Economic Development eNews | May 13, 2025 | | | | |
Economic Development Week May 11 - 17
The United Counties of Leeds and Grenville Economic Development team is proud to celebrate this week and its commitment to supporting businesses. Counties has taken a leadership role in bringing municipalities and business agencies together to facilitate programs that supports businesses.
“We've had great success in helping businesses build connections and find new ways to strengthen their position in the marketplace,” says Ann Weir, Economic Development Manager. “I highly encourage businesses take advantage of the programs offered and provide us feedback on ones that are needed.”
Ann Weir, Economic Development Manager
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Starting a Business
If you are thinking of starting a new business or have an idea, free guidance is available on creating a business plan and taking those crucial first steps to success. Book a free 45-minute consult to learn about the business tools and resources available, or join one of the many workshops offered.
Small Business - Starter Company Plus
Businesses that are within their first 5 years of start-up can apply to the Starter Company Plus program that offers training, mentorship and grant of up to $5,000.
Small Business: Youth - Summer Company
Youth that are between the ages of 15-29, who are looking to run their own business and need training, can apply to the Summer Company program that offers a $3,000 grant.
Economic Development Summit
The largest regional business networking event for Leeds Grenville is held on Friday, November 21st. Mark your calendar and watch for ticket information.
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Business Consult / Visitation
If your business has been operating for more than 5 years and is ready to expand or is facing challenges, Shelbi McFarlane is available to assist and explore the various funding programs and agencies to assist you.
Business Directory
Ensure your business is listed in the Counties directory to be included in the regional programs.
Business eNewsletter
Focused on business needs, with over 4,500 subscribers, this is our main regional communication tool. Please share with colleagues and other business owners. Businesses interested in being profiled contact Cyndy Bolton.
1000 Islands Rideau Canal Waterways Tourism
Tourism businesses are encouraged to be part of the products and services listed on the website.
Follow on Facebook and Instagram for events and entertainment in the region. Plan your own Tourism Adventure with our self-guided tours.
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Attention Business Owners/Leaders!
Your Survey Input is Needed
The region is once again collaborating to assess the state of our local economy. Designed to easily capture feedback, the survey gives respondents the opportunity to request specific assistance. As a business leader or owner, the feedback you supply is vital to better understand how local businesses are performing, implications of the U.S. trade war, and to identify the types of support needed for future planning. Please take a few minutes to complete the Leeds-Grenville-Thousand Islands-Rideau Lakes Business Survey.
Survey remains open until May 31, 2025, 11:59 p.m.
| | New Food and Beverage Trade Event a Success | | |
LANSDOWNE – A new collaborative opportunity brought together local food and beverage sellers with buyers from across Leeds Grenville. It was a chance for small business owners to connect, share their offerings, and build lasting partnerships. The atmosphere was one of excitement; both sides eager to find ways to collaborate and strengthen the local food economy.
Building these strong partnerships has never been more important. What began as an idea to build local producers’ capacity and increase their sales has grown into a cooperative event designed to create the foundation for a local food business network, ultimately supporting and boosting the region’s economy.
| | Buyer Trish Bolechowsky of the Tipped Ship with Core Lee and Jeff Day of Hotel Kenney sample Matthew Chaikowsky’s Little Rideau Farm award winning maple syrup products. | | |
The United Counties of Leeds and Grenville’s Economic Development Manager, Ann Weir said “we are discovering ways for retailers, restaurants, and other buyers to connect with food sellers, so together we can achieve more.” She also noted that other major industry trade events could be a next step for local businesses looking to expand into larger markets.
Seller Sean Lucey of Bridgeview Dockside Restaurant & Patio and Windmill Brewery, shared enthusiasm for the event. “It was a great chance to meet local producers and see what’s being made right here in our region. I came away with a few solid leads and some fresh ideas,” he said. Buyer Jeff Day from Hotel Kenney in Jones Falls found the event equally valuable. “This event made it easy to meet local sellers and learn about new products in the region. It’s a great step toward building stronger local connections in the food and beverage sector,” he said.
Connect with Business Development Officer Shelbi McFarlane at 613-342-3840 ext. 5361 or
shelbi.mcfarlane@uclg.on.ca for information on this initiative.
| | Katie Westrate of Healthily Ever After in Merrickville samples a Windmill Brewery beverage. | | Shelbi McFarlane, Leeds Grenville Business Development Officer stop’s by Hall’s Apple Market and chats with Matthew Shapton about cider production. | | V6 and Port of Johnstown AG Hub | |
Recently announced by the Township of Edwardsburgh Cardinal, The Port of Johnstown will serve as V6’s Eastern Canadian import hub for next-generation crop nutrition products, supporting the modernization of Canada’s fertilizer supply chain and enhancing agricultural trade across Canada and internationally. A new terminal facility is expected to be operational later this year.
