Economic Development eNews | September 15, 2026 | | G.O.A.T. Therapy: Following Tails Over Grassy Trails | | |
SEELEY'S BAY – With dogs named Norman, Ricky and Benny, you know Goat Ridge Farm is a down-to-earth and honest-to-goodness kind of place.
Located just off of Ellisville Road in the Township of Leeds and the Thousand Islands, the 300-acre farm is a working agricultural operation and popular destination for visitors seeking an immersive rural experience.
Owners and farmers Lindsay Hadcock and Dan Simons welcome guests for Goat Walks and seasonal Kid Cuddling sessions, while also raising goats, cows, llamas, pigs, ducks, chickens and turkeys. The farm is also known for its garlic crop and goat meat production.
The property’s rolling green pastures, rock outcroppings and wooded areas provide an ideal setting for its Nubian goats, known for their long, soft ears and gentle demeanour. Goat Walks, featured in the 1000 Islands Rideau Canal Waterways Animal Adventures, have been offered on the farm for more than six years.
Visitors walk alongside the goats as Lindsay chaperones the herd, keeping the animals on track and answering questions about the farm and rural life. Groups of up to 10 can take part, with visitors of all ages welcome. “Walking with goats at your side is just a special feeling,” says Lindsay. “There’s nothing quite like it. People can’t believe how social these animals are and how much the goats enjoy their company.”
The experience can be surprisingly emotional. Lindsay says she has never had a grumpy person at the end of a walk and recalls visitors bursting into tears, overwhelmed with joy. “There’s not enough awe in our daily lives. I get to see it in every visit,” she says. Each spring, Goat Ridge Farm offers a limited number of Kid Cuddling sessions, when the young goats are still small enough to curl up in a visitor’s lap. Families and animal lovers spend time with the kids, often watching them drift off to sleep.
A Queen’s University engineering graduate and lifelong animal lover, Lindsay has worked with the Kingston Humane Society. Her journey with goats began after adopting some while living on a 20-acre property near Kingston. The operation has since grown into a full farm and agritourism business.
“You learn best practices through trial and error,” explains Lindsay. “The key to operating a successful smaller farm is to be creative; offer several products and, where possible, visitor opportunities and experiences.”
Environmental stewardship is also part of the operation. Located within the Frontenac Arch Biosphere, the property provides habitat for species at risk, while buffer areas have been established to support essential pollinators.
Lindsay divides her time between farming and ceramics, working in the farm’s pottery studio and teaching throwing and forming techniques through Kingston Potters’ Guild and Gananoque Arts Network. Her handmade work is available for purchase. “It’s a wonderful way of life,” says Lindsay. “I love to care for these animals and I love sharing this experience with others.”
At Goat Ridge Farm, agritourism and creativity mesh to give visitors a closer look at rural life. “We connect people with nature through a fun and enjoyable learning experience here. It helps them better appreciate where our local food comes from.”
| | Photos: Main - Lindsay Hadcock surrounded by her goats. Above from top: Garlic in the farm shop; llamas await visitors with kisses; barnyard turkeys that waddle and tall walking ducks; pottery inspired by farm-life; a goat enjoying a late summer walk. | | |
Join Leeds Grenville Small Business for an evening learning about Grit, Growth and Greatness – empowering entrepreneurs to rise above obstacles, embrace growth and achieve greatness.
Highlights include:
- free professional headshots
- free digital marketing advertising assessment
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an interactive grit wall
- networking and presentations with interactive Q&A: Panelists include Mariam Hussain, Senior Account Manager with BDC, Barry Moss, Owner of 401 Electric and Annie Ly, Owner of Ofelia’s Café & Market
- a catered dinner catered by Catered Affairs
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a cash bar featuring ArBrū Solar Brewery
- awards celebrating outstanding businesses and the Starter Company Plus graduation
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Date: Thursday, October 22
Time: 4-8 p.m.
