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This issue marks an exciting milestone for Prescott: it is the first edition of this newsletter to feature the Town’s updated brand identity, including our refreshed logo and colour palette. You will see this new look rolled out across Town communications over the coming months as we strengthen consistency, recognition, and clarity in how we share information with residents, businesses, and visitors.
Looking ahead to spring, this newsletter will also be evolving in format. To better serve distinct audiences and ensure the right information reaches the right people, we will be splitting into two dedicated editions: an Economic Development newsletter focused on business support, investment, and initiatives, and a Tourism newsletter focused on visitor experiences, events, and seasonal highlights. We look forward to sharing more timely, targeted updates through both channels as we continue building a vibrant, welcoming Prescott.
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The Community Improvement Plan (CIP) Incentive Program continues to be a cornerstone of local revitalization, helping property and business owners reinvest in key areas of the community. Since its launch in 2018, the program has supported 85 projects and leveraged more than $38 million in total investment through a mix of non-repayable grants, 0%-interest loans, and targeted tax incentives.
The CIP encourages improvements in the Downtown Core and RiverWalk District, employment areas, heritage properties, and large-scale residential developments—supporting everything from façade restorations and accessibility upgrades to redevelopment and adaptive reuse projects.
By fostering renewal and reinvestment, the program continues to strengthen Prescott’s economic future and community character.
Property and business owners interested in learning more can visit www.Prescott.ca/CIP or contact the Economic Development and Tourism Department to discuss eligibility and available incentives.
Interested in the CIP Incentive Program? Click here to learn more.
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The Prescott Figure Skating Club (PFSC) is seeking sponsors for its 2025–2026 season, supporting a volunteer-run, Skate Canada–governed club that has served the community for more than 50 seasons. The annual PFSC Ice Show takes place Saturday, March 14 and Sunday, March 15, 2026 at the Alaine Chartrand Community Centre, featuring skaters of all levels—from Pre-CanSkate/CanSkate learn-to-skate programs through to StarSkate.
Sponsorship tiers range from $100 to $500+, with recognition through Ice Show program advertising, website and Facebook acknowledgements, and inclusion on the event sponsorship banner.
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The 52nd Annual Leo Boivin U18 AAA Showcase returns to Prescott March 26–29, 2026, delivering four days of elite U18 AAA hockey while raising funds in support of the South Grenville Minor Hockey Association. Sponsorship opportunities are available for local businesses, organizations, and individuals through cash and/or prize donations, helping support tournament operations and enhance the overall participant experience.
Sponsorship levels range from $50 (“Fan of the Leo”) to $1,500 (Platinum Sponsor), with recognition options that may include print and online acknowledgements, on-site visibility, and tournament passes at higher tiers.
| | Become a sponsor of the 2026 South Grenville Chamber of Commerce River Run and help deliver an event that gives back to the local business and entrepreneurial community—supporting training opportunities, scholarships, and community-directed donations. Sponsorship options include SWAG donations (aiming for 400 participants) and cash sponsorship tiers from $250 (Day Break) to $2,500 (Sun Up / Title Sponsor), with recognition opportunities such as logo placement on registration materials, social media/website promotion, event signage, and (at higher tiers) t-shirt logo placement and day-of speaking opportunities. | | Request for Proposals - Prince Street Lands | | |
The Town of Prescott has issued a Request for Proposals for the disposition and development of surplus municipal lands on Prince Street—an approximately 4.5-acre vacant parkland parcel with municipal road access, hydro available, and municipal water/wastewater servicing. The Town is seeking a multi-residential concept that delivers a mix of unit types and sizes, includes an affordability component for a defined portion of units, and demonstrates strong site planning and design quality, sustainability, and integration with the surrounding community, including a public trail connection and multi-use path linkage to support active transportation.
Proposals are due by 12:00 p.m. (EST) on February 23, 2026 and must be submitted by email (PDF only) to cpreston@prescott.ca with the subject line “RFP Submission – Prince St. Surplus Lands.”
Submissions will be evaluated on the overall development vision and design quality, affordable housing commitment, feasibility and timelines, financial offer, and public path/community integration, and the successful proponent may be eligible for incentives under the Town’s Community Improvement Plan, where applicable.
Interested parties should review the full Request by clicking the button below.
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Parking Advisories
Overnight Parking Prohibited
From November 1 to March 31, no on-street parking is permitted between 12 a.m. and 7 a.m., anywhere in Prescott.
This restriction allows Public Works crews to safely and effectively clear snow from roads and sidewalks. Vehicles parked in violation may be ticketed or towed.
