February eNewsletter

Local and Regional News

Eastern Ontario Training Board Employer Survey now available

The Eastern Ontario Training Board (EOTB) has launched their EmployerOne Survey.

The EmployerOne Survey is a survey of local businesses to better understand labour market demand in our region.

The Survey is administered by workforce development boards across Ontario.

The past reports can be found on the EOTB website.

Local Information - Local Action - Local Results

The survey closes February 28th.

EOTB is running weekly draws for local gift cards for those who participate.

Access the survey here

When: Tuesday March 10 from 10am- 1pm

Where: GIAG Main Office, 580 Main Street South, Alexandria

GIAG Jon Fair and Volunteer Expo

You are invited to participate in the GIAG Spring Job Fair and Volunteer Expo!

Connect with your community, recruit for seasonal or ongoing roles, and build your talent pipeline—all in one place.

Registration is open to:

Employers and businesses in the SDG area
Non-profits, community groups, and clubs seeking volunteer support

Starter Company PLUS provides successful applicants with assistance to start, grow or buy a small business. Assistance includes training, business skills development, mentoring from local business leaders and capital. The program is open to Ontario residents 18 years of age and older.

Applications will close February 24 at 4:30pm.

CBEC Starter Company PLUS re-launches

The Starter Company PLUS program partners entrepreneurs with experts who will help you develop the skills needed to launch and sustain successful businesses. Program participants are also eligible to pitch to receive a grant of up to $5,000.

Apply now!

CEBC Launches free French-language workshop series

February 11, 2026 - 1:00 to 2:00 PM : Solidifying Your Idea & Validating Your Market

Participants will learn how to test, refine, and validate their business idea to ensure there is a paying market before launching.

February 18, 2026 - 1:00 to 2:00 PM : Formalizing Your Business - choosing your legal status and understanding your obligation

Aimed at new entrepreneurs, this session covers choosing a legal structure and understanding key obligations when establishing a business.

February 25, 2026 - 1:00 to 2:00 PM : Growing Your Business: A 6‑Month Action Plan

Attendees will learn how to develop a practical, goal‑driven plan to move their business forward with confidence.

In partnership with the Fédération des gens d’affaires francophones de l’Ontario (FGA), the Cornwall SDG Business Enterprise Centre is launching a free French-language workshop series this February to help aspiring and early‑stage entrepreneurs learn how to start and grow a business.

These workshops are offered at no cost and are open to Francophone residents of Cornwall, Akwesasne, and SDG.

Advertising deadline: March 31, 2026.

Email Sharon at the Review to secure your spot or call 613-678-3327 ext 1001.

Advertising Opportunities Available in the Prescott-Russell Visitor Guide

Even though winter has settled in, visitors are already planning their warm-weather getaways. Being part of the 2026 Prescott-Russell & Surrounding Area Visitor Guide means your business shows up at the exact moment those plans are taking shape.

The guide reaches more than 15,000 readers in print and online and stays in circulation all season long—from early summer through fall.

Business Spotlight

Feeling those winter blues?

We'd like to welcome Stephanie Desjardins of Voyages Stephanie Desjardins Travel to Alexandria!

From all-inclusive resorts to cruises anywhere in the world, she handles the planning so you can enjoy the journey.

Affiliated with Trevello Travel Group, TICO#50026578

T: 613-362-6853

E: sdesjardins@trevello.com

Wanting to share something with your fellow business owners and entrepreneurs? Send it to ecdev@northglengarry.ca to be included in the next eNewsletter.

Funding & Financing

SDG Counties opens Regional Incentives Program

The program designed to encourage private-sector investment that revitalizes communities, strengthens the tourism and agricultural sectors, and supports the creation of short-term accommodations. Eligible applicants, including commercial property owners, agri-tourism operators, and non-profits, can apply for matching grants of up to 50% of eligible project costs, up to $50,000.

Applications close at 4:30pm March 13, 2026.

E-mail Ainsley to learn more about eligible projects and how to build your application today.

FedDev Ontario is investing to build and compete by supporting companies to adopt cutting-edge solutions, enhance productivity, break into new markets and build for the future.

Learn more here

FedDev Ontario

Growing and established businesses, co-operatives and Indigenous (First Nations, Métis and Inuit Peoples) businesses located or expanding in southern (Eastern) Ontario that:

are for-profit entities located and operating in this region at the time of your application
have a minimum of 5 full-time employees and no more than 500 FTEs
are incorporated and registered to do business in Canada or Ontario for at least the past 3 years

Applications are currently open.

Retail Modernization Project Grant

DCC is currently accepting applications on a first-come, first-served basis for the Retail Modernization Project Grant (RMPG).

RMPG lets you Invest in digital tools to drive sales, boost efficiency, and create enhanced customer experience. Receive up to $5,000 in grant funding to cover eligible hardware and software such as:

Modern POS Systems
RFID Scanners & Inventory Management Software
CRM tools for tracking customer loyalty

Learn more here

Succession Ontario

Succession planning isn’t just for large corporations. It’s the critical process of planning for your exit, ensuring you, your family, and your employees are protected. Strong succession planning has the power to reduce silent business closures and safeguard thousands of jobs that support Ontario’s economy.