Where: Brockville Memorial Centre
Cost: $70
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Hosted by Leeds Grenville Small Business
Sponsored by:
CI Assante Wealth Management Ltd and
O’Farrell Wealth and Estate Planning
For sponsorship opportunities, email Carol Hardy.
Registration deadline: October 14.
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Featured Speaker: Annie Ly
Annie Ly is an entrepreneur, creative and proud owner of Sweet Ofelia Cafe & Market, a vibrant gathering place in downtown Brockville. Originally from Toronto, Annie’s entrepreneurial journey has included running a healthcare consulting firm and founding a children’s apparel brand before moving to Brockville in 2022 to pursue her dream of opening a cafe. More than a place for coffee and food, Sweet Ofelia has become a hub for creativity, connection and local culture, showcasing local artists and hosting a variety of community events. Annie is passionate about the power of art, community and youth empowerment and creating spaces where people feel welcomed, inspired and connected
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Curran Reading Corner's Successes
Pattie Curran, owner of Curran Reading Corner celebrates with Carol Hardy, Leeds Grenville Small Business Development Officer her grand opening at 45 King Street East in Brockville. Specializing in literacy instruction for preschoolers to school-age students and adults looking to improve their reading skills. They are now accepting new students. Pattie has attributed the business’s strong growth to the Starter Company Plus program, receiving a grant $5,000 grant and by winning the Leeds Grenville Greatest Entrepreneur competition, which garnered the business $20,000 in funding and services.
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Join the OEL Roadshow at ArBru
Register to attend the Ontario Electrical League Roadshow in Mallorytown. The event is designed to strengthen connections within local electrical communities. Enjoy free food and drinks, vendor showcases, door prizes, and free entry. With no formal agenda, it’s a relaxed opportunity to connect, mingle, and catch up with peers across the industry. Bring the team to ArBru Solar Brewery at 71 Quabbin Road in Mallorytown on Thursday, September 17th from 5-7 p.m. and grab a bite, meet new people and see what’s happening in your local industry.
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Food Basics Opens in Prescott
A 32,000-square-foot Food Basics grocery store opened in Prescott on September 2. With 90 employees, the store is Metro’s 157th Food Basics location in Ontario and is located at 120 Churchill Street behind the Edward Street Tim Hortons. To celebrate the opening, the business donated $5,000 to the local food bank. The store is open seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
| | | Destination Ontario and RTO 9 Capture Local Promotional Content | | |
As part of the Counties tourism industry support under its brand the 1000 Islands Rideau Canal Waterways, we continue to partner with RTO 9 programs bring that Destination Ontario and other travel media influencers to the region. This partnership is providing photography, reels and seasonal filming for promotions that is or will be running on the South Eastern Ontario consumer website and Destination Ontario. In July, RTO 9 launched their Farm to Flavours campaign celebrating local food, farms, and rural experiences. Check out the 1000 Islands Rideau Canal Waterways family friendly farms & rural adventures.
During the second week of September, Destination Ontario production team travelled throughout the 1000 Islands Rideau Canal Waterways to capture more tourism experiences. More videography is occurring throughout the year to capture all seasons of the region.
| | Forno Sourdough Pizza + Bread | | Rosie Yumski's Fine Foods | | Seeking New Businesses for Tourism Initiative | |
Do you have a business or experience that could be a great fit for the Adventures?
We want to hear from you!
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We’re looking for new businesses and sites across Leeds Grenville that fit into our Tourism Adventures program:
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Foodie Shops focusing on unique, specialty or locally made food products
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Fresh Baked businesses that offer baked in-house baked goods
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Fresh Baked Cafés offering coffee, beverages and locally made or on-site baked goods
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Bottle & Barrel producers of craft beer, cider, wine or spirits
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Gardens that are open to visitors and offer a unique garden experience
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Animal Adventures offering visitors the opportunity to connect with, learn about or experience animals
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The Adventures Program encourages residents and visitors to explore more of the 1000 Islands Rideau Canal Waterways region by discovering unique local businesses and experiences. Participating businesses are featured in regional tourism marketing, including the Adventures map and brochure, website, social media and other promotional opportunities.
