Economic Development eNews | February 3, 2026 | | Oullette Sparkles as Lifetime Achievement Recipient | | |
Photos: Top main - Su Ouelette's well-known smile greets customers at the counter.
Above from top - engagement rings await their destiny; one of the many selections of watches; and giftware that includes sparkling water bottles; an outside view of the cornerstone downtown shop.
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KEMPTVILLE - Su Ouellette, founder and owner of Sugold Jewellers & Giftware in Kemptville, will receive the 2026 Lifetime Achievement Award at this year’s International Women’s Day celebration, taking place on March 5 at the North Grenville Municipal Centre.
Sugold is widely recognized for its custom jewellery design, expert repairs, and a carefully curated selection of Canadian-made jewellery and giftware. Su’s approach is highly personal, working closely with clients to create meaningful pieces that mark life’s milestones, from engagements and anniversaries to family heirlooms redesigned for modern wear. She believes that every piece tells a story. Over the years, her craftsmanship and commitment to quality have earned Sugold a loyal customer base that continues to grow.
For more than 35 years, Su has built Sugold into a trusted community business and a destination for jewellery lovers across Eastern Ontario and beyond. Established in 1988, the shop began in a Prescott storefront before relocating to Downtown Kemptville, where it has become a long-standing fixture in the municipality.
“I’ve always been an entrepreneur. Even as a child, I’d shovel driveways, cut grass, and babysit. After graduating university, I met with a businesswoman and began selling jewellery on the road. Shortly after that, with no business plan and only $2,000, I opened a 600-square-foot shop in Prescott. That’s when I learned how to goldsmith,” Su said.
Su’s impact extends well beyond her storefront. Her long-term presence has helped strengthen Kemptville’s downtown, supporting the local economy while creating a welcoming space where customers feel valued and cared for. She's received several accolades for her volunteer work, and has served on the BIA board and as Chair in both Prescott and Kemptville. Su also credits her family and staff for their ongoing support and for the longevity of Sugold.
“I remember people telling me that when you reach the five-year milestone in business, you’ve done it. Five years was awesome, but hitting the ten-year mark made me feel even more accomplished and made me want to continue forward,” she added.
“I overcame challenges such as the ice storm and COVID-19 and persevered through it all. Surviving these challenges has boosted my self-confidence. I gave it my all and became stronger. Perseverance has power to create change.” she said.
| | G. Tackaberry and Family Home Construction Completed | | Photo - Flanked by Township Mayors and members of the Tackaberry family are Leeds-Grenville-Thousand Islands-Rideau Lakes MPP Michael Barrett, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Long-Term Care, John Jordan, Leeds-Grenville-1000 Islands and Rideau Lakes MPP Steve Clark, Warden Corinna Smith-Gatcke and Athens Mayor Herb Scott. | | |
ATHENS – The United Counties of Leeds and Grenville marked a major milestone in long-term care with an official ribbon cutting for the new G. Tackaberry and Family Home on Wednesday, January 28, 2026. The ceremony celebrated the completion of construction on the state-of-the-art long-term care home.
The redevelopment is the largest capital construction project in the Counties’ history. The new three-storey, six-wing home, located on the Maple View Landings site, will significantly expand long-term care capacity and enhance quality of life for seniors across Leeds Grenville for decades to come.
“Maple View Lodge has been a cornerstone of Athens for many years. It has served with compassion, commitment, and exceptional care. Staff have gone above and beyond for families across our region and their work has shaped the community’s trust in long term care and created a legacy of dignity and respect for seniors. The new G. Tackaberry and Family Home will carry that
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legacy forward for generations to come," said Warden Corinna Smith-Gatcke.
John Jordan, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Long-Term Care, delivered remarks highlighting the province’s commitment to expanding and modernizing long-term care services. He was joined by federal, provincial, and municipal leaders, including MP Michael Barrett, MPP Steve Clark, Warden Corinna Smith-Gatcke, and Athens Mayor Herb Scott.