Permit parking is available in designated municipal lots throughout the winter months.
Visit Winter Operations - Town of Prescott for details on locations, rates, and passes.
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Daytime Downtown Parking Rules
In addition to the Overnight Winter Parking rules listed above above, King Street has a two-hour parking limit, enforced Monday–Saturday, 9 a.m.–6 p.m. For longer visits or work shifts, please use municipal lots or side-street parking.
See the map below for more information.
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Sign Permit Requirements and Associated Design Guidelines for Downtown
Prescott’s Downtown & RiverWalk District Sign Design Guidelines help businesses create high-quality signage that enhances the community's visual appeal.
A sign permit is required before installing or updating any signage.
Read More
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Stand Out with Custom Signage at the ACCC!
Are you ready to take your marketing to the next level? Join us for a unique opportunity to showcase your brand in front of thousands at the Alaine Chartrand Community Centre!
With high-visibility ad placements, you'll connect with an engaged audience and boost your brand's presence like never before.
For more information, contact admin@prescott.ca and view available options here.
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Help Shape Canada’s Rural Development Action Plan
Government of Canada is seeking input to help shape its Rural Development Action Plan, led by Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada following the December 2025 announcement by the Secretary of State for Rural Development. The consultation closes February 6, 2026.
If you haven’t participated yet, consider sharing the needs and priorities of rural communities and businesses across Southern Ontario by completing the online questionnaire.
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Prescott's Online Business Directory
Is your brick-and-mortar or home-based business located within the Town of Prescott? You can be listed on our online Business Directory!
Interested in being added? Complete our Business Registration Form.
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River Route Adds New Stops Across South Grenville
The River Route public transit service has expanded! New stops in Maitland, Prescott, Johnstown, Cardinal, and surrounding areas make it even easier for riders to get where they need to go. Whether commuting, attending appointments, or running errands, passengers can enjoy more connections with the same reliable schedule.
View the full list of updated stops and times at riverroute.ca.
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Business Feedback Form
We’re inviting all local business owners to share ideas, concerns or suggestions to help shape our economic development and tourism efforts.
Submit your input anytime here.
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Applications are now being accepted for the 2026 Prescott Pop-Ups season. Operated by the Town of Prescott as a seasonal small business incubator, the Pop-Ups provide affordable, high-visibility waterfront retail and food spaces designed to help entrepreneurs test products, build a customer base, and grow toward longer-term business opportunities in Prescott.
The program welcomes a mix of retail, artisan, and food/beverage vendors offering locally made or distinctive products and experiences that strengthen the visitor offering and complement downtown businesses. Successful applicants will demonstrate a clear visitor experience and presentation plan, along with a practical marketing and activation approach that supports a vibrant, well-merchandised site throughout the season and during peak weekends and holidays.
Click below to Learn More or to start your Application.
| | The South Grenville Rangers warm up at the 2025 Leo Boivin Showcase. The Showcase returns March 26-29 at the Alaine Chartrand Community Centre. | Explore Prescott this Winter! | |
Winter in Prescott is built around the kind of experiences that travel well: a strong on-ice calendar, an easy-in/easy-out community layout, and the St. Lawrence as a dramatic winter backdrop. It is a season that rewards both planning and spontaneity—whether you are arriving with a team schedule, meeting friends for a weekend on the ice, or using the town as a comfortable base for trail and river adventures. Prescott surprises you in winter because everything is close: the rink, curling, accommodations, and a warm meal downtown are never far apart.
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For hockey families and visiting teams, the winter conversation reliably turns to marquee weekends like the Leo Boivin Showcase, returning Thursday, March 26 through Sunday, March 29, 2026, and drawing competitive play and a tournament atmosphere that fills the stands and keeps local businesses busy. Figure skating brings its own seasonal highlight, with the Prescott Figure Skating Club’s Ice Show set for March 14 and 15, 2026—an annual community showcase that rounds out the late-winter calendar. In between, the Alaine Chartrand Community Centre keeps winter active with public skating opportunities that make it easy to add a simple “lace up and go” moment to any visit.
The Prescott Curling Club adds a distinctly Prescott layer to winter weekends as well, anchored by bonspiel traditions including the Gary Cook Men’s Invitational on February 6–7, 2026, and youth events like the Fort Town Showdown on January 3, 2026.
| Prescott connects directly to Eastern Ontario's comprehensive multi-use trail system. Pictured above, the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Club's managed trails surrounding Prescott. | |
Beyond the arena, Prescott works as a practical headquarters for Eastern Ontario winter outings. Snowmobilers can plan day rides and loops that connect through the wider regional network, with real-time trail status and trail-accessible services best confirmed through the OFSC Interactive Trail Guide before you head out.
