Greetings!
This month, we are sharing highlights from the awards gala, takeaways from the Ontario East Municipal Conference (OEMC), and new funding and financing tools announced in September.
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Economic Development Department Updates | | Celebrating business investment, growth and success in South Glengarry | | |
2026 Business & Community Award Gala Memories
As promised in September — here are the moments from our Business and Community Awards Gala. Congratulations to all of this year's winners!
| | (L-R) Jeff Kirkey, Josh Hay, and Connor Danaher of Red Maple Building Corp.; Shawn Fowler of Jack’s Pub; Ellen Crothers of Mathew’s Toy Mountain; Malcolm Robertson, Caedmon Van Putten, and Francis Chretien at South Glengarry’s 2026 Business and Community Awards Gala in Summerstown, held Saturday, September 12. (Kim Burton-Schram photo) | | |
Citizen of Year:
Malcolm Robertson
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Business of the Year:
Red Maple Building Corp.
| | Entrepreneur of the Year:
Shawn Fowler | | |
Excellence in Agriculture
Francis Chretien
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Community Service Award:
Ellen Crothers
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Youth Merit Award:
Caedmon Van Putten
| | Read our news release recognizing this year's winners, our gratitude to our sponsors, and the local vendors who made the awards gala extra special. | | |
Insights from the Ontario East Municipal Conference
Here are key takeaways from September's conference, where government leaders, economic developers, investment and infrastructure professionals shared emerging trends, challenges, and solutions for Ontario.
Priorities:
Case Studies & Panels:
This is a sampling from panels and presentations. If you would like more detail on any of the topics above, please call me: 613-347-1166 ext. 2106.
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Local Shout-Out: Ferme Butte et Bine on the Radio
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On September 5, Emeric and Sylviane were featured on Les malins, the Saturday morning show on ICI Radio-Canada Première.
Listen to the interview spreading the word about Williamstown's rural café. Let's not forget their mouth-watering pastries!
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Provincial Announcement with Local Impact
The Cornwall SDG Business Enterprise Centre has been rebranded as the Cornwall SDG Business Advisory Centre, reflecting Ontario's new province-wide small business advisory network and enhanced support for entrepreneurs and growing businesses.
Learn more about the recent change: Read Announcement
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We'll be celebrating Small Business Week from October 19 to 25, 2026.
If you would like to be one of our five businesses featured, email Jennifer
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Place an advertisement in the bilingual 2027 Visitor Guide Cornwall and SDG Counties, distributed in 50,000 copies across Ontario, Quebec, and Upstate New York.
Reserve your ad space online today
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Succession Series: The Ontario Retirement Wave
Who will take operations when you step down?
Small business operations drive Ontario's economy. However, a massive demographic shift is underway: the benchmark Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) Business Succession Report reveals that 76% of business owners plan to exit or retire over the next decade.
The Alarm: Despite this imminent wave, only 1 in 10 Ontario business owners has a formal, written succession plan.
The other 9 risk sudden liquidation, legal complications, and the loss of hard-earned asset wealth. For rural and agricultural businesses, a formal plan isn't just an exit strategy — it is how you protect your land, legacy, and your equity.
Next Session: The Hidden Time Debt
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Small Business Spotlight
| | Looking Forward to the Holidays | | |
We're crafting our Shop Local Christmas Campaign, and we want to hear from you.
We're placing a full-page ad in Holiday Tymes Magazine, printing postcards for bus tour shoppers, taking out newspaper ads, and running a social media series encouraging viewers to support local businesses for the holidays.
If you have a home- or farm-based business, we'd like to add your business to our retailer webpage.
If you're interested, contact Jennifer jtreverton@southglengarry.com | 613-347-1166
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Financial support to help businesses adapt, grow, and thrive | |
If you have any questions about current funding and support programs, please get in touch with Jennifer. | |
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New Federal Tariff Supports Announced
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Productivity Mega Deduction announcement: Proposed 100% tax write-off for a broad range of investments, including equipment, software, vehicles, and technology, to significantly reduce the cost of investing and expanding.
Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI): NEW simplified application process, rapid approvals, and broader eligibility. Federal funds flow through FedDev Ontario. View summary infographic
- Added $1.5B in funding nationally
- NEW liquidity support stream ($2M in non-repayable)
- Funding cap increases
Build Canada Apprenticeship Service announcement: To benefit employers (up to $10,000) for hiring first-year apprentices in eligible Red Seal trades.
Extension of Fuel Excise Tax Relief to January 31, 2027, helping to reduce operating costs for businesses that rely on transportation, equipment, and fuel-intensive operations.
New Team Canada Strong Youth Placements, an $800M initiative providing paid construction and skilled trades placements for youth 15-30, with placements expected to begin in early 2027. Designed to build skilled trades workforce.
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New Provincial Tariff Supports Announced
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Protect Ontario Financing Program (POFP): Expanded eligibility announced, allowing more tariff-impacted sectors to access working capital loans for payroll, lease payments, and utilities.
Ontario Together Trade Fund (OTTF): Expanded eligibility allowing newly impacted manufacturers and exporters to access funding for market diversification, supply-chain reshoring, productivity improvements, technology adoption, and capacity expansion.
Ontario is investing $49M to increase support for small businesses by increasing access to business advice, mentorship, training, and provincial programs through newly branded Ontario Small Business Advisory Centres.
Ontario is investing $30M in the Vector Institute to help businesses adopt artificial intelligence, improve productivity, and strengthen competitiveness in Ontario's leading industries.
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Build relationships, share ideas, and grow | | |
Congratulations to three South Glengarry Businesses that have been named as finalists for the 38th Annual Business Excellence Awards, presented by the Cornwall and Area Chamber of Commerce.
The awards will be presented at the Business Excellence & 54th Citizen Gala on Thursday, November 6, bringing together business leaders, entrepreneurs, and community partners.
South Glengarry Finalists are:
Longevity Acrylics - Large Business of the Year
The NovelTea Co. - Young Professional of the Year
LouLou Lavender - Tourism Finalist
Learn more and purchase tickets
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Business Sisters 5 à 7 in Embrun | |
Why attend: Connect with women across the region at Harmony Haven Counselling's new office space, where you can share, learn and be inspired by like-minded entrepreneurs.
Date: October 21, 2026
Time: 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.
Location: 767 Notre Dame St., Unit 209
Cost: $45 - includes light refreshments
More information | Register
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Practical ways to make informed business decisions | | |
Planning to start or grow your business?
Reach out to Jennifer today to discuss resources to support your plans.
T: 613-347-1166 ext. 2106 | E: jtreverton@southglengarry.com
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