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In This Edition:
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Business Breakfast Feedback
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Coming soon: Regional Tariff Response Initiative Information Session (Support for businesses impacted by tariffs)
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Business Spotlight: New Overstock Store
- Christmas Greetings (bottom)
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Business Breakfast Feedback
Our November Business Breakfast brought together a diverse group of local business owners representing agriculture, occupational therapy, tutorial services, dental hygiene, arts and music entertainment, heavy equipment and excavation, food services, and accounting services. Attendees shared valuable insights on the challenges they face and the supports that matter most.
Barriers Identified
- High permit, equipment, and parts costs, often affected by U.S. pricing and tariffs
- Difficulty finding skilled workers
- Some training and business opportunities require travel outside the region
What Businesses Would Like from the EDO
- Appreciate strong support, the quick responses
- Increase awareness of EDO business support services (funding, grants, referrals)
- Limit business breakfasts to two per year to maintain impact
- Maintain newsletters and promotion within the community
Resources Businesses Want
- Financial support to assist with major equipment purchases
- Information and tools to help adopt AI in their operations
- Support with hiring, employee training, expansion, and succession
Communication & Collaboration
- Appreciation for consistent communication and grant highlights
- Newer businesses expressed they value—and rely on—visible municipal support
We are making adjustments based on this feedback now, and will explore partnerships and funding options to deliver workshops and training in 2026.
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The 12th annual Christmas Gift Shop Bus Tour visited participating South Glengarry stores on November 28th.
We handed out promotion postcards to three buses of shoppers, with a link to our website retailer listing and encouraged return visits to discover more small businesses in our community.
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Up Next: Dine Local
We’re promoting our local restaurants, pubs, and cafés with this campaign, encouraging everyone to think local for the holidays.
Watch for promotions in Seaway News this week, a Glengarry Times ad, and a social media campaign during the week of December 8th.
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When to Contact Your EDO
Are you planning to expand, build, diversify, or transition your business? We can help you move forward with confidence.
We can provide a customized list of grants and funding opportunities, connect you with community support, introduce you to provincial and federal government advisors, and schedule a meeting with other Township staff to support your project.
Call: 613-347-1166 ext. 2106 | Email: jtreverton@southglengarry.com
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Spotlight on the Overstock Store
Just around the corner, behind the Jewellery Factory, Aberdeen Gift Shop has opened a New Overstock Store, featuring items from their main store at reduced prices! Discover special finds and take advantage of attractive deals.
Open: Tuesday to Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Questions? Call: 613-347-1400
Support local and check out their amazing selection today!
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RTO9 Eastern Region Tourism Information Session
Who’s out there championing tourism in your area? The Destination Discovery Series from RTO9 is your chance to find out. This webinar will introduce you to the people and programs working to support tourism operators like you.
Learn where to turn for funding, partnerships, and guidance to help your business thrive.
Date: Wednesday, January 21, 2026
Time: 10:00 - 11:00 a.m.
Location: Online
Get your tickets
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RTO9 Industry Survey Results
The RTO 9 Industry survey was in market from October 6-24 with input from tourism operators, destination managers, sector associations, and municipal leads. The results in general show a positive outlook.
Download Report Now
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Regional Tariff Response Initiative Online Information Session
FedDev Ontario, in partnership with the Cornwall SDG Business Enterprise Centre and Cornwall Economic Development, is hosting a free Online Information Session on the Regional Tariff Response Initiative. This program is designed to help businesses in our region navigate recent tariff changes and strengthen their competitiveness.
- The initiative provides resources and funding to help businesses adapt to tariff impacts.
- It offers advisory support and guidance on eligibility and application processes.
- Strengthening awareness ensures our local businesses remain competitive and resilient.
Date: December 15, 2025
Time: 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM
Location: Online (link sent after registration)
Learn More | Register Today
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Plan it Like You Mean it - Strategic Planning Tips
Strategy doesn’t have to live in your head or on that sticky note you lost two weeks ago. In this session, we’ll look at how ChatGPT can help you think through your next campaign, clarify your customer journey, and document business ideas before they disappear into the void. It’s not just about marketing—it’s about smarter thinking and easier decision-making.
Date: December 16, 2025
Time: 10:00 to 11:00 AM
Location: Online only
Register Today
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NEW Intake for RTO9 Partnership Funding
Partnership Funding for 2025-2026 is intended solely for for-profit tourism businesses interested in undertaking tourism-related initiatives that increase visitation to the South East Ontario region.