When conditions cooperate, the local trail network also becomes a winter playground for cross-country skiing and fat biking—an easy way to get outside, stretch the day, and see the shoreline and greenspaces in a different season. Ice fishing across the St. Lawrence corridor remains a classic cold-weather option as well, with the usual winter imperative to verify local ice conditions first. To tie it all together, Quality Inn & Suites is an easy “winter basecamp” for teams and weekenders—right off Highway 401 in the Uptown Business District—making Prescott a simple place to stay, play, and reset between adventures.
#ExplorePrescottON — you’re in for a surprise.
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Putting It All Together (Without Losing the Human Touch) | RTO 9 | February 17 | 10:00–11:00 a.m. (ET) | Online (Virtual)
This is Session Six of Prompted to Perform: A ChatGPT Series for Tourism Leaders—a beginner-friendly series designed for tourism business owners and leaders who want to use ChatGPT in practical, repeatable ways to support marketing, operations, and strategic growth.
In this wrap-up session, Karine Parthenais (Mellow Brew Marketing) focuses on turning what you’ve learned into an actual workflow: building prompt libraries you can reuse with intention, training ChatGPT using your own inputs (tone, preferences, brand voice), and knowing when not to use AI so your work stays authentic and human.
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Madison's by Renegadz
900 Boundary Street
1st Anniversary
January 1
Shiny Bud
305 King Street West
5th Anniversary
January 1
Once@426
426 King Street West
8th Anniversary
January 6
World Financial Group Prescott
436 King Street West
2nd Anniversary in Downtown Prescott
January 6
Dream Cannabis
290 King Street West
2nd Anniversary
January 16
O’Heaphy’s Irish Pub
101 King Street West
16th Anniversary
February 3
| | MP Michael Barrett joined Mayor Shankar & members of Council to welcome new Shoppers Drug Mart Prescott owner Noura Ebid to the Downtown Prescott RiverWalk District | | You can stay up-to-date on upcoming business anniversaries and grand openings, and see photos and livestreams of our business ribbon cuttings and celebrations, by following Invest Prescott on Facebook and Instagram. | | Spring Home & Trade Show – Vendor Registration Now Open | | |
Ontario Approved Professionals (OAP) has opened vendor registration for the 2026 Prescott Spring Home & Trade Show, taking place April 23–25 at the Leo Boivin Community Centre. The show continues to serve as a key regional marketplace for home-related businesses, trades, retailers, and service providers.
The 2026 show will follow a three-day format featuring indoor exhibitor booths, outdoor vendor spaces, and dedicated periods for public browsing, demonstrations, and business-to-business networking. The structure is designed to support steady visitor flow and give exhibitors multiple points of contact with homeowners, contractors, and property managers seeking local services and products.
Vendor registration is first-come, first-served. Standard interior booths are $600 plus HST (or $500 for OAP members), and premium corner booths are $750 plus HST (or $650 for members). Discounts apply for multiple booth bookings, and exhibitors must provide proof of $2 million commercial general liability insurance.
Registration closes March 13, 2026, and early booking is recommended to secure preferred locations.
Click Here for Information & Registration Package
| | Prescott’s Regional Trade Area | | |
Updated Environics trade-area analysis continues to confirm that Prescott serves a regional catchment that is meaningfully larger than the Town’s population alone.
Using the South Grenville trade area as a proxy for Prescott’s core drive market, the catchment represents 17,188 residents across 7,064 households. This is a year-round market that supports Prescott’s daily economy: routine shopping, dining, personal services, health and professional appointments, and recurring “errand-and-a-meal” trips that are less about seasonal tourism and more about practical, consistent use of local businesses.
The household profile reinforces that stability. The trade area skews toward older maintainers and smaller household sizes, with high homeownership and incomes that indicate spending capacity for both essentials and discretionary purchases. In practical terms, this supports reliable demand for grocery and convenience retail, pharmacies and health services, financial and professional services, and a strong baseline for casual and sit-down dining—particularly when the experience is easy to access, navigate, and combine with multiple stops in one visit.
Brockville functions as a clear secondary trade area within this same year-round context. While Brockville is not part of the primary South Grenville trade area definition, it is a larger nearby market that frequently uses Prescott for services and day-to-day spending. Importantly, real visitor analysis shows that Brockville residents accounted for 20% of visits to Prescott in 2024, underscoring that the city is not only adjacent, but behaviourally connected to Prescott’s economy. This helps explain why Prescott’s customer base often looks larger than the Town’s population: a significant share of regular shoppers, diners, and service users are coming from outside municipal boundaries.
