Local South Glengarry News!

- Milestone 10th Business Anniversary

- Upcoming Business Networking Breakfast

- Free Digital Marketing Workshop

- Gratitude for Supportive Sponsors

- Business Spotlight: Plus Build

On July 17th, members of South Glengarry Council and staff were pleased to join the 10th anniversary celebration of Sheep’s Head Bistro in Glen Walter—a special milestone for a beloved local business. Hosted by owners Rizwan and Josée, the event welcomed 150–200 guests for an evening of live music, delicious chef-crafted appetizers, and complimentary beverages.

Rizwan and Josée were overwhelmed by the outpouring of community support. “Thank you again for joining us for our milestone celebration! We really appreciate the support from my local government,” said Rizwan.

The Township extends heartfelt congratulations to Rizwan and Josée for achieving this milestone. Their passion for culinary excellence, warm hospitality, and exceptional service has made Sheep’s Head Bistro a true dining destination.

Join fellow business owners, entrepreneurs, and community leaders for South Glengarry’s next Business Networking Breakfast. Enjoy a complimentary breakfast, valuable networking time, and insights from two local business speakers:

• HR Recruitment & Retention Strategies – Tips to help you attract and keep great talent.
• Passive Homes – Building for the Future – A look at sustainable, high-performance housing

Date: Thursday, August 14

Time: 7:30 - 8:50 a.m.

Location: Lancaster Legion (119 Military Rd N, Lancaster)

Please RSVP for breakfast

Digital Marketing Workshop: Practical Tools to Grow Your Business

We’ve heard you! Based on feedback from local business owners, we’ve invited Adam Gibeau, Digital Brand Specialist and owner of Digital Dorsal, to lead a hands-on, small group session designed to help you sharpen your digital marketing skills and grow your business online.

In this interactive session, you’ll learn how to:

• Build a stronger online brand
• Use social media more effectively
• Apply simple, actionable tactics on your own
• Understand what works (and what doesn’t) in digital marketing

Whether you’re just starting or looking to improve your digital strategy, this workshop will leave you with practical tools you can put to work right away.

Spots are limited to keep the session interactive — Register Early!

Provincial Funding Forum Recap

On July 10, I attended the Cross-Ministry Funding Forum in Cornwall to learn about provincial programs and funding opportunities to support local business growth.

Representatives from several ministries, including Rural Affairs, Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development, Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade, Tourism, Culture and Gaming and Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness, shared updates on current and upcoming programs focused on business development, workforce training, and rural economic growth.

If you're interested in exploring funding opportunities for your business, please reach out! You can review the speakers' slide deck using the link below.

 — Jennifer Treverton, Economic Development Officer

Download the Slide Deck

Outstanding Sponsorship Support for Awards Gala

The Township of South Glengarry extends its sincere gratitude to the generous sponsors of the 2025 Business and Community Awards Gala. Your support helps us celebrate the outstanding individuals, businesses, and organizations that make our community strong.

Plus Build: Where Innovation Meets Sustainability in Construction

Introducing Plus Build, a forward-thinking sustainable construction management firm committed to shaping the future of the built environment through innovation, efficiency, and environmental responsibility. Specializing in high-performance new builds and deep energy retrofits, Plus Build integrates cutting-edge practices aligned with Passive House and Net Zero standards to deliver buildings that are not only resilient and energy-efficient but also comfortable and cost-effective over the long term.

With a focus on precision, collaboration, and sustainability, Plus Build empowers clients to achieve ambitious performance goals while reducing their environmental footprint—one project at a time.

Curious about how sustainable, high-performance construction can reduce costs and boost comfort? Connect with Plus Build at the email address below to learn more.

Email: info@plusbuild.ca



Business Sisters 5 à 7 Hosted by Flora Kitchenette

Celebrate the beauty of summer at Flora Kitchenette, where nature’s finest ingredients set the stage for an unforgettable networking experience. Chef Binky Holloran, the culinary visionary behind the venue, will dazzle you with specialty cocktails and innovative finger foods crafted from fresh garden produce, herbs, and flowers.