Speakers underscored the importance of the new home to the region, the collaborative efforts behind
the project, and its lasting impact on residents, families, and caregivers.
The Counties appreciates all those involved for their continued support and shared dedication to improving long-term care in the region.
| | Excitement Builds for International Women's Day, March 5th | | Together We Rise - Entrepreneurs, professionals, and community leaders from across Leeds Grenville gather for an evening of celebration and inspiration. A highlight of the evening will be a dynamic panel discussion featuring local leaders with diverse insights, perspectives, and experiences. | | |
Featured Leadership Panelist
Cathy Maggio Howley
Co-Owner, Pauline's Lingerie
A family-owned business entering its 51st year of service, Cathy has been part of the store since her teenage years. Trained personally by her grandmother Pauline herself, she became a professional bra fitter at 15 years of age. Cathy has since spent decades refining her expertise, specializing in precision fitting, post-mastectomy care, and helping women feel confident and comfortable in their bodies. Deeply rooted in tradition while firmly focused on modern service, she continues to uphold the standards that have defined Pauline’s Lingerie.
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When: Thursday March 5, 2026
Time: 4-8 p.m.
Where: North Grenville Municipal Centre,
285 County Road 44, Kemptville
Cost: Adult $99 (age 19+) / Youth $69 (age 13-18).
Bring your team for an evening of shared learning and meaningful conversation. Visit the website for more info, email or call 613-342-3840 x 5367.
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Agenda
4:00 Reception & Networking
4:30 Welcome
4:45 Panel / Q&A
5:30 Knowledge Bar
6:30 Dinner / Networking
7:30 Lifetime Achievement Award
7:40 Door Prize Draws
7:45 Wrap-up / Networking
8:00 Event Concludes
| | Free Wholesale Food Tradeshow | | |
The B2B Wholesale Food & Beverage Tradeshow is where Leeds Grenville producers and growers connect directly with retail and restaurant buyers.
Discover new business opportunities, strengthen connections, and be part of the movement to buy Canadian and support local.
Who Should Attend?
- Leeds Grenville Food & Beverage Producers: farms, artisan food makers, beverage companies, specialty food brands
- Retailers: grocery stores, specialty food shops etc.
- Restaurants & Cafés: independent restaurants, bakeries, coffee shops, caterers
- Hospitality & Institutional Buyers: hotels, schools, hospitals, and other food service organizations
- Buyers from outside of Leeds and Grenville
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Date: Monday, March 23
Time: 12:30-3 p.m.
Location: Merrickville
For more information and required registration, call 613-342-3840 x 5361 or email
Shelbi.mcfarlane@uclg.on.ca
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Counties Seeks Small Business Assistant
The Small Business Assistant will provide day-to-day administrative support for the Counties’ Small Business programs. This includes coordinating events and workshops, managing website content and social media, supporting program reporting, and assisting with client communications. The role also involves helping deliver Ministry-funded initiatives such as Starter Company Plus and Summer Company, providing training, mentorship, and micro-grants.
The ideal candidate is organized, self-motivated, and knowledgeable about small business operations, with strong skills in Microsoft Office, website management, social media, and CRM systems. Experience in project coordination, bookkeeping, and general office administration is essential. Occasional evening meeting availability, a valid driver’s license, and access to a vehicle are required.
This position is an exciting opportunity to join the Counties’ dynamic Economic Development team, gain valuable experience supporting entrepreneurs, and contribute to the region’s economic growth. For details on qualifications and position responsibilities, review the Small Business Assistant job description.
Application deadline is February 13, 2026 at 4 p.m. EST.
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Burnbrae Recognized at ROMA
Burnbrae Farms was honoured as 2026 Rural Champions during the first Rural Ontario Inspiration Awards at ROMA. Rural Affairs Minister Lisa Thompson created the awards to celebrate the people who make differences in our rural communities. Margaret & Sue Hudson of Burnbrae Farms are flanked on the left by Mayors Matt Wren and Brant Burrow, and the right by Leeds-Grenville-Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes MPP Steve Clark, and Counties Warden Corinna Smith-Gatcke.
