March 2026

Big Plans for Heritage Golf Club



We’re excited to share some great local news! Weaving Baskets Group (WBG), a real estate and property management firm, recently announced the acquisition of Heritage Golf Club.

WBG plans to invest in significant enhancements to the course, clubhouse, and event space to improve the pace of play and comfort on and off the greens for golfers and diners in our community.

This is wonderful news for South Glengarry, and we look forward to seeing Heritage Golf Club’s transformation!

Read Media Release

Highlights from the 2026 EDCO Conference

Last month, I mentioned I’d be heading to Toronto for the EDCO Conference — here’s what I brought back!

Key Takeaways for Our Community:

•     Housing Pressures: Housing affordability and availability continue to challenge communities, affecting families, workforce recruitment, and business growth. Strategies to increase attainable housing and incentivize development are essential.

•     Business Retention & Expansion (BR&E) and Strategic Planning: Staying connected to local business needs helps identify opportunities and challenges early. Strong strategic planning ensures municipal efforts respond to community needs and support long-term economic resilience.

•     Succession Planning: Many local businesses lack formal succession plans. Preparing for leadership transitions, mentoring future leaders, and documenting key processes strengthen both businesses and the broader community economy.

•     Collaboration & Partnerships: Regional and local collaboration is critical for economic success. Sharing resources, forming partnerships, and exploring new opportunities strengthen supply chains, investment readiness, and workforce development.

Communities that plan strategically and work together will be best positioned for sustainable growth and economic resilience.

... Jennifer

New Support Announced for Business Succession Planning

While attending the conference in Toronto, I had the pleasure of meeting representatives from Kingston Economic Development Corporation (KEDCO) to discuss succession planning the day before Ontario announced an investment of nearly $2 million to launch Succession Ontario, the province's first-ever centralized hub dedicated to business succession planning, being delivered by KEDCO!

They created an online resource hub with tools and resources to help business owners understand the requirements for selling and exiting their business. Many owners don't realize how complex transition planning is, but without a clear map for the future, the day-to-day survival and long-term legacy of a business are at risk.

In our area, the Cornwall SDG Business Enterprise Centre will receive specialized training to provide one-on-one advisory support, meaning local business owners can access personalized help with succession planning, business valuation, and legal considerations. Please visit Succession Ontario's resource library for valuable information!

Read Ministry News Release

Business Sisters 6-Month Mastermind Program — Group 2

Are you a woman entrepreneur looking to accelerate your goals? Business Sisters is launching Group 2 of their popular 6-Month Mastermind Program — a hybrid in-person and online experience designed to help you reach your business goals through peer support, accountability, and shared learning!

Featuring:

• A kick-off session
• Monthly check-ins
• Virtual office hours
• Private community-group

First Session: Tuesday, April 28th from 4:00 to 5:30 pm

Dates: April to September 2026

Monthly Meeting: Tuesdays, 4:00 to 5:30 pm

Location: 213 Main St. N., Alexandria

6-Month Mastermind 2026 Details

2026 Cornwall & SDG Counties Tourism Summit

Join us for the second annual Cornwall & SDG Counties Tourism Summit! Local tourism businesses, community organizations, and event planners are invited to connect, collaborate, and gain practical tools to succeed in today’s evolving tourism landscape. The day kicks off with a continental breakfast and networking, followed by a regional tourism update and sessions on leadership, innovation, and the digital environment.

Date: Tuesday, April 22, 2026

Time: Breakfast 8:30 am | Start 9:00 am to 2:00 pm

Location: Stormont Community Hall, Long Sault

Cost: $25 (includes breakfast and lunch)

Register Today

Book Your Spot at GIAG's Job Fair & Volunteer Expo

Showcase your organization, meet candidates, and fill open positions. Meet diverse candidates from seasoned professionals to newcomers ready to join the workforce.

