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In this edition:
- Last Business Networking Breakfast of 2025
- Local Businesses Spotted at the Truck Sale
- New Stores in South Lancaster
- Business Spotlight: The NovelTea Company
- Ontario Announces A Plan to Protect Ontario
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Don't Miss our Business Networking Breakfast!
Join us for our final business networking breakfast of the year. Connect with fellow local business owners, share ideas, and enjoy a hot breakfast buffet together.
We are pleased to welcome our guest speakers:
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Alex de Wit, Rural Economic Development Advisor, Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs
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Simon McLinden, National Sales and Marketing Manager, Longevity Acrylics
Date: Thursday, November 13
Time: 7:30 to 9:00 a.m.
Location: Royal Canadian Legion (Lancaster) – 119 Military Road North
Cost: Free (registration required to ensure sufficient breakfast)
Register Today
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South Lancaster Retail Expansion
South Lancaster is welcoming new retail growth with two iconic Canadian brands opening local shops. Tilley Canada has launched their branded store in the Canada House Mall at the Rob McIntosh shopping complex, and Manitobah has recently leased a neighbouring building where they will offer their mukluks and accessories. This expansion brings new choice and vibrancy to our local shopping experience.
With these two well-known Canadian brands now part of our retail community, there are even more reasons to shop local in South Glengarry.
Congratulations to the McIntosh family on this exciting addition to South Lancaster’s commercial landscape.
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Spotlight on The NovelTea Company
The NovelTea Company is a charming mobile tea and treat business operated by Carley Snair, offering whimsical, book-inspired beverages and sweets for events, gatherings, and special occasions. Carley brings creativity and warmth to every setup, making her cart a memorable addition to community markets, private celebrations, and pop-up events across South Glengarry and the region.
The NovelTea Company also provides customized menus to suit special dietary needs, ensuring everyone can enjoy a thoughtful and inclusive refreshment experience.
Reach out to Carley: Call or Text: 416-668-3805
Discover her creations: @thenovelteacompany
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Business Sisters Holiday Season Open House
Celebrate the spirit of the season at the Business Sisters Holiday Season Open House in Alexandria. Enjoy an evening of connection and conversation in a warm, welcoming environment hosted by Doreen Ashton Wagner, founder of the Business Sisters community, along with the volunteers and team members who help this network thrive.
Date: Tuesday, December 2
Time: 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.
Location: Business Sisters Centre, Alexandria, ON
Cost: $45 (includes appetizers and treats)
Register Today
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Future-Proof Your Business with Digital Twin Training
The Ontario Chamber of Commerce is offering fully funded digital twin training through the Seeding Digital Skills program to help businesses boost efficiency, cut waste, and stay competitive. The program is open to businesses in the agriculture and food/beverage processing sectors.
What Are Digital Twins:
Digital twins are real-time virtual models of physical facilities that help companies:
- Predict maintenance needs
- Test new products and analyze competitors
- Train staff using VR
- Monitor security and sanitation
- Optimize production lines and workflows
- Prepare for audits and manage product lifecycles
Program Highlights:
Eligible Ontario businesses receive:
- 12-week online training (3 hours/week) — fully funded
- 1-year Unity industry-level software license — fully funded
Lean More
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Grow with AI – Lunch & Learn
Join the group at GIAG for a free Lunch & Learn designed to show how AI can help you work smarter, not harder.
- Discover real examples of how AI can support research, writing, and planning
- Learn simple tools to streamline daily workflows
- Participate in hands-on activities (bring your smartphone or laptop)
- Leave with practical ideas you can use right away
Date: Tuesday, November 25, 2025
Time: Doors open at 11:30 a.m. for lunch buffet; session runs 12:00 to 1:00 p.m.
Location: GIAG Interagency Group Office – 580 Main Street South, Alexandria
Register Today
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Business Essentials for Newcomers to Canada
This interactive webinar will provide valuable insights into starting and managing a business in Canada, with a focus on the unique challenges and opportunities faced by newcomers. Learn key steps, supports, and strategies to help you move forward with confidence.
Date: Wednesday, November 26, 2025
Time: 12:00 to 1:30 p.m.
Location: Online (Virtual Webinar)
Register Today
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The Fall EMC Eastern Ontario Manufacturing Excellence Forum
The Manufacturing Excellence Forum brings together industry leaders, innovators, and decision-makers from across Canada to explore emerging technology, best practices, and solutions shaping the future of manufacturing.
This is an excellent opportunity for South Glengarry manufacturers to learn, make connections, and access new resources.
Date: Thursday, November 20, 2025
Time: 8:00 a.m.
Location: Oshawa Convention Centre, Oshawa, ON
Register Today
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Understanding CUSMA / USMCA
This virtual session will provide an overview of how to navigate the United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement (USMCA / CUSMA), including how to determine qualification, meet documentation requirements, and maintain the proper records to avoid unnecessary tariffs. With recent changes to U.S. tariff applications, this session is especially important for businesses exporting goods to the U.S. market.
Date: Thursday, November 13, 2025
Time: 1:00 p.m.
Location: Online (Virtual Webinar)
Register Today
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Ontario Government-Planning to Enter or Grow Your Business in the U.S.
This webinar will be of interest to Ontario companies in a variety of sectors who are considering entering or expanding into the U.S. market.
Topics include:
• U.S. immigration and business visa requirements
• Federal and state tax implications
• Currency exchange strategies
• Corporate and legal considerations
• U.S. customs documentation requirements
• Logistics and warehousing
• Preparing effectively for U.S. market entry
Date: Wednesday, November 19, 2025
Time: 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Location: Online (Virtual Webinar)
Register Today
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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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Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI) in Southern Ontario (via FedDev)
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.
Eligibility: 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.
Apply as a Business
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