Business Breakfast Feedback:



A great group of local business owners came to last week's business breakfast welcomed by MP Eric Duncan, MPP Nolan Quinn, Warden Lang, and Mayor McDonald. After enjoying an excellent breakfast provided by the Lancaster Legion, Jennifer Treverton (Economic Development Officer) facilitated a discussion to learn what challenges local businesses face and how the Municipality can better support the business community.

Here is a point-form list of the feedback gathered. An action plan with timelines will be shared in April’s Business Newsletter.

• Host morning and evening business networking events to increase participation and allow businesses to collaborate, share resources and learn from each other
• Support local more.
•  Consider scheduled social media posts such as “Small Business Saturdays” to feature small businesses regularly
• Create business spotlight features for the business newsletter and social media introducing the business owner(s) and describing the business
• A Businesses can host open houses welcoming other business owners to tour their facility and learn from each other
•  Facilitate sector-specific small-group discussions to plan seasonal campaigns or launch projects
• Use social media to share Municipal updates impacting businesses such as permit changes or upcoming events
•  Make it easy for businesses to sign up for the newsletter

Email Jennifer with your suggestions

New Street Banners Installed



The Economic Development and Recreation Department worked together to install new street banners made of fade-resistant vinyl along the main streets of South Glengarry. We hope you enjoy the new banners featuring scenes from South Glengarry created by talented local artists.

Recently Completed Regional Incentives Program (RIP) Projects 



Two local projects that received funding from RIP grants were completed in the New Year. These grants, administered by SDG Counties, aim to stimulate private investment in tourism and business growth. They are designed to create jobs, increase the tax assessment base, and enhance overnight accommodations to support tourism.

SDG Counites' Launch a Business Support Page Following March 4th Tariff Announcement

The SDG Counties' Economic Development Department is committed to supporting local businesses after President Trump announced 25% across-the-board tariffs on Canadian imports. You'll find helpful resources and a link to their brief 5-minute survey to help them gauge the local impact and guide their response efforts.

Link to webpage: Tariff support for SDG Counties businesses | SDG Counties

Link to Survey

On March 4, after a 30‑day pause, the United States (U.S.) imposed tariffs of 10% on imports of energy products from Canada and of 25% on imports of all other goods from Canada.

Canada's response

The Government of Canada has announced a comprehensive response plan to support you, which includes:

• Canada's engagement with the U.S.
• Canada announces robust tariff package in response to unjustified U.S. tariffs

For detailed information on Canada's response, visit Canada's response to U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods.

Key resources for Canadian exporters

The Trade Commissioner Service (TCS), alongside our partners, is here to help you navigate disruptions caused by these tariffs and has created a webpage to provide guidance and support:

Supporting Canadian exporters through United States tariff challenges.

Your business can access:

• self‑serve resources for problem solving
• export diversification support
• support from our partners
• resources for doing business in the U.S.
• tariff tools from the Government of Canada
• statistics

RTO 9 Partnership Fund Information Session 2025/2026

Join Meg from RTO 9 for an information session on the 2025/2026 Partnership Fund application for tourism businesses.

Learn about the program's guidelines and eligibility requirements. Understand the application process and determine if your project or business is eligible to apply. We will also discuss how the program works and what expenses can be incurred under the project.

Link to read the 2025/2026 Partnership Fund Guidelines

LIVE online info sessions: 10-11:00 a.m. on Mar 5 | Mar 13 | Mar 18

Sign up here: RTO 9 Partnership Fund Information Session 2025/2026 Tickets, Multiple Dates | Eventbrite

The application period closes at 11:59pm on Monday, March 31, 2025