Date: March 10, 2026

Time: 10:00 am to 1:00 pm

Location: 580 Main Street S., Alexandria

Free registration includes table, chairs, refreshments, business promotion, and on-site interviews.

Register

Manufacturing Excellence Forum-Ottawa

Canadian manufacturers in our region won’t want to miss this! The focus is practical, actional insights-helping manufacturers replace imports with domestic production, access new B2B markets, strengthen supply chains, and build the capabilities required to scale.


Includes panel discussions and concurrent breakout sessions. Facilitated round-table discussion on trade, tariffs, and domestic growth strategies and opportunities to connect through EMC's new Supplyflow initiative.

Date: Monday, March 24, 2026

Time: 8:00 am to 2:00 pm

Location: Brookstreet Hotel, Kanata

Learn More and Register (Registration Fee includes networking lunch)

2026 Summer Company Program — Applications Now Open!

Do you know a high school or post-secondary student with an entrepreneurial spirit? The 2026 Summer Company Program is now accepting applications! This provincial program provides students aged 15–29 with up to $3,000 in grant funding, along with mentorship and hands-on business training to help them launch and manage their own summer business. It’s one of the best summer jobs a student can have!

Eligible applicants must:

•     Be a high school or post-secondary student returning to school in the fall

•     Be a resident of Cornwall, SDG, or Akwesasne

•     Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident

•     Be between 15–29 years old

Application Deadline: May 15, 2026 at 4:30 pm

For questions, contact Erika Randolph at Cornwall SDG Business Enterprise Centre: 613-930-2787 ext. 2276 | erandolph@cornwall.ca

Learn More | Apply

2026 SDG Regional Tourism Grant

Applications are now open for the 2026 SDG Regional Tourism Grant! This program provides financial support for community organizations planning initiatives that enhance tourism experiences and increase visitation across SDG Counties.

Eligible Projects May Include:

•     Festivals and events

•     Attractions and visitor-focused programming

•     Initiatives that draw visitors from outside the region and drive economic growth

Who Can Apply:

•     Not-for-profit community organizations

Funding Details:

•     Grants range from $500 to $5,000 per project

•     One application per organization per year

•     No retroactive funding — projects must be future-focused

Application Deadline: March 24, 2026

Learn More and Apply

RTO 9 Partnership Fund — 2026-2027 Applications Now Open

RTO 9’s Partnership Fund encourages collaboration between the RTO and regional partners to leverage local resources and support new or incremental tourism activities. If you’re in tourism and looking to grow, this may be an opportunity worth exploring! This is a 50/50 cost-share program.

Eligible Categories:

•     Photography & Videography

•     Digital Capacity Building

•     Marquee & Wayfinding Signage

Before applying, we encourage you to review the program guidelines and contact Meg Dabros at RTO9: mdabros@region9tourism.ca with any questions.

Application Deadline: Sunday, March 22, 2026 @ 11:59 pm

Schedule a Meeting | Apply Now

Eastern Ontario Development Fund (EODF) 

The Eastern Ontario Development Fund (EODF) supports projects and investments that drive economic growth across eastern Ontario, assisting existing businesses, municipalities, and not-for-profit organizations.



Through the Business Stream, companies can access funding to expand operations, innovate, enter new markets, and create jobs.

Who is eligible?

• Located in or relocating to Eastern Ontario
• At least 5 employees and 3+ years of operation
• Minimum investment of $200,000 (rural Ontario)

How much funding is available?

• Loans: Up to 15% of eligible costs up to $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)

Application Period: Feb 26 to May 27, 2026

Learn More

Regional Incentive Tariff Initiative

The $1-billion RTRI helps businesses overcome trade disruptions and includes support for businesses across all sectors, including in the steel and automotive industries. It invests in 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?

Businesses in southern Ontario that are incorporated and have at least 5 full-time employees.

How much funding is available?

• $125,000 to $10 million in repayable funding; or
• $125,000 to $1 million in non-repayable funding

Now Accepting Applications

Learn More | Apply