Economic Development eNews | October 1, 2024 | |
A Beacon of Distinctly Curated Opportunities | |
Photos: top, Shannon's shop features unique flavours for all tastes; left, top: regionally sourced non-alcoholic beverages; Beraka Farm's pie sweetened with honey; curated food products from near and far; onions and tomatoes direct from Italy; Lighthouse storefront on a sunny day. | |
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GANANOQUE - From behind the counter, a wealth of knowledge flows as Shannon Treanor, owner of Lighthouse Provisions, steps out excitedly to discuss her latest shipment. "Know your customer and what they like," she shares. It’s this strategy that has built her business reputation.
“Feeding people inspires me,” says Shannon, who began her foray into the food service industry by co-owning The Socialist Pig coffee shop just a few doors down on King Street.
Eager to have a shop of her own, Shannon envisioned offering high-quality, curated ingredients. “I love caring for my customers; it gives me a genuine sense of purpose,” she says. When the former hydro building became available, she negotiated and secured it. “This is such a great location, and I have a good relationship with the landlord,” she adds, stating this is a big bonus.
Lighthouse Provisions has pivoted, driven by customer feedback and demand, They are a guiding light of tasty treats, cooking products, and prepared foods, available both in-store and online. Step into the bright yellow and charcoal-branded location, and you'll find unique, mindfully chosen products for all levels of food appreciation.
The shop’s aromas of freshly baked pastries and savory soups stimulate the senses. Condiments are handmade on-site. Once a week, the staff gathers to taste-test and review products from the Lighthouse Kitchen, posting them for customers to see. "Food brings people together. I want this to be a fun environment where employees can learn and feel appreciated," Shannon says.
Priority is given to high-quality local products, but the selection expands to include fine beverages, specialty meats, cheeses, and limited product releases. You’ll find fresh bread, crisps, jellies, and handmade meal options like weekday lunches. The Bottle Shop stocks a variety of wines, beers, non-alcoholic spirits, kombucha and sodas. The Cheese Counter and Deli Case offer soaked, smoked, pickled, and infused items from Italy and around the world.
Curating gift baskets is a key reason for the shop’s success. “I help people gather thoughtful items for meaningful gifts. We provide personalized and corporate gifting to clients like Songwood Contracting Ltd., Thousand Islands Playhouse, The Ivy Lea Club, Eastern Ontario Power, and more, with exceptional expertise." Shannon leverages her supply chain relationships to fulfill unique requests.
“Networking remains one of our best marketing strategies,” Shannon emphasizes. “It’s crucial to collaborate in a small community, it’s critical to foster community connections,” she says.
Shannon envisions a future where personalization and customer service generate top reviews that attract a wider audience to her business. Food is something everyone can appreciate, and Lighthouse Provisions ensures that customers enjoy a uniquely curated shopping experience every time.
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Economic Development Summit | |
Minister of Energy and Electrification Keynote at Summit | |
The Honourable Stephen Lecce, Ontario's Minister of Energy and Electrification. | |
WHEN: Friday, November 22, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
WHERE: North Grenville Municipal Centre, Kemptville
COST: $55 (Advanced Registration Required)
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The Leeds Grenville Economic Development Office, in partnership with Michael Barrett, M.P., Steve Clark, M.P.P., the 1000 Islands, Grenville and Valley Heartland Community Futures Development Corporations and the Eastern Workforce Innovation Board, invite you to the region's top Economic Development event of the year.
For this year's event, M.P.P. Clark has invited the Honourable Stephen Lecce, Ontario’s Minister of Energy and Electrification. The Minister will give the keynote address at the Leeds Grenville Economic Development Summit.
Minister Lecce is the Member of Provincial Parliament for King-Vaughan. He has served as the Chief Spokesperson for former Prime Minister, Stephen Harper, as Deputy Government House Leader, the Parliamentary Assistant to the Ministry of Infrastructure, Parliamentary Assistant to the Premier, and Minister of Education.
Join us for a day focused on Economic Development and Leadership and the presentation of the Bill Thake Award (Warden's Award). Learn more and register your seat by visiting the Counties Summit webpage, or by clicking on the button.
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Starter Company Grads Continue with Confidence | |
Photo, l-r:Amanda McMullan, Laurie Weir, Rachel Hatt, and Jennifer Pfieffer. | |
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The Small Business Advisory Centre serving northern Leeds Grenville announced that four local businesses have been awarded funding through the Starter Company Plus program.
Funded by the Government of Ontario, this program provides selected entrepreneurs with essential training, coaching, and the opportunity to pitch for microgrants of up to $5,000 to support their business growth.