Full news release
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| ArBru Solar Brewery has tripled its solar capacity to generate more renewable power to meet demand. Committed to the “United We Stand” program that asks Canadian breweries to use only local ingredients, ArBru is diligently procuring supplies like honey and malt as close to home as possible. Along with design updates at their location, they will also plant 16,000 trees near their Mallorytown business. | | | Luella Charlotte Boutique Expands | Baby Lu is excited to welcome customers to her newest Luella Charlotte Baby Boutique location now open in Kemptville. Situated in the Colonnade Mall, 2600 County Road 43, this shop conveniently caters to the growing North Grenville market. Find the same brands that made the flagship store in Brockville a premiere stop for everything baby, young child and parenting. | | | |
Thinking of starting or growing a business? If you are self-driven, determined to succeed, are coachable and have a solid business idea, connect with the professionals at Small Business.
Identify marketplace opportunities, write an effective business plan, clarify government regulations, source licensing information and find financial support.
Book a flexible and free 45 minute session, offered at both Smiths Falls and Brockville centre locations and throughout the region.
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Ontario Together Trade Fund
The Ontario Together Trade Fund (OTTF) provides financial support to help businesses near-term investments so they can serve more interprovincial customers, develop new markets and re-shore critical supply chains in the face of U.S. tariffs. *New - See webinar information and link below.
Projects must address the impacts of U.S. trade disruptions and align with Ontario’s key economic priorities, including:
- Trade diversity - diversifying sales portfolios
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Trade security - enhancing competitiveness, creating and retaining jobs, contributing to regional and sectoral clusters
The types of support available includes funding and complementary supports and services.
Funding may be available to businesses operating within Ontario that meet the following requirements:
Make an investment to -
- enhance domestic competitiveness
- build capacity and local supply chain in Ontario, or reshoring
- pivot operations to manufacture less trade exposed goods
- create and/or secure jobs in Ontario
- other activities required to diversify revenue streams
Invest at least $200,000 in eligible project costs
Locate in a community in Ontario during the project period
Complete the project within 2 years
Demonstrate all financing will be in place by the project start date
A project is a distinct undertaking, separate from ongoing operations and that will result in benefits to the organization such as access to new markets. Priority will be given to projects that aim to capitalize on domestic market opportunities and address gaps in Ontario’s supply chain caused by potential trade barriers and supply disruptions and if your business operates in a sector extensively targeted by U.S. tariffs or that you are pivoting operation to supply a customer looking to replace a current supplier due to tariffs.
*Join an informational webinar hosted by the Ministry on Thursday May 22nd from 1-2 p.m. and learn more about the program and application process.
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This historic stone building presents a unique opportunity to live and work while earning rental income, featuring three residential units and a versatile commercial space.
The property includes two renovated bathrooms and a full kitchen in the commercial unit, is equipped with security systems, owned water treatment systems, and has residential parking. With rental income, recent upgrades, and close to highways it's an ideal investment opportunity.
View Map for 14 Spencer Street, Spencerville.
| | Workshops, Seminars and Webinar Library | | |
Discuss the importance of getting your business online and where to start. Learn about:
· Web presence and platforms
· Creating a professional and really responsive website
· Optimizing content for SEO
· Set up Google My Business
· Starting with social media
· Growth and email marketing
· Developing your brand voice
· Customer relationships and really engagement online
When: May 20, 10-11:30 a.m.
Where: Online
Cost: Free
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Selling Travel Services
in Ontario
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This webinar is designed for potential entrants into the travel industry in Ontario. TICO's Compliance Department welcomes you to an informative and interactive session on selling travel services in Ontario. This session will provide you with an overview of the legislated registration requirements including actions deemed as selling travel services in Ontario.
When: May 20, 11:30 a.m-12 p.m.
Presenters: TICO
Where: Online
Cost: Free
| | Advertising Compliance for the Travel Industry | |
Join TICO's Compliance Department for an informative and interactive presentation on advertising travel services in Ontario and compliance with the legislation.
This presentation will provide you with an overview of the legislated requirements and provide details about the resources available for advertising.
When: June 3, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
Presenters: TICO
Where: Online
Cost: Free
| | United Counties of Leeds Grenville Economic Development Office | | |
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 May 27th, 2025 edition should be received by May 20th.
- Submissions for the June 10th, 2025 edition should be received by June 2nd.
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SPECIAL MESSAGE:
The Leeds Grenville Economic Development business directory is in the public web domain. The Economic Development Office does not share or sell the directory to any resellers. Please be aware any email messages suggesting acquisition of the directory is not from the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville Economic Development Office.
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