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Greatest Entrepreneur Winners
The inaugural Leeds Grenville’s Greatest Entrepreneurs winners were hoisted their $10,000 cheques on January 28th.
Tempo Drive Music Studio of Kemptville won the grand prize for Community Futures Grenville. A music school offering piano and instrument lessons for all ages, encouraging creativity and performance skill. Tempo Drive will use the funds to support their move from a home studio to a commercial space, quadrupling capacity and creating a learning hub.
Curran Reading Corner from Brockville won the grant prize for 1000 Islands Community Development Corporation. Leeds Grenville’s only community literacy centre specializing in reading intervention and dyslexia support with providing reading success for all ages. ‘Be A Reader’ drives their plan to triple their capacity in the region through this competition.
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Winners Mairead Fizell and Pattie Curran each received a total of $20,000 in cash and in-kind services.
The event was presented by the 1000 Islands CDC and CF Grenville. The competition attracted 26 applications, that went through a competitive review process, with six finalists presenting at the Pitch Gala that celebrated innovation, determination, and entrepreneurial spirit.
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New Businesses Qualify for up to $5000
The next cohort of Starter Company Plus starts in April. This highly sought-after and exclusive program is designed to address critical business areas and empower small business owners for long-term success. Best of all, it’s completely free for participants.
Offering a comprehensive suite of resources to help you confidently launch and/or grow your small business, you’ll receive step-by-step guidance in financial management, strategic planning, market research, and more. Through interactive workshops, one-on-one coaching, and access to a supportive network of like-minded entrepreneurs, you'll gain invaluable insights and build the skills needed to propel your business forward.
To receive a Starter Company Plus application you must first attend an entire information session on either March 11 from 12-12:45 p.m. or March 17 from 4-4:45 p.m. via the Zoom platform.
Here, you will learn the full eligibility criteria, and any other requirements so you can determine whether the program is right for you and your business at this time. At the end of the information session, you will be able to request the application. Email Small Business for more information or call 613-342-3840 x 5367.
| | Petition to Support LaSalle Causeway Solution | | | | |
The LaSalle Causeway Bridge in Kingston continues to be a concern as it restricts the flow of marine traffic into the Rideau Canal, thereby reducing visitor spending in communities along its 202 km route.
With no timeline or plans for a permanent solution, MPP Clark has filed a Petition at the provincial level of government. This petition is created to bring attention of the urgency for the federal government Public Services and Procurement Canada to have an operational replacement bridge that restores full navigation to the Rideau Canal.
MPP Clark’s hardcopy petition submission deadline March 6th.
| | Rural Ontario Development Fund Opens | | |
Get funding to help create strong businesses, boost economic growth, protect jobs and improve infrastructure in small communities. The Rural Ontario Development (ROD) Program offers $20 million in funding over 2 years. Small brick and mortar businesses in rural Ontario with 1 to 20 employees can apply through the business development stream. This stream offers up to 35% cost-share, to a maximum of $10,000.
| | Ontario Trillium Foundation Capital Grant Opens Tomorrow | | |
The Ontario Trillium Foundation – Capital Grant (OTF-C) provides critical funding to help Ontario organizations strengthen and modernize community infrastructure. Designed to support new construction, facility expansions, renovations, and equipment upgrades, this program enables organizations to enhance access to community spaces, improve program delivery, and make more effective use of technology.
Funding Range: $10,000-$200,000
Estimated Project Timeline: Up to 1 year
Deadline is March 4 at 5 p.m.