Think your business might be a fit? Reach out to us to find out! Participation is based on specific program criteria, so businesses are asked to contact us first to determine whether they meet the requirements before being considered.
Email Shelbi McFarlane,
Business Development Officer
| | Expanded Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI) adds $1.5B | | |
The Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI) is part of the Government of Canada’s strategy to defend Canadian jobs, industries and supply chains. The RTRI provides support to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) impacted by tariffs, strengthening the competitiveness of Canadian businesses by helping them boost productivity, cut costs, build more resilient supply chains and reach new markets. It equips SMEs, and the organizations that support them, to seize new opportunities, adapt to global trade disruptions, and boost domestic trade.
In response to increased tariff pressures, the Government of Canada has introduced a $7.5 billion package of new and enhanced measures that deliver fast, simple and agile supports to Canadian workers and businesses, building on the nearly $25 billion in supports the government has provided since the implementation of the U.S. tariffs. As part of this support, the government is bolstering RTRI with an additional $1.5 billion investment.
Key enhancements
For eligible businesses, this includes the opportunity to apply for up to 12 months of liquidity assistance, pivot project funding, or both.
- A business may receive up to a maximum of $3 million in combined non-repayable funding, consisting of up to $2 million in liquidity assistance and up to $1 million for a non-repayable pivot project.
- A business may receive up to a maximum of $20 million in total RTRI funding when repayable support is included. This maximum could include non-repayable liquidity assistance, up to $2 million.
RTRI still supports:
• Adopting new technology through digitization & automation
• Expanding exports and diversifying markets
• Optimizing supply chains
• Reshoring production and R&D
• Recruiting specialized talent and expertise
To be eligible, your business must:
- be an incorporated for-profit business located and operating in southern Ontario
- have a minimum of $1 million in annual revenue in one or both of your company’s last two fiscal years
- have been viable prior to tariffs
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In addition, your business must demonstrate that it has been affected by ongoing trade disruptions, including U.S. tariffs, Canadian countermeasures or countervailing duties. This could be demonstrated if your business:
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operates in a sector impacted by Section 338 or Section 232 tariffs (including direct exporters and also indirect exposure, for example as a supply chain partner to an affected exporter), or operates in another tariff impacted sector
- has at least 25% or more revenue coming from goods that are ultimately exported to the U.S.
- has experienced significant cost increases where tariffs have raised the price of goods and materials needed for production; supply chain disruption; or loss of revenue or customers
For more information email info@feddevontario.gc.ca or call 1-866-593-5505.
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Regional Tariff Response Initiative Information Sessions
Intake is open, and businesses can apply at any time while funding remains available. Register below for a FedDev Ontario bilingual virtual information session covering eligibility, application guidelines and how to apply. Select one of the September dates and times below to register:
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The Leeds Grenville’s Greatest Entrepreneur initiative showcases the region’s most innovative small business owners and their ideas. Open to businesses in the service areas of the 1000 Islands Community Development Corporation and Community Futures Grenville, this premier business pitch competition offers expert coaching, valuable networking, and the chance to present your vision.
Finalists will compete for a generous prize package at the high-energy gala event in February 2027 with support from local business and community leaders who contribute to the prize fund. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain visibility, grow your business, and inspire the community.
Potential applicants: join one of the free virtual applicant info sessions on either September 16th or the 28th from 12-12:30 p.m.
Application Deadline: October 14 at 12 noon.
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Don't miss this incredible opportunity to own and operate Rapid Valley restaurant "Best in home cooking". Located between highway 401 and Lansdowne, the property has great exposure at the intersection of County Road 2 and Prince Street. This 3560 square foot turnkey operation is perfectly equipped with a large professional kitchen and dining area seating 84. Offering MacEWEN gas station and propane refills. A lucrative opportunity to continue running a successful and established business with a reliable customer base and revenue.