Together, the trade-area picture and the observed Brockville visitation reinforce a straightforward conclusion: Prescott’s effective market is regional. Businesses and services in Prescott are not only serving local residents, but a broader catchment that is large enough—and close enough—to sustain year-round activity. This is why continued attention to convenience factors (clear wayfinding, straightforward parking information, and a connected set of business areas that can be visited in one trip) matters: it directly supports conversion, repeat visits, and cross-shopping across downtown, uptown, and the waterfront.
Local entrepreneurs can contact Invest Prescott to book a one-on-one session exploring the Environics data most relevant to their business or sector.
| | International Women’s Day 2026: Registration Now Open | | |
Organizers: Leeds Grenville Small Business & the Small Business Advisory Centre
Date: March 5, 2026 | Time: 4:00–8:00 p.m.
The region’s signature International Women’s Day event returns March 5 with Together We Rise—a high-impact evening designed for entrepreneurs, professionals, and community leaders. This year’s program features a leadership panel of local business owners and public-sector leaders who will share practical insights, personal journeys, and lessons learned.
New for 2026 is the Knowledge Bar, an interactive series of micro-learning stations offering quick, actionable advice on marketing, finance, leadership, wellness, and more—ideal for sparking dialogue and peer connections. A new Youth Ticket Price also opens the door for young leaders (ages 13–18) to participate and be inspired.
International Women’s Day makes an excellent professional development opportunity—and a meaningful gift for colleagues, family members, or friends who would benefit from an evening of learning and celebration.
Location: North Grenville Municipal Centre, 285 County Road 44, Kemptville
Cost: Adult $99 (19+) | Youth $69 (13–18)
Contact: Brennan Eland, 613-342-3840 x 5363
Register here.
| | Insights for Success 2026 | | |
Organizer: Ontario Approved Professionals
Date: February 5, 2026 | Time: 1:00–8:30 p.m.
Insights for Success returns to the Aquatarium Grand Hall as OAP’s 2026 Small Business Growth Summit—an expanded “summit-style” experience built to connect, inspire, and equip business owners with practical strategies to start the year strong. The afternoon opens with the Networking Launchpad & Vendor Showcase (1:00–3:00 p.m.), followed by a social recharge featuring light snacks and refreshments presented by Moose McGuire’s Burger Bar (3:00–4:00 p.m.) and an Early Dinner Mingle (3:00–3:45 p.m.) to bridge into the main stage program. The Main Event (4:00–8:15 p.m.) delivers keynote speakers and business-focused presentations, then wraps with a Networking & Soft Closure (8:15–9:00 p.m.) overlooking the Brockville waterfront. Moose McGuire’s will operate the Tiki Bar throughout the event.
The 2026 keynote lineup includes Michelle Quinn (DTF Prints Canada), Jim Cooper (Silicon Valley Services / SVS MSP), Jordan Hawn (Hawn Consulting), David Annable (Ontario Approved Professionals), Justin Wood (Produktiv), and Corrina Smith-Gatcke (The Mortgage Advisors Brockville; Mayor, Township of Leeds and the Thousand Islands; Warden, United Counties of Leeds and Grenville). The Exhibitor Alley features organizations including DTF Prints Canada, OAP, Deep Roots Financial, Silicon Valley Services MSP, Perkopolis, Goldstar Business Solutions, Merit Ontario, iTrepreneur, and Benchmark Payments.
Full details and ticket options are available here
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Free Partner Business Webinars
Webinars are now sorted by Topic and Date. Click on the Register Here link to access the event listing and registration page.
SALES & MARKETING
Marketing and Sales | Business Resource Centre (BRC) | February 3 | 10:00–11:30 am
Learn how to build and execute a marketing plan that targets the right customers, supports sales goals, and measures results.
Register here: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/marketing-and-sales-tickets-1936342365139
Social Media 101 – A Complete Guide for Small Businesses (4-Part Series) | Business Centre Guelph-Wellington | February 4 | 12:00–1:00 pm
Learn foundational social media strategies to build visibility, engagement, and growth for your small business.
Register here: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/social-media-101-a-complete-guide-for-small-businesses-4-part-series-tickets-1978416222178
Winning SEO with Google Business Profile (Virtual) | Invest Ottawa Education Centre | February 10 | 1:00–2:15 pm
Learn how to optimize your Google Business Profile to improve search visibility, map results, and customer engagement.
