South Glengarry Businesses Aim for Growth with $50,000 Grants


Three local businesses are pursuing expansion through SDG Counties’ Regional Incentives Program (RIP), with up to $50,000 available per project.

I worked with each applicant to strengthen their proposals ahead of the deadline, supporting plans focused on growth and investment. Applications are reviewed on April 13, which I will attend, with recommendations going to Council for approval on April 20.

With significant funding at stake, early planning is key. If you’re considering a business expansion in 2027, reach out to discuss whether your project could be eligible.


Good luck to local applicants!

Tour of State-of-the-Art Fertilizer Blending Plant

Farmers and travellers on County Road 34 have likely noticed the impressive new structure nearing completion at Munro Agromart in Lancaster.

On March 24, I had the opportunity to tour the fertilizer blending plant with Doug MacPherson, a long-time employee and project champion. As Doug walked me through the plant - from bulk fertilizer entering the building to storage, blending, and finally loading the custom blends onto trucks destined for local farms - the precision and efficiency at every stage were evident.

It was fascinating to learn about the years of planning, extensive research, and thoughtful design behind this new facility.

The team at Munro Agromart anticipates opening the facility in mid-April and looks forward to celebrating this exciting expansion with customers at their annual appreciation breakfast this August.

On March 25, Ontario announced a $2.25 million investment for the second round of the Enhancing Access to Spaces for Everyone (EASE) Grant, supporting small capital projects that improve accessibility and promote active, healthy lifestyles for people with disabilities.

Read More 

Business Sisters 5 à 7 in Russell

Join the Business Sisters community for a friendly networking evening in the warm atmosphere of Café Bon Vivant, located in the heart of Russell. Meet other women entrepreneurs, share ideas, build new connections, and discover a local café committed to promoting art and culture.

Date: Wednesday, April 15

Time: 5:00 to 7:00 pm

Location: 191 Castor St, Russell, ON K4R 1C7

Cost: $45 - includes light refreshments and non-alcoholic beverages

Register Today 

2026 Cornwall & SDG Counties Tourism Summit

Join 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

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

Location: Stormont Community Hall, Long Sault

Cost: $25 (includes breakfast and lunch)

Register Today

Cycle Tourism Destination Development Workshop

RTO9 and Ontario By Bike invite you to a free in-person Cycle Tourism Destination Workshop at the Benson Centre in Cornwall. Attendees will learn more about Ontario's growing cycle tourism market, which reached $532M in 2023.

• Discover how welcoming cyclists is good for your business and the region
• Learn about the RTO9 Cycling Corridor project through Destination Canada
• Find out how to become a certified bicycle-friendly business
• Connect with tourism operators and industry professionals

Date: Tuesday, April 14

Time: 9:00 to 11:00 am

Location: Benson Centre, 800 Seventh Street W., Cornwall

Cost: Free

Register Today 



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 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: Friday, May 15 at 4:30 pm

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

Learn More | Apply

EDCO Regional Event Hosted by SDG Counties 

Join us for two days of hands-on learning, networking, and collaboration for economic development professionals, municipal Council members, community partners, and local business owners.

Experience workshops, panel discussions, business tours, and practical sessions covering: 

• Community Improvement Plans
• Regional Incentives Program
• Cross-border partnerships and joint Ventures
• Tools to strengthen and grow the local economy

Date: Wednesday, May 27 and Thursday, May 28

Start: May 27 @ 1:00 pm to May 28 @ 4:00 pm

Location: South Stormont Community Hall, 2 Mille Roches Road, Long Sault

Fee: Includes onsite meals and refreshments

Register Today

Business Benefit Finder

Try the Business Benefit Finder - an easy-to-use, self-service tool that matches your business with helpful resources, including:

• Grants and funding
• Loans and capital investments
• Tax credits
• Wage subsidies and internships
• Expert advice
• Partnerships and collaboration
• Research support and facilities

Try it Today! 

Cornwall Tourism Development Fund (open to SDG Counties businesses)

Funding is available for events, tournaments, conferences, and new or enhanced tourism businesses and assets that attract visitors and drive overnight stays in Cornwall.

Application Deadline: Friday, May 29 (Project scheduled July 1 to September 30)

Funding Amount: Up to $25,000

Learn More and Apply

Eastern Ontario Development Fund (EODF) 

The Eastern Ontario Development Fund (EODF) supports projects and investments that drive economic growth across eastern Ontario, assisting 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 Eastern Ontario
• Minimum 3 years of operations/financial statements
• Minimum 5 employees
• Minimum investment of $200,000 (Rural Ontario)

Application Period: Feb 26 to May 27 (Closes May 27)

Application Period: June 30 to September 23 (Closes September 23)

Funding Amounts:

• Loans up to 15% of eligible costs to $5M, interest-free for up to 4 years
• Up to 30% of the loan is forgiven if targets are met
• Grants up to 15%, capped at $500K–$1.5M (limited cases)

Learn More and Apply

Enhancing Access to Spaces for Everyone (EASE) Grant

EASE aims to enhance the quality of life for people with disabilities and older adults by supporting safe, healthy, active and socially connected lives. Funding supports small capital projects that improve accessibility in outdoor spaces or housing across Ontario communities. Eligible applicants include Municipalities or not-for-profit organizations.

Sample Eligible Projects:

• Assistive kayak and canoe launches
• Charging stations for mobility devices
• Mobility mats at beaches
• Accessible washrooms at parks

Application Deadline: Thursday, May 7 @ 5:00 pm

Funding Amount: Up to $60,000 per successful applicant

Learn More and Apply



Regional Development Program: Advanced Manufacturing and Innovation Competitiveness Stream

This program provides financial support and complementary services to advanced manufacturing companies with a focus on small and medium-sized enterprises (SME) across Ontario. Investments must be in capital equipment, technology adoption or skills development.

Project Outcomes (3 to 4-year timeline):

• Adopt innovative technology to increase productivity
• Invest in equipment to grow the business and increase exports
• Accelerate growth through enhanced processes and cost efficiencies

Eligibility:

• Minimum 3 years of operations/financial statements
• Minimum 10 employees
• Create 5 new jobs
• Minimum investment of $500,000

Application Period: June 30 to September 23 (Closes September 23)

Funding Amount: Up to 15% of eligible project costs in loans or grants

Learn More and Apply  

Federal Funding for Small and Medium Businesses

The CanExport SMEs (small and medium-sized enterprises) program helps eligible Canadian SMEs expand into new international markets by sharing the costs of international business development activities.

90% of funding is allocated to projects targeting non-U.S. markets

Eligibility:

• Canadian incorporated businesses/cooperatives
• Minimum 3 employees
• Annual revenue $300,000 to $100 million
• Target new US markets or non-US markets (but not both)

Application Deadline: Friday, May 29 @12:00 pm

Funding Amount: 50% of eligible costs for projects between $20,000 and $100,000

Learn More and Apply