View map for 898 County Road 2.
| | Workshops, Seminars and Webinar Library | | Sharpen Your Knowledge With Foodpreneur | | The Foodpreneur Advantage Program is a small business resource for food enthusiasts. It's for individuals looking to start or expand a food or beverage manufacturing business producing consumer packaged goods. The program provides introductory one-hour expert-led training sessions and industry insights to help navigate getting started or expanding into new product lines. Take as many of these courses as you wish; if you miss one, pick up where you left off in the following round. | | Accessibility in Action: Introduction to AODA Website Compliance | | |
Your website should be welcoming and accessible to everyone, but knowing where to start can feel overwhelming. Join RTO 9 and JBC | Pushing Digital Boundaries for an introductory webinar that breaks down AODA website compliance into practical, easy-to-understand concepts. Learn what accessibility means for your website, explore common compliance mistakes, discover helpful tools, and gain the confidence to build a more inclusive online experience for every visitor.
Discover tools that make compliance easier. Identify and fix common accessibility issues. Leave with practical actions you can apply immediately. Build a website that's accessible, compliant, and welcoming to every visitor.
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Date: September 22
Time: 10-11 a.m.
Where: Online
Cost: Free
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When: October 2, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Where: North Grenville Municipal Centre, 285 Cty Rd. 44, Kemptville
Cost: Free with registration
How to Register: Use Eventbrite, email access@uclg.on.ca or call 613-342-3840 ext. 2001
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Beyond the Building:
Creating a Culture of Inclusion Seminar
Whether you're a business owner, designer, or simply passionate about inclusivity, this event is for you. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn and make a positive impact. Join the Leeds and Grenville Accessibility Advisory Committee for this fall event, a day advancing accessibility and inclusion. Together, the focus will be on embedding inclusion in policy, practice, and people. Event highlights are engaging speakers, personal insights from individuals with lived experience and practical tips to enhance accessibility.
Join mental health and disability educator, professional speaker, and author Mike Shoreman for an insightful session on why true accessibility goes far beyond just meeting regulatory standards. This event will equip you with the tools to make a lasting, positive impact.
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Introduction to AI for Small Business Marketing
Curious about AI but not sure how to use it in your marketing? This introductory workshop will show you practical ways AI can help make marketing your small business easier and more effective. Learn how to use AI tools to generate ideas, create and improve content, save time, and support your day-to-day marketing efforts without needing to be a tech expert.
Perfect for small business owners who are new to AI or want to learn how to use it more effectively. Spaces are limited, secure your seat!
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Date: October 5
Time: 5-6:30 p.m.
Where: Grenville Mutual Insurance, 380 Colonnade Dr., Kemptville in the Spencerville Community Room
Cost: Free
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Free Business Accelerator for Trades Professionals
You know your trade. Now learn how to build a business around it. BuildUP is an 8-week program that gives trades professionals the practical skills to start, strengthen, and grow a successful business. This program is built for electricians, plumbers, HVAC professionals, carpenters, welders, landscapers, contractors and other skilled trades professionals who want to build stronger businesses.
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Built for Trades. Focused on Business.
Being great at your trade and running a successful trades business are two different skill sets.
BuildUP helps bridge that gap. Whether you're preparing to start your own business, already taking on jobs independently, or looking to grow an existing operation, you'll learn the fundamentals behind building a business that is profitable, organized, compliant, and ready to grow. Learn business basics from the Trades Experts in Residence, connect with others and get ready for financing.
The 8 week learning journey includes:
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Week 1 - 3
Build a Strong Foundation
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Week 4 - 6
Workshops & Skill-Building
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Week 7 - 8
Build a Business That Can Grow
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Sessions begin October 6th | | | United Counties of Leeds and 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 September 29 edition should be received by September 21.
- Submissions for the October 13 edition should be received by October 5.
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