrating business investment, growth and success in South Glengarry

Small Business Week Reflections

Small Business Week provided an opportunity to connect with entrepreneurs across South Glengarry and discuss both challenges and opportunities shaping today's business environment.

While businesses continue to navigate rising costs, labour shortages, and market uncertainty, many are responding by adopting innovation, technology, automation, and market diversification.

Focus on the factors you can control.

Discover the experts' advice:

Download the Manufacturers' economic outlook slides
Watch BDC's Finding growth in a faster world presentation
Read Ontario 2026 Fall Economic Statement highlights

P.S. If you're interested in selling to the government, read our Learning Opportunities section.

Select Your Favourite Business Breakfast Topic for 2027:

Workforce & Recruitment

Succession Planning

Shaping SG's Economic Development Strategy

Business Community Needs

Glengarry Fine Cheese Wins Big at The Royal

Congratulations, Margaret Peters Morris and the team, for taking top honours in The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair's Cheese & Butter Competition. Taste their award-winning cheeses yourself:

Iron Horse Cheddar 1-year-old - Grand Champion Cheddar
Iron Horse Cheddar 2-year-old -1st
Petite Fleur Pavée - 1st
Celtic Blue - 1st
Celtic Reserve - 3rd

Planning and Building Simplified

What is an Official Plan?

What does zoning control?

Why does a building Occupancy Classification matter?

Download a simplified explanation of these planning and building terms and where to get help: Property and Building FAQs Sheet

Succession Series: The Hidden Time Debt

A successful transition cannot be built in a single season.

Business owners routinely underestimate the exit runway. Transition experts and specialized brokers commonly recommend that a profitable, smooth handoff requires 3-5 years of active preparation.

Why So Long?

12-24 Months: Time required to find a qualified buyer or structure an intergenerational family transfer.
24 Months: The timeline needed to decouple daily operations from the primary owner safely.
12 Months: The time required to clean up financial records and make the most of available tax exemptions.

The risk: CFIB's "Passing the Torch" succession report, released in October 2026, indicates finding a buyer or suitable successor is the biggest challenge (47%) to succession planning. Waiting until health or burnout forces your hand may reduce asset valuations.

Next in the series: The Multi-Million Dollar Tax Gamble

Small Business Spotlight

Royal Property Solutions Inc. is a local design-build and property services company serving homes and businesses across our area. Spencer Roy founded the business in 2014 as a student through the Summer Company program and has grown it into a full-service team including Dandylawn, a brand with 40 years in the region, and Sprinklers by Design.

Now marking 12 years in business, Royal Property Solutions Inc. is a true homegrown success story! Spencer shares credit for his success with his dedicated and hardworking team.

Contact Spencer or view their portfolio.

613-870-3320 | RoyalPropertySolutions | Facebook

Grants and Funding

Financial support to help businesses adapt, grow, and thrive

Updating equipment or planning to expand in 2027? Call Jennifer to discuss current and upcoming financial incentives: 613-347-1166 ext. 2106.

Interested in hiring a Pre-Apprentice Millwright? The EOTB offers $10/hr. wage subsidies, onboarding, coaching and retention support to develop our local trades workforce.

Email: Skyler or Mat for details.

Use the Small Business Program funding finder to save up to 50% on equipment upgrades and energy management tools.

Federal Support Programs

NEW Canada Summer Jobs program helps employers hire youth aged 15-30 through wage subsidies for summer employment.

Application Period: October 27 to December 3, 2026.

NEW R egional Artificial Intelligence Initiative provides $125K to $5M per project in fully repayable, interest-free funding for up to 50% of eligible costs to encourage AI adoption to increase productivity, competitiveness, growth and resilience. Application Period: October 13, 2026 to January 19, 2027

Provincial Support Programs

New Intake Food Safety and Growth Initiative provides up to 50% of project costs, up to a maximum of $75,000, to grow your business by investing in new food safety, traceability processes or equipment. Application Period: October 19, 2026 to March 1, 2027 (until fund is depleted).

New Intake Eastern Ontario Development Fund (EODF) with loans of up to 15% of eligible project costs, to a maximum of $5M. If targets are met, up to 30% of the loan may be forgiven. This program can be combined with Federal incentives. Application Period: November 3, 2026 to January 21, 2027

Futurpreneur's Side Hustle Program offers up to $25,000 in equity-free financing, plus mentoring, to help entrepreneurs aged 18-39 launch or grow a side business while keeping their full-time job.

Explore the Side Hustle Program

Community Grants

The SDG Counties Regional Tourism Grant provides $500 to $5,000 per application to support local organizations boosting regional visitation. If you are interested in applying, visit their New Grant Portal (applications only accepted online).

Application Deadline: November 16, 2026

Networking and Events

Build relationships, share ideas, and grow

Business Sisters 5 à 7 in Casselman

Why attend: Celebrate the season with an evening of connection, inspiration, and new beginnings! Join the Business Sisters community for a holiday networking reception to mark key achievements and share opportunities for the New Year.

Date: December 1, 2026

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

Location: White Pearl College, 64 Racine St., Casselman

Cost: $45 - includes light refreshments

Get more information | Register Today!

Last Call for Tickets

Date: November 17 to 18, 2026

Location: DEV Hotel & Conference Centre, Cornwall

P u rchase Tickets Now | Browse Event Program

Learning Opportunities

Practical ways to make informed business decisions

Use BDC's Assessment to Gauge Your Business's Shock Tolerance

Try BDC's Business Health Assessment Today

Sell to the Federal Government

The Government of Canada is simplifying federal procurement for small businesses. The Small Business Procurement Program is designed to help SMEs win federal contracts ranging from $10,000 to $5 million. Changes are making it easier for small businesses like yours to win federal contracts.

Become Part of Canada's Defence Supply Chain

When you hear “defence”, you probably picture tanks and fighter jets. But bases, troops, and major projects also run on everyday goods and services, and 92% of defence suppliers are SMEs just like you.

Canada is increasing defence spending, and the Defence Industrial Strategy update puts SMEs at the centre. Learn more about defence procurement opportunities.