Date: Tuesday, August 19

Time: 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM

Location: 1085 Labrosse St, St-Eugene, ON

Register Today

Advertise in the 2026 Cornwall & SDG Counties Visitor Guide

The 2026 bilingual Visitor Guide will reach over 60,000 potential tourists across Ontario, Quebec, and Upstate New York. This is a valuable opportunity for local tourism businesses and attractions to showcase where to eat, stay, and explore in our region.

Advertising deadline: September 1, 2025

Don’t miss your chance to gain premium exposure in the region’s top tourism publication!

Register Today | View the 2025 Edition

Find Out How to Become A Filming Location + Much More

Are you looking to get involved with filming activities in the community? Cornwall Tourism and SDG Counties Tourism, in partnership with Kingston Film and Media, are excited to present ‘Getting Involved in Filming: A Community Workshop’.

Date: August 13, 2025

Time: 9:30 - 11:00 a.m. (doors open at 9:00 a.m)

Location: South Stormont Community Hall

Purchase Your Ticket 

Applications Open for the Starter Company PLUS Program

The Cornwall SDG Business Enterprise Centre is excited to announce that the application portal for the Fall Session of the Starter Company Plus Program is now open! This highly sought-after program offers new entrepreneurs the opportunity to learn from community experts, develop a comprehensive business plan, and create a solid financial forecast for their ventures.  

The Fall Session will begin on September 9th, with an orientation session from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM.   

The program covers various essential aspects of entrepreneurship, including:  

• building a business plan,   
• market research,   
• market analysis,   
• financial forecasting, and   
• pitch training.  

Application window Now - August 29th, 2025.  

Register Today

Foodpreneur Scale-Up Program Fall 2025 Cohort

Are you a food producer or distributor with big growth goals? The Foodpreneur Scale-Up Program is a 10-week hybrid (online + in-person) learning program to help high-potential food businesses scale successfully.

Participants gain:

• Access to industry experts
• Customized workshops
• Peer-to-peer discussion circles

Topics include:

• Food safety & Canadian labelling regulations
• Shelf-life testing & product innovation
• Selling to national chains & connecting with buyers
• Cash flow, packaging, branding, and more

Applications open August 12, 2025.

This is an excellent opportunity for food-based entrepreneurs wanting to expand their operations and market reach.

Learn More

Ontario Tourism Summit 2025 – Registration Now Open!

Ontario’s premier tourism industry conference is happening October 28–29 at the Ottawa Conference & Event Centre — and this year’s Ontario Tourism Summit (OTS25) is built around what industry professionals like you asked for most.



Theme: Building Your Business, Living Abundantly, and Collaboration

Expect two full days of:

• Updates on the new Ontario Tourism Strategy and 2026 priorities
• Workshops on infrastructure, destination development, AI, data literacy, and community-based tourism
• Practical tools and insights to grow your tourism business
• Networking opportunities and interactive sessions
• Artisan Market + Awards Gala + Top-tier speakers

Early registration pricing ends August 5 — secure your spot now before rates increase!

Register Today

Digital Modernization Grants

The Ontario government is investing $7.5 million to help small and medium-sized businesses modernize operations, increase productivity, and grow sales with digital technology.

Digital Modernization and Adoption Plan (DMAP):

Receive up to $15K in support to develop a custom DMAP with a Consultant tailored specifically to your organization’s digital needs. 

Technology Demonstration Program:

Receive up to $100K in support to implement DMAP recommendations

Retail Modernization Project Grant:

Receive up to $5K in support to adopt and implement digital technologies, hardware and software.  

These grants support Ontario’s goal of building a more competitive, tech-enabled economy.

Learn More

RTO9 Partnership Fund

RTO 9’s Partnership Fund is a matching contribution program aimed at enhancing the diversity and appeal of tourism offerings across the region. The initiative supports projects that build on existing tourism products and experiences. Interested applicants are encouraged to review the program guidelines, confirm eligibility, and reach out with any questions before submitting a proposal.