Register here: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/winning-seo-with-google-business-profile-virtual-tickets-1980480013032
BACD Business Fundamentals: Marketing & Sales | Business Advisory Centre Durham | February 12 | 2:00–4:00 pm
Build a marketing and sales strategy that targets the right customers and converts leads into revenue.
Register here: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/bacd-business-fundamentals-marketing-sales-tickets-1977721330739
E-Commerce 201: Mastering Acquisition, Conversion & Retention | Invest Ottawa Education Centre | February 23 | 2:00–3:30 pm
Learn proven strategies to grow your online store by attracting customers, converting sales, and driving repeat business.
Register here: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/e-commerce-201-mastering-3-pillars-acquisition-conversion-retention-tickets-1980894018333
OPERATIONS & ADMINISTRATION
Introduction to the Consumer Protection Act, 2002 for Businesses | Toronto Small Business Enterprise Centre | January 30 | 10:00–11:00 am
Learn how Ontario’s consumer protection laws affect your business, including handling complaints, contracts, and compliance requirements.
Register here: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/introduction-to-the-consumer-protection-act-2002-for-businesses-tickets-847076728297
Steps to Starting a Small Business | St. Catharines Enterprise Centre | January 30 | 1:00–2:30 pm
An introductory overview of business structures, licensing, registration, and early compliance requirements for new entrepreneurs.
Register here: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/steps-to-starting-a-small-business-tickets-1979230870814
Stepping into Business – Evening Virtual Course (Winter 2026) | Business Centre Guelph-Wellington | February 3 | 6:00–8:00 pm
A structured virtual course for entrepreneurs taking their first steps into starting or refining a small business.
Register here: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/stepping-into-business-evening-virtual-course-winter-2026-tickets-1975343877713
Succession Success: Legal Considerations (Session 4 of 6) | SimpsonWigle LAW | February 4 | 10:00–11:00 am
Understand the legal foundations of succession planning, including shareholder agreements, buy-sell structures, and estate protections.
Register here: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/hamiltonbusinesscentre/1945763
Summer Company Info Session: Launch Your Business & Get Up to $3K | Brampton Entrepreneur Centre | February 4 | 4:00–5:00 pm
Learn how students aged 15–29 can access funding, mentorship, and tools to launch a summer business.
Register here: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/summer-company-info-session-launch-your-business-get-up-to-3k-tickets-1980740940473
Business Planning Launchpad Series (4 of 4): Financials | City of Vaughan, Small Business & Entrepreneurship | February 4 | 7:00–8:00 pm
Learn how to budget, manage cash flow, and build financial assumptions that support strong business decisions.
Register here: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/business-planning-launchpad-series-4-of-4-financials-tickets-1977404584342
Protecting Your Business and Using Cyber Security Compliance to Grow | Business Centre Guelph-Wellington | February 5 | 9:30–10:30 am
Learn how cybersecurity readiness and compliance can protect your business while supporting growth and funding opportunities.
Register here: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/protecting-your-business-and-using-cyber-security-compliance-to-grow-tickets-1980000469705
Learn About Futurpreneur’s Black Entrepreneur Startup Program (Webinar) | Brampton Entrepreneur Centre | February 9 | 1:00–2:00 pm
Discover financing, mentorship, and support available to Black entrepreneurs aged 18–39 through Futurpreneur programs.
Register here: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/webinar-learn-about-futurpreneurs-black-entrepreneur-startup-program-tickets-1977064481084
Trans-Pacific Partnership: What’s in It for Canadian Businesses? (Virtual) | Invest Ottawa Education Centre | February 9 | 1:00–2:30 pm
Learn how the CPTPP trade agreement can help Canadian businesses diversify markets and reduce trade barriers.
Register here: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/trans-pacific-partnership-whats-in-it-for-canadian-businesses-virtual-tickets-1980570585938
Food & Personal Care Business? Your Guide to Durham Region Health Rules | Business Advisory Centre Durham | February 11 | 9:30–11:00 am
Learn inspection requirements, compliance standards, and public health rules for food and personal service businesses.
Register here: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/food-personal-care-business-your-guide-to-durham-region-health-rules-tickets-1977729670684
Exploring Entrepreneurship: The Basics of Starting Your Own Business | St. Catharines Enterprise Centre | February 13 | 1:00–2:30 pm
Learn how to develop your idea, access business supports, and understand the keys to entrepreneurial success.