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Eligible projects may include:
- New construction or building expansions
- Renovations or repairs to community spaces
- Purchase of land or buildings
- Equipment purchases, upgrades, or retrofits
- Technology investments that improve service delivery
This funding opportunity is open to:
- Not-for-profit organizations and registered charities
- Municipalities and local governments
- Arts, culture, recreation, and community organizations
- Organizations delivering community programs and services across Ontario
| | Retailers: Apply Soon for up to $5000 Towards Digital Modernization! | | |
Brick-and-mortar retail businesses selling goods or physical services to the public such as a book shop, café, boutique, or hairdresser may qualify for the Retail Modernization Project Grant. Receive up to $5,000 in matched non-repayable funding from the Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI) to advance your digital transformation. The initiative supports businesses in driving sales, boosting efficiency, and improving customer experience by investing in cutting-edge technology.
Benefits
Modernize your retail business
Up to $5,000 in support from OCI
Update your systems
Automate workflows & increase efficiency
Create an enhanced customer experience
Eligibility
Ontario-based retailer that is open to the public
Must operate a physical location, not home-based
Employ 1–50 full-time staff
Have been operating for at least 1 year
Make at least $100,000+ in annual revenue
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Initiate or upgrade:
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point-of-sale (POS) systems
- inventory management
- accounting software
- CRM tools to track customer loyalty
- self-checkout kiosks
- RFID scanners & electronic shelf labels
- AI customer interaction systems
- loss prevention video
- scheduling & labour management tools.
| | Workshops, Seminars and Webinar Library | | |
Foodpreneur Advantage
Take part in the Foodpreneur Advantage program, designed to support food sector businesses at any stage.
The Start-Up Seminars are a series of 6 free workshops for those starting or refining a food business, offered 4 times per year.
Learn the basics from regulations, pricing, branding, packaging, labelling, and how to sell to retailers.
February seminars:
5: Marketing/Branding
12: Labelling/Packaging
19: Food Safety
Time: 10-11 a.m.
Where: Online
Cost: Free
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T1 General Small Business Tax Literacy
Presented by the Canada Revenue Agency’s Liaison Officer Service Program, this seminar is for small businesses and self-employed individuals who need help in understanding their tax obligations. The presentation is geared towards unincorporated businesses and will provide participants with the basic principles and resources needed to navigate the tax system.
During the seminar, the Liaison Officers will explain common tax errors, demonstrate how to use financial benchmarks for relevant industries, provide information on various tools and services offered by the CRA and explain general bookkeeping concepts and best practices.
When: February 6
Time: 9:30-11:30 a.m.
Where: Online
Cost: Free
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Digital Marketing
Learn what’s changed, what matters now, and how to stay competitive. This webinar cuts through the noise to focus on what’s actually changed, what matters now, and how to adapt.
Apply this immediately without chasing trends or relying on automation shortcuts, and:
- Understand the biggest shifts in digital marketing
- Identify and create authentic content
- Recognize how performance metrics are changing
- Apply new best practices across social, web design, and content marketing
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When: February 11
Time: 10-10:45 a.m.
Where: Online
Cost: Free
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AI Webinar Series
Explore how AI can support internal systems, communication, and delegation.
Look at how ChatGPT can help you think through your next campaign, clarify your customer journey, and document business ideas before they disappear into the void. It’s not just about marketing, it’s about smarter thinking and easier decision making.
Topic: Putting it All Together
Without Losing the Human Touch
When: February 17
Time: 10-11 a.m.
Where: Online
Cost: Free
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Destination Discovery Series
Tourism operators, curious about who’s working behind the scenes to boost tourism in your region? Want to know who to call for support, funding opportunities or collaboration? Join the Series and connect with the people and programs that can help your tourism business grow. This informative series is designed to introduce tourism operators to key players.
These sessions highlight their duties and also help you:
- Understand organizational roles
- Learn who to reach out to
- See how collaborating can elevate your destination
Topic: 1000 Islands Rideau Canal Waterways
When: March 10
Time: 1-2 p.m.
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 February 17 edition should be received by February 9.
- Submissions for the March 3 edition should be received by February 23.
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SPECIAL MESSAGE:
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The Leeds Grenville Economic Development business directory is in the public web domain. The Economic Development Office does not share or sell the directory or event information to any resellers. Please be aware any email messages suggesting acquisition is not from the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville Economic Development Office.
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