There are 4 application categories:

1. New Indigenous Tourism Experiences

2. Photography/videography

3. Marquee & Wayfinding Signage

4. Translation

Application window: September 1 - 21, 2025

Learn More | Register for Information Session

Ontario Trillium Seed Grant (Projects with a 6-to-12-month term)

The Seed Grant stream provides funding from $10,000 to $100,000 to help organizations build capacity, pilot new programs, and plan for future services.

This grant supports:

• Organizational planning
• Piloting innovative programs
• Capacity-building for future growth

Application window: Now - August 20, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. ET.

Learn More | Apply

Opening October 8th: Ontario Trillium Grow Grant (Projects with a 2-3-year term)

The Ontario Trillium Foundation is offering Grow Grants of $100,000 to $600,000 to help eligible non-profits scale up successful programs or services that meet demonstrated community needs.

Funding can support:

• Expanding or adapting an existing program
• Improving service delivery to reach more people or achieve greater impact

Application window: October 8 – November 5, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. ET

Learn More

Enhancing Access to Spaces for Everyone (EASE) Program Fund

The EASE Grant funds projects that improve accessibility and support active lifestyles for people with disabilities and older adults. It supports these individuals to live more active, healthy, safe and socially connected lives within their communities.

The program offers up to $60,000 in grants to fund small capital projects that focus on making outdoor spaces, buildings and housing more accessible for everyone.

Eligibility: Incorporated Not-For-Profit Organization

Application window: Now - August 14, 2025, at 5 p.m. ET

Learn More and Apply

Rural Ontario Development Program-Now Accepting Applications

The Ontario government has launched the new Rural Ontario Development (ROD) Program to support economic growth, job creation, and infrastructure improvements in small communities.



Business Development Stream: Rural Ontario brick-and-mortar businesses with 1 to 20 employees can apply for a grant up to 35% of eligible costs, to a maximum of $10,000.

Application window: Now – September 25, 2025, at 5 PM

Read the Guidelines | Book a FREE information webinar 

Learn More and Apply

Eastern Ontario Development Fund-Now Accepting Applications

The Eastern Ontario Development Fund supports growing businesses to expand operations, innovate, access new markets, and create jobs.

• Improve productivity and workforce development
• Create jobs and generate economic impact
• Invest a minimum of $200,000 (rural Ontario)
• Employ 5+ people (rural) and have 3+ years of operations
• Be located in or moving to Eastern Ontario

Loans - Up to 15% of eligible costs (max $5M), interest-free for up to 4 years. Up to 30% may be forgiven if performance targets are met.

Grants - Up to 15% capped at $500K - $1.5 M (limited circumstances)

Application window: Now – September 17, 2025

Learn More and Apply

Skills Development Fund - Training Stream

The Skills Development Fund (SDF) Training Stream offers funding for innovative workforce development projects that address hiring, training, and retention challenges—especially in key sectors like skilled trades, manufacturing, and construction.

The goal: Help Ontario employers and communities adapt, grow, and thrive.

The Training Stream supports projects that:

• Help employers attract, train, and retain workers

• Build local training capacity through partnerships and innovation

• Support skilled trades and construction labour

• Strengthen industries impacted by U.S. tariffs, like automotive and manufacturing

Application window: Now - October 11, 2025

Learn More and Apply

New Funding to Help Ontario Farmers Improve Energy Efficiency

The Governments of Canada and Ontario are investing up to $3 million in the third intake of the Agricultural Stewardship Initiative (ASI) to support on-farm energy efficiency upgrades. This investment helps farmers reduce energy costs, increase sustainability, and remain competitive amid U.S. tariffs and rising input costs.

Eligible Ontario farmers can apply for up to $90,000 to upgrade inefficient equipment and systems such as:

• Geothermal heating
• High-efficiency motors
• Cooling, heating, and ventilation
• Grain dryers and LED lighting

Application window: August 13 – September 3, 2025

Read News Release | Learn More