Register here: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/exploring-entrepreneurship-the-basics-of-starting-your-own-business-tickets-1979229555881
Getting Started with Intellectual Property: Understanding Industrial Designs | Invest Ottawa Education Centre | February 17 | 1:00–2:30 pm
Learn how industrial design protection fits into a broader IP strategy to support innovation and growth.
Register here: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/getting-started-w-intellectual-property-understanding-industrial-designs-tickets-1981022191703
Succession Success: Expert Panel Discussion & Q&A (Session 6 of 6) | Hamilton Business Centre | February 18 | 10:00–11:00 am
Wrap up the Succession Success series with expert insights, real-world scenarios, and live Q&A.
Register here: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/hamiltonbusinesscentre/1948322
Entrepreneur Essentials: Start-Up 101 – Regulations, Registering & Licenses | City of Vaughan | February 18 | 11:00 am–12:30 pm
Learn the regulatory steps, licensing requirements, and registration basics for starting a business.
Register here: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/entrepreneur-essentials-start-up-101-regulations-registering-licenses-tickets-1974932619629
Business Model Canvas Strategy Workshop | Business Centre Guelph-Wellington | February 24 | 9:00–11:00 am
Learn how to use the Business Model Canvas to clarify strategy, align operations, and plan long-term growth.
Register here: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/business-model-canvas-strategy-workshop-tickets-1981066428015
RISE Business Loan Program for Entrepreneurs (Webinar) | Brampton Entrepreneur Centre | February 25 | 10:00–11:00 am
Learn about flexible loans, mentorship, and inclusive programs supporting entrepreneurs facing employment barriers.
Register here: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/webinar-rise-business-loan-program-for-entrepreneurs-tickets-1976211541920
HR in 2026: What Entrepreneurs Need to Know | Business Centre Guelph-Wellington | March 5 | 12:00–1:00 pm
Learn what’s changing in HR compliance, hiring, and people management for small businesses in 2026.
Register here: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/hr-in-2026-what-entrepreneurs-need-to-know-tickets-1981232658214
FINANCE
Financial Forecasting | Business Resource Centre (BRC) | February 10 | 10:00–11:30 am
Learn how to calculate costs, forecast cash flow, identify breakeven points, and price products profitably.
Register here: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/financial-forecasting-tickets-1936351983909
Succession Success: Tax & Estate Planning Considerations (Session 5 of 6) | SB Partners | February 11 | 10:00–11:00 am
Learn strategies to minimize taxes, manage capital gains, and protect wealth during business succession.
Register here: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/hamiltonbusinesscentre/1945763
Tax Seminar with the CRA: T1 Sole Proprietor & Partnership | Business Centre Guelph-Wellington | February 12 | 11:00 am–1:00 pm
Learn common tax errors, bookkeeping best practices, and how CRA services support small businesses.
Register here: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/tax-seminar-with-the-cra-t1-sole-proprietor-partnership-registration-1967663615843
Tax Seminar with the Canada Revenue Agency | Business Resource Centre (BRC) | February 17 | 10:00 am–12:00 pm
Learn tax fundamentals, record-keeping best practices, and how to avoid common CRA issues.
Register here: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/tax-seminar-with-the-canada-revenue-agency-tickets-1936362505379
Small Business Tax Literacy for T2 Incorporated Business Owners | City of Vaughan | February 24 | 1:00–3:00 pm
A CRA-led session covering corporate tax deductions, bookkeeping, and compliance for incorporated businesses.
Register here: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/small-business-tax-literacy-for-t2-incorporated-business-owners-tickets-1803497542699
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Boosting Sales When Cash Is Tight | Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC)| February 18, 2026 | 12:00 p.m. ET | Online
Economic uncertainty and sluggish demand can make it harder to keep revenue moving—especially when you’re trying to protect cash flow. This free BDC webinar focuses on practical, high-impact, low-risk ways to uncover new sales opportunities without “spending your way” to growth. You’ll get an economic update on what slower growth may mean for Canadian businesses, then walk through proven tactics to tighten your sales approach, prioritize the opportunities that are most likely to convert, and apply real-world strategies that have worked for other entrepreneurs.
Featuring Pierre Cléroux (BDC Vice President, Research and Chief Economist), Patrick De Meester (Executive Advisor, BDC Advisory Services), and Suzie Lieu (Delivery Director, BDC Advisory Services).
Can’t attend live? Register to receive the recording and tools after the event.
Register here: https://www.bdc.ca/en/articles-tools/entrepreneur-toolkit/webinars/boosting-sales-when-cash-tight
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Foodpreneur Advantage
Food and beverage entrepreneurs can access the Foodpreneur Advantage, a free program designed to support food sector businesses at any stage.
