February 2024

The Cornwall SDG Business Enterprise Centre hosted Breakfast Connections in Williamstown on February 15th. Words of welcome came from Adrian Bugelli with MP Eric Duncan’s office, MPP Nolan Quinn, and South Glengarry Mayor Lachlan McDonald. Amanda Barresi, Employer Services Manager with WCG Services provided employers with updates on available supports to meet current labour challenges. The keynote address was provided by Glen Walter's Chris Bourgon, Owner of Gilles' 3rd Gen Barbershop. Chris provided attendees with an authentic account of his greatest challenges and learning opportunities he experienced during his journey as a small business owner.

Would you attend South Glengarry networking breakfasts?

Yes

Business Movers and Shakers

The father-son duo of Dave and Doug Gorman recently opened Lancaster Vapes at 186 Military Road in Lancaster. They are pleased with their location choice as they have received such a warm welcome from the community.

Mane Esthetics recently moved to the front of the commercial space at 184 Military Road. This strategic move will elevate Mane Esthetics' visibility on Lancaster's main street.

Just in time for tax season, Krystal Tristram recently moved her business Krystal’s Tax Services to leased space at 184 Military Road. The new location will provide her customers with greater convenience and privacy. Her office is accessible via South Terrace.

The Employability Network is hosting the 2024 Cornwall and Area Job Fair at the Cornwall Civic Complex on Wednesday, April 24th. In addition to other industries, Skills Ontario will be featuring local businesses in the skilled trades.

Public job seeker sessions are being held 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 - 6:00 p.m. to attract more attendees.

Register for your employer booth until March 11th for $75.00. For details and to complete your registration, visit: https://2024jobfair.eventbrite.ca.

The 2024 SKLZ Competition is coming to St. Lawrence College's Cornwall Campus on February 27th. Cheer on 300+ students competing in various trades-based skills competitions.

Register for the SKLZ Competition Industry Breakfast being held in the River Room at 9:30 a.m. * Be sure you select the Cornwall event because there are 2 locations.

The Cornwall SDG Business Enterprise Centre is now accepting applications to their Starter Company PLUS program. Take advantage of this free training program perfect for anyone starting or expanding a business. Gain hands-on business skills development, training, and mentoring by local business owners. Participants can pitch their business to earn a grant of up to $4500.00.

The next Starter Company PLUS program will begin in March 2024.

Apply now!

FedDev Ontario's Tourism Fund Application Period Open

FedDev Ontario launched the Tourism Growth Program in southern Ontario for projects that add value to existing activities in the tourism industry and focus on business and economic growth. Small and medium-sized enterprises are eligible for repayable contributions. Not-for-profit contributions are normally non-repayable. The deadline for applications is February 29, 2024, 8:59 p.m. EST.

Learn More

NEW - OPENS FEB. 22: The Digital Main Street Program is accepting applications to the Business Sustainability Program. There are grants up to $20k for businesses located on Main Streets across southern Ontario, demonstrating revenue growth and providing a business case for how funding will strengthen their existing capacity and support their growth.

Please visit https://mymainstreet.ca for details.

ACCFutures and Business Sisters present "Wine & Wander" on March 8th, 2024, at the Best Western in Cornwall. Celebrate International Women's Day with an enriching evening dedicated to local women-led businesses. From 2-8:00 p.m., sip on exquisite wines and savory appetizers while you explore over 20 vendors and interact with inspiring women entrepreneurs. If you'd like to secure a vendor table, send your request to: hello@accfutures.ca.

Purchase Tickets

Cornwall & Area Lifestyle Expo

The Cornwall and Area Chamber of Commerce presents the Cornwall and Area Lifestyle Expo taking place on April 26, 27 & 28 at the Benson Centre in Cornwall. If you’d like to showcase your business to the community or to learn more, please visit:

Event Details

Funding and Grants

The Grow Ontario Marketing Initiative is now accepting applications. Learn how to apply for funding to grow your agri-food business through marketing analysis and planning, new product development and marketing activities. Recipients may receive up to 50% of eligible costs to a maximum of $60k per project initiative. Please click the link below for more information.

Grow Ontario Market Initiative Guidelines | ontario.ca

Learn more about Eastern Ontario’s EV Charging Initiative and how your business may benefit from EV adaptation in our region. Join RTO9 and Mitchell House from the City of Ottawa for a virtual presentation on Wednesday, March 6^th, 10:00 – 11:00 am.

Save your seat!

The Eastern Ontario Development Fund (EODF) provides financial incentives for business expansions that create new jobs in Ontario. If you plan to purchase new capital equipment, make operational or process improvements, or expand your market reach, this program may be right for you.

Loans up to 15% of eligible expenses to a maximum of $5M, interest-free for the project duration. If you meet project targets, up to 30% of the loan may be forgiven.

Grants up to 15% of your project to a maximum of $500K for special circumstances.