Application Period: November 24 to December 7, 2025
Download Quick Facts | Apply Now
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Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI) Funding
The RTRI is intended to support businesses and sectors impacted by tariffs. The fund supports targeted, time-sensitive activities that boost productivity, lower costs, strengthen supply chain resilience, and open doors to new markets, enhancing overall competitiveness.
Who is eligible?
Incorporated for-profit businesses located and operating in southern Ontario employing at least 5 full-time equivalent employees in the region.
How much funding is available?
- $125,000 to $10 million in repayable funding; or
- $125,000 to $1 million in non-repayable funding
Register for Information Session: December 15, 12:00 to 1:00 PM (Online)
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The Rural Ontario Development Program (ROD) Guidelines - Business Development Stream is a cost-share program designed to stimulate rural business growth, including projects that:
- Address barriers to economic development
- Build capacity to attract, retain, and expand businesses
- Better position rural businesses to attract or retain investment
- Support jobs being attracted and retained in rural businesses
Who is eligible?
Businesses located in Rural Ontario (including South Glengarry) with plans to grow their business or enter new markets (under the Market Diversification or Product Diversification category.
How much funding is available?
You may qualify for a 35% cost-share up to $10,000
Application Period: January 19 to February 26, 2026
Questions? Email: RODprogram@ontario.ca.
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Experience Ontario 2026
The Experience Ontario program (Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Gaming) supports festivals and events that drive tourism, attract visitors, and increase economic impact in Ontario.
Who is eligible:
Organizations hosting new or existing in-person festivals and events taking place between April 1, 2026, and March 31, 2027.
How much funding is available:
- NEW Capacity Building Stream: New festivals/events may be eligible for 50% of eligible cash expenditures to a maximum of $10,000
- Established Events: A new 3-tier system based on event cash expenses
- Tier 1 – Signature: Budgets ≥ $1M - max funding $125,000
- Tier 2 – Emerging: Budgets $250K–$999K - max funding $55,000
- Tier 3 – Community: Budgets < $250K - max funding $20,000
Application Deadline: December 26, 2025, 4:00 PM
Download Application Guide | Program Details
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Ontario Together Trade Fund
Purpose: Helps Ontario SMEs respond to trade-related challenges by reshoring production, diversifying markets, and investing in technology. Supports capital investments that improve competitiveness and reduce reliance on vulnerable supply chains.
Who is eligible?
Ontario-based for-profit corporations with more than three years in business and over five employees (some flexibility). Must show tariff-related impact and invest $200,000 or more.
How much funding is available?
- Minimum project investment: $200,000. Cost-matched funding (exact percentage varies).
Learn more
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Eastern Ontario Development Fund (EODF)
Supports growing businesses to expand, innovate, access new markets, and create new full-time jobs.
Who is eligible?
Rural Eastern Ontario businesses with at least 5 employees investing a minimum of $200,000 with 3+ years of operation and financial statements
How much funding is available?
- Loans: Up to 15% of eligible costs (max $5M), interest-free for up to 4 years; up to 30% may be forgiven if targets are met
- Grants: Up to 15%, capped at $500K–$1.5M (in limited cases)
Now Accepting Applications
Learn More | Email: Denis Lapierre, Senior Business Advisor with MEDJCT
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Regional Incentives Program Cost-Sharing Grants (up to $50K)
If you have a business project planned during the next 12 months that will:
- Create or grow on-farm agri-business or agri-tourism;
- Redevelop existing building stock and reduce vacant commercial, institutional or industrial buildings to increase the tax base; or
- Increase the amount of permanent roofed accommodations for tourism
Reach out to discuss your project! The application period typically opens in early 2026.
Tel: 613-347-1166 ext. 2106 | Email: jtreverton@southglengarry.com
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New! Ontario Trillium Foundation Grant Deadlines for 2026
The grant application deadlines for the 2026-2027 granting period have been posted. Discover the next deadlines for Seed, Grow and Capital grants, as well as Youth Opportunities Fund grants.
Explore the Grants
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Merry Christmas from South Glengarry!
The holiday season is here! As you plan your gifts, meals, and celebrations, think local and support our community businesses.
Wishing you a joyful Christmas and a Happy New Year!
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