Participants gain insight into running a successful food business, including topics such as regulations, pricing, branding, packaging, labelling, and selling to retailers.
Learn More and Register Today
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Free online small business courses for Ontario entrepreneurs!
Small Business Centres Ontario offers a free e-learning series for entrepreneurs, with courses focused on every stage of business from concept to growth.
Always available, these courses offer an opportunity to gain new insight at your own pace, when time allows.
To Learn More, visit their website here.
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New Resource for Small Businesses: Shop Main Street Canada Toolkit
The Ontario Business Improvement Area Association (OBIAA) has launched the Shop Main Street Canada Toolkit, a valuable new resource to help small businesses boost their online presence and attract more customers.
This free, easy-to-use toolkit provides businesses with customizable marketing materials, practical tips for digital engagement, and strategies to enhance both in-store and online sales. Designed specifically for businesses in downtown and main street districts, the toolkit supports local economic growth by encouraging shoppers to explore and invest in their communities.
Businesses in Prescott are encouraged to take advantage of this resource to strengthen their visibility and customer engagement. Learn more and access the toolkit here.
| | This Month at CSE Consulting | | Do you have an upcoming Business Event or Workshop you would like included in our newsletter? Contact us, we would love to include it! | | |
Ontario’s Rural Ontario Development Program (ROD) – Business Development stream offers cost-share funding to help small brick-and-mortar businesses in eligible rural communities strengthen competitiveness and invest in growth. Eligible businesses with 1–20 employees can receive up to 35% of eligible project costs, to a maximum of $10,000, supporting initiatives such as market or product diversification, cybersecurity improvements, succession planning, accessibility upgrades, and other productivity-focused investments (e.g., technology, equipment, and marketing).
The current intake is open January 19 to February 26, 2026, with applications due by 5:00 p.m. ET on February 26, 2026; click the button below to learn more.
| | Funding Opportunities with FedDev Ontario | | |
FedDev Ontario is now accepting applications across southern Ontario to help companies scale up, offering repayable contributions from $125,000 to $10 million, typically covering up to 50 percent of eligible project costs.
Eligible projects include adopting or commercializing new technologies, boosting productivity, improving processes, expanding to new markets or value-chains, and embracing clean or sustainable practices.
Learn More.
| Regional Defence Investment Initiative (RDII) | |
The Regional Defence Investment Initiative (RDII) is now open in southern Ontario, providing access to a national $357.7-million program designed to help businesses integrate into domestic and international defence supply chains, expand industrial capacity, and pursue dual-use or defence-focused opportunities. With regional strengths in advanced manufacturing, aerospace, automotive technologies, cybersecurity, robotics, and AI, southern Ontario is well positioned to benefit from this initiative.
FedDev Ontario has also launched a defence concierge service to guide companies exploring defence-related markets, supports, or funding.
Eligible businesses and organizations are encouraged to visit Regional Defence Investment Initiative (RDII) for information on how to apply and to register for an upcoming technical briefing on the program.
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Regional Tariff Response Initiative
The Government of Canada’s Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI) helps southern Ontario SMEs manage the impacts of global trade disruptions, especially those linked to U.S. and China tariffs, by supporting projects that boost productivity, cut costs, strengthen supply chains, and diversify markets.
Eligible businesses can access repayable funding from $125,000 to $10 million, or non-repayable contributions under $100,000 for smaller projects, with a focus on companies demonstrating direct tariff impacts. The program funds competitiveness and supply-chain resilience projects running from March 2025 to March 2028, with additional support available for steel and automotive sectors.
For full details, including eligibility requirements and application materials, visit the RTRI program website.
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Digitalization Competence Centre Supports Ontario SMEs
Ontario businesses are navigating a rapidly changing digital economy, and support is available through the province’s Digitalization Competence Centre (DCC), delivered by the Ontario Centre of Innovation. The DCC helps small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) adopt new technologies to improve efficiency, productivity, and competitiveness.
Three program streams are currently available:
- Digital Modernization & Adoption Plan (DMAP) – Up to $15,000 to work with a consultant on a tailored digital strategy. For SMEs with 1–499 employees.
- Technology Demonstration Project (TDP) – Up to $100,000 to implement solutions identified in a DMAP. For SMEs with $500K+ in annual revenue in at least one of the last three years.
- Retail Modernization Project Grant (RMPG) – Up to $5,000 to support digital adoption such as point-of-sale systems or e-commerce tools. For storefront businesses with 1–50 employees, $100K+ annual revenue, and at least one year in operation.