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Successful local participants of the Starter Company Plus Summer 2024 cohort include:
Ontario Law Clerk Services – Amanda McMullan, Jasper - lawclerking.ca
WeirView Media – Laurie Weir, Jasper - weirviewmedia.mypixieset.com
Rachel Hatt Music – Rachel Hatt, Westport - rachel.j.hatt@gmail.com
Forno – Jennifer Pfieffer, Westport - fornosourdough.ca
“We are thrilled to have representation from Westport and Elizabethtown-Kitley. These entrepreneurs have demonstrated remarkable dedication to launching and expanding their businesses,” said Cindy James, Manager of the Small Business Advisory Centre.
“The Starter Company Plus program has been a game-changer," says Laurie Weir of WeirView Media. “It has provided the crucial funding needed to upgrade my equipment, allowing me to enhance the quality of deliverables to my clients. The business coaching has helped sharpen my strategy, better understand my market, and build the confidence needed to grow as a small business owner, and I'm truly grateful.”
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Applications for the Winter 2024/2025 cohort of the Starter Company Plus in Rideau Lakes, Westport, Kitley and Merrickville-Wolford will open in mid-November with training starting January 2025. Entrepreneurs interested in getting further information about the program and next cohort can check out the website at smallbizcentre.ca/starter | |
Amplify Your Enterprise at the Bridges to Better Business Annual Conference | |
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The Bridges to Better Business Annual Conference presents "LG TALKS", 6 power-packed talks delivered by industry experts on business growth topics like leadership, operational efficiency, and cash flow management. Attend and gain actionable insights and real-world strategies to help your business thrive. Find ways to refine your leadership style and optimize your operations.
Celebrate Starter Company Plus program graduates and hear their inspiring journeys. Network with fellow business owners and community leaders. Entrepreneur of the Year and Immigrant Entrepreneur of the Year awards will take place. This event has something for every entrepreneur. There are a limited number of tickets available, secure your spot today!
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Upcoming Small Business Consults
Starting, growing or exiting a business? If you are self-driven, determined to succeed, coachable with access to start-up capital and have a solid business idea, connect with our professionals. Small Business can help you identify marketplace opportunities, write an effective business plan, assist with government regulations, licensing information and source finances.
Book your free 45 minute session, consults are flexible and offered at both Smiths Falls and Brockville office locations and throughout the region at partner locations.
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North Grenville Area
Host: North Grenville Municipal Centre,
When: October 8, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Where: 285 County Road 44, Kemptville
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1000 Islands Rideau Canal Waterways in Edible Ottawa Magazine | | |
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Hot off the press! Edible Ottawa magazine is showcasing the 1000 Islands Rideau Canal Waterways and Foodie Shop Adventures tourism initiative. This marketing campaign involves bi-monthly full-page ads highlighting the rich culinary experiences that make this region a must-visit destination for food lovers. Print editions are heavily distributed in the national capital region. The digital format is accessed by audiences nationwide and beyond. Whether it’s savouring fresh Salsa Curd from Forfar Dairy, indulging in Mrs. McGarrigle's Hot Whisky Mustard or cherishing a Chili Chocolate from Ridgway Confections, you'll find something to satisfy your palate. Be on the lookout for the next ad featuring delectable Fresh Baked Adventures!
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Property with Two Modern Buildings
Commercial property for sale on a 1.4-acre lot located minutes from highway 401 in the Township of Elizabethtown-Kitley. The larger building is 4,000 square feet; the adjacent Quonset is 60' x 40', both are steel construction and included in sale. The lot has a drilled well and septic system. The property previously housed an automotive shop.
View Map for 2407 County Road 46, Lyn, Ontario
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Workshops, Seminars and Webinar Library | |
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Employment Standards Act-
What Employers Need To Know
Join this review and discussion of the major standards of the Employment Standards Act, the responsibilities of an employer, and the role of an Employment Standards Officer in an investigation and/or inspection. Covering topics like minimum wage, hours of work, vacation, holidays, termination and more.
Host: Small Business Advisory Centre
Presenter: Jason Bouchard, Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development
When: October 8, 9:30 a.m.-12 p.m.
Where: Online
Cost: Free
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How to Start a Small Business
This in-person seminar at the Merrickville Public Library covers what a new start-up, storefront or side-hustle needs to know BEFORE the doors open. To reserve your spot, email by the link below or call 613-283-0062.
Host: Small Business Advisory Centre / Merrickville Public Library
When: October 9, 1-3 p.m.
Where: Merrickville Public Library, 446 Main Street West, Merrickville
Cost: Free
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Septic System Learning Event for Multi Residential Development
This event will promote and grow housing development in Leeds Grenville. Visit the Rideau Valley Conservation Authority septic system demonstration to learn more about systems intended for less than 10,000 cubic meters per day. The Chief Building Official at the conservation authority will provide an overview for the ten different systems on location. Intended for developers constructing residential developments, municipal staff and officials. The length of the tour is about one hour. Space is limited, pre-registration is required, use the button below.
Host: Leeds Grenville Community Housing Department
Presenter: Rideau Valley Conservation Authority
When: October 10, 1 p.m.
Where: Baxter Conservation Area, 7498 Carter Rd, Kars, ON
Cost: Free
For questions, reach out to Caroline Rigutto, Affordable Housing Coordinator, 613-342-3840 x 2327.
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Creating Engaging Content
Take your social media content to the next level. Craft compelling posts that can help you stand out. Identify your unique brand voice utilizing visuals and storytelling techniques that effectively captivate your audience. Create posts that encourage interaction and loyalty from your followers.
Host: Regional Tourism Organization 9
Presenter: Karine Parthenais, Mellow Brew Marketing
When: October 15, 10-11 a.m.
Where: Online
Cost: Free
Also available in French - October 17, 2024.
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Sales and Lead Generation
You know you have a great product – but how do you get people buying it? Getting people to buy from you can seem complicated but it can be simple if you know the right steps to take. In this session, you’ll learn the process for generating qualified leads and converting them into paying customers.
Host: Small Business Advisory Centre
Presenter: Nicole Haney Business Coaching
When: October 17, 9-10 a.m.
Where: Online
Cost: Free
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Building Housing Faster and Affordably
Experienced builders and developers will present how non-traditional construction methods can build new housing, faster and more affordably. Learn about key differences from traditional residential construction methods, and other affordable housing building concepts. The workshop will include project and plant tours in the Brockville area to showcase projects and plants from the morning. Speakers include Sebastian Scott, Chief Building Official, City of Brockville; Andrew Melchers, IN Engineering; Marc Beintema, Nautical Landings Group - Wellings Modular; Dylan Sliter, P3 Panels; Chris Pursel, NOW Housing; Chris Morrison, Manager of Community Housing, United Counties of Leeds and Grenville; and Jackson Wyatt, CABN. For further information see website or call 613-342-3840 x 2122.
Host: United Counties of Leeds and Grenville
Presenters: various
When: October 21; Presentations 9 a.m.-12 p.m., Site visits after lunch.
Where: Online
Cost: Free
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How to Brainstorm and Create Social Media Content for your Business
Attend a morning of social media video asset creation tactics for your tourism business.
You will have an opportunity to create video content in a small group coaching setting where you can ask questions and get hands-on assistance on the spot. Learn how to brainstorm and organize strategic video content ideas like a marketer, organize content ideas to help you create and post video content strategically and consistently, and create Instagram videos.
Attendees are asked to bring some photos and/or video clips related to their business to help them build out their reel during the hands on creation portion of the session (if you don't have any please contact the event organizer for some free to use content).
Host: Regional Tourism Organization 9
Presenter: Anna Ruck, SocialSTRUCK
When: October 25, 9 a.m.-noon
Where: Gananoque Curling Club, 300 William St.
Cost: Free
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Payroll 101
Learn about Ontario based payroll legislation, compliance, and best practices. Obtain guidance through payroll processes, including:
Onboarding Staff
- Tax forms, self-employment, location
Getting Payroll Set-up
- Pay periods, deductions, vacation/holiday pay, and overtime, wages, pay stubs, and T4 slips
WSIB and EHT
Host: Small Business Advisory Centre
Presenter: Kristine Gray, Brightly Bookkeeping Inc.
When: October 28, 9:30-11 a.m.
Where: Online
Cost: Free
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Introduction to Sustainable & Regenerative Tourism
Learn how your business, and the planet, can benefit from assessing your business’ sustainability performance. Improve your knowledge on sustainability and build an understanding of common terms, definitions; hear about industry trends and global market demand; Learn about best practices for sharing your sustainability story; leverage low or no-cost sustainability initiatives to drive revenue, provide cost savings, and attract and retain talent.
Host: Regional Tourism Organization 9
Presenter: GreenStep
When: October 29, 1-2:30 p.m.
Where: Online
Cost: Free
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Leeds Grenville eNews deadlines for submitting information:
If you have an upcoming workshop, seminar, or business-related event, please email it to us in advance.
- Submissions for the October 15th edition should be received by October 7th.
- Submissions for the October 29th edition should be received by October 21st.
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United Counties of Leeds Grenville Economic Development Office | | | | |