Since its launch in 2022, the DCC has supported more than 150 SMEs across Ontario, generating projected outcomes of over 1,700 new jobs and nearly $400M in revenues.
Learn more: Digitalization Competence Centre
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Digital Lead Generators (DLG) Program
Launch Lab’s Digital Lead Generators (DLG) program helps businesses across Eastern Ontario strengthen their online presence, attract new customers, and convert leads into sales.
From digital advertising and SEO to social media management, copywriting, and even Shopify integration, the program pairs you with experts who can deliver real results for your business.
Don’t miss the chance to boost your digital growth—learn more and apply today at launchlab.ca.
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Fueling the Next Generation of Canadian Entrepreneurs
Futurpreneur’s Core Startup Program provides equity-free loans of up to $75,000, along with two years of dedicated mentorship to guide young founders from business plan to launch. Open to Canadian citizens and permanent residents aged 18–39, the program helps entrepreneurs build skills, access planning tools, and connect with a national network of advisors and peers to scale their ventures with confidence.
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| | Business Funding Programs | | |
The Ontario Together Trade Fund (OTTF) offers up to $5 million for Ontario SMEs to counter U.S. trade disruptions through market expansion, reshoring, and capacity building.
Projects must invest at least $200,000, create or retain jobs, and finish within two years. Apply anytime via Transfer Payment Ontario after completing the self-assessment and consulting an Ontario Advisor.
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The Eastern Ontario Development Fund provides financial support for business and community projects that grow companies, create jobs, and boost regional economic impact. Eligible businesses and organizations in eastern Ontario can access funding for investments in growth, productivity, innovation, skills, and market expansion. Applications are submitted through Transfer Payment Ontario following a self-assessment and consultation with a regional advisor.
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The Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP) is a $3.5 billion, five-year federal–provincial–territorial agreement offering cost-share funding to strengthen Ontario’s agriculture, agri-food, and agri-based products sector. Programs support competitiveness, innovation, resilience, and climate adaptation, with opportunities for producers, processors, and organizations. Application details are available through the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.
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FedDev Ontario is now accepting applications from Southern Ontario businesses and organizations, offering repayable contributions from $125,000 to $10 million for up to 50% of eligible costs on growth, innovation, and clean-tech projects.
With nearly $160 million in new funding available, including targeted support for steel and automotive firms, these programs provide critical resources to scale operations, diversify markets, and strengthen competitiveness.
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| | Non-Profit Funding Programs | | |
The Ontario Trillium Foundation’s Grow Grant offers $100,000 to $600,000 over 2–3 years to help established community programs in sectors like arts, culture, environment, recreation, and social services expand, improve, or adapt. The next application window is open from October 8 to November 5, 2025, at 5 p.m. ET, through the Granting Portal.
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The Ontario Arts Council (OAC) offers project and operating grants to support Ontario artists, arts groups, and organizations across disciplines like visual arts, music, theatre, and literature. Funding supports creation, engagement, touring, and professional development, with discipline-specific deadlines such as May 1 and November 5, 2025.
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The Ontario Cultural Attractions Fund (OCAF) provides upfront, partially repayable loans to non-profit, Indigenous, heritage, and municipal organizations to launch or significantly expand cultural events that drive tourism, increase revenue, and create jobs. Funding is awarded through a two-stage application process, starting with an initial proposal followed by a full business case, with repayment terms based on event-generated revenue.
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Ontario Creates is an agency of the Ontario government that acts as the central catalyst for economic development, investment, and collaboration within the province’s cultural media sectors—including book and magazine publishing, film and television, interactive digital media, and music. It provides financial, strategic, and research support, administers tax credits, and delivers programs such as the Industry Development Program and AcceleratiON to grow business capacity, audience development, and inclusion.
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Community Futures Grenville is a community-based not-for-profit funded by the Federal Government to provide business loans and advice in Grenville County, including Prescott.
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The Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) is a Crown Corporation that offers loans, capital investments, and advice to Canada's Small- and Medium- Sized Businesses.
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Export Development Canada (EDC) is a Crown Corporation offering advice, financial solutions, equity, insurance, and connections for export-oriented businesses to help them navigate foreign markets.
Learn More.
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Business Benefits Finder
The Government of Canada's Business Benefits Finder can help you find loan, grant, and other government-funded opportunities for your business.
Search the Benefits Finder
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Town of Prescott Economic Development
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| | Town of Prescott Economic Development & Tourism Department